# Employee Spotlight: Brandy Greene

/ Published Dec. 2, 2019
RICHMOND, VA, 
*Employee spotlight regularly features outstanding non-supervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and other DLA employees on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may submit names of employees they wish to feature in this column to DLA Aviation Public Affairs. For more information, call (804) 279-3139.*

**Name:** Brandy Greene

**Organization:** DLA Aviation at Ogden, Utah

**Years of Service:** Three years of total federal service

**What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically?**

I’m a customer support specialist and inventory management specialist. I work with the customers by finding backordered commodities that are required for aircraft maintenance.  I review backorder status reports on a daily basis and take appropriate action to escalate backorders not meeting customer requirements.  I recommend use of alternate sources of supply when faced with long lead times and identify potential sources of supply for emergency requirements for which there is an order.  I coordinate with key storage and distribution personnel to resolve discrepancies and routine problems and provide status updates and modifications, and conduct follow-ups on customer receipts. 

**What do you like most about your job?**

I like the people I work with. I feel at home. Everyone is nice and helpful. I couldn’t ask for a better group of coworkers. Since I spend a lot of my time with my coworkers, it’s always best to be with a group where you feel like they are a part of your family. 

**What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction?  Why?**

I get personal satisfaction knowing our warfighters have the equipment/resources needed to complete their missions.  Being able to provide that, makes sure my personal freedoms are protected, and I know my loved ones are protected.

**If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them?**

I don’t feel words are enough.  What our warfighters do for us is beyond measurable.  Each day when I go outside, I feel safe.  I am able to come and go as I please.  I am able to see my family any time I wish.  I am able to go out to eat at my favorite restaurant. I am able to do so many things every day, and they can’t.  They sacrifice so much for us, so we can have these privileges.  They do this without asking for anything in return.  Without their commitment to this country, who knows where we would be.  I am truly grateful for being able to have the freedoms we have today.  As a mother, I want them all to be safe and loved.  I wish I could comfort them when they need it.  I wish I could laugh and cry with them.   I wish I could provide a sense of home while they are fighting.  I would say thank you.  But, saying thank you is not enough.  We need to show them how thankful we are.  Every day I try to show through my dedication to work, home and this country.

**What was your first job?**

When I was 16 years old, I worked as a cashier at Hardees. I needed to afford gas back then, even though it was only .99 per gallon. I recently looked up how much I made back then. I thought I was rich at $2,000 a year!

**Do you have an unfulfilled wish?**

My sister is currently in Japan teaching English.  I haven’t seen her in a very long time.  I have good friends in China and India.  I would love to take a month and visit Asia to experience a different culture and visit family and friends.

**What is the most surprising/unexpected thing others don’t know about you?**

After the death of my son, my husband and I adopted children from the foster care system. They were 13 and 7 years old. They are now 20 and 14 years old. They are the joy of my life.  It was the hardest and best decision I ever made.  Going through this process has taught me self-restraint, understanding, and being mindful of struggles people have.  It has taught me to appreciate what was given to me as a child.  It has taught me that not everyone is bad, even if they make horrible decisions. Most importantly, it has taught me selfless love.

**What’s your biggest pet peeve?**

I wish people truly loved themselves. I get tired of people who don’t appreciate what they already have.  Why is having as much, if not more, than your neighbor better?  I think if you love yourself, you can truly love others. Look at yourself in the mirror every day and tell yourself, you are great! I know I struggle with this concept myself.  But, when I am struggling, I think of what Rupal says, “If you don’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love someone else?”

**What are some of your passions outside of work?**

Gardening is something I enjoy.  I believe in what my mom calls, dirt therapy.  I find it relaxing.  My children are a big passion of mine.   I try to be the best cheer and roller derby mom out there.  I am their biggest supporter.  I encourage them to be the best they can be and to be true to themselves.  Always work hard and give 110% of yourself.  Be positive and respectful.  And, have fun!  I want my children to have a huge positive impact on society.  So, I am there to always make sure they know what is important in life. I also like to travel.  When I retire, I have a goal to travel outside the U.S and see every part of the world.   I want to experience what it is like to live outside of the U.S. 

**If you could start your life over again, what would you do differently?**

I would have joined the military.  At the age of 17, I wanted out of my parent’s house!  When I turned 18, I made choices that weren’t the best for me.  I ended up lost and alone with no real home to go to.  I didn’t find myself until I was 29 years old.   If I knew the military was an option back then, it would have been the best way to make sure the choices I made would have been positive, instead of negative. 

**What five things could you absolutely not live without?**

The five things I absolutely could not live without are my family, they are my world; my dogs, I have a Chihuahua and a Great Pyrenees; toothpaste, I hate the feeling of nasty teeth; food and water, because you need that to survive; and my cellphone, I like being able to be in contact with people.