# Employee Spotlight: William Haywood

/ Published Jan. 21, 2020
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:** William Haywood

**Organization:**  DLA Aviation - Jacksonville

**Years of Service:**  41 years, 8 months.

**What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically?** I’m a tech quality/equipment specialist for components in support of the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida. My function is to ensure DLA material master records are accurate so the correct part can be properly procured to support the warfighter at the time of need.

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

The part of my job I enjoy the most is knowing that, in my current capacity, I am continuing to serve my country by supporting all the brave men and women who put their lives in harm’s way each day to protect this great country of ours, and to provide them the best support possible so they can return home to their families safely.  

**What is your fondest memory of working for DLA Aviation?**

By far, my fondest memory has to be the people and the teamwork. DLA has some of the best folks that I have had the pleasure to work with and build strong bonds. Their resiliency has been phenomenal. Every day, we collaborate to solve complex material challenges in an effort to improve performance metrics so that the parts can be delivered to the warfighter more smoothly and expediently.  It was exciting to see the positive performance feedback from DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams of the incredible progress DLA has made as a team.

**What would you say has been your major contribution to your organization this year in your job?**

My contribution has been to focus on a continuing effort to help smooth out Tech Quality processes and to attempt to simplify the concepts for new equipment specialists. This will help them easily transition into a successful role. In this way, I can help them have a positive impact serving the customer's needs, the warfighter, and DLA’s effectiveness to provide support.

**If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them?**  I would tell them I'm working hard for you!!

**What was your first job?**

My first job was when I raised my right hand and enlisted in the Army in Richmond, Virginia. I spent three years on active duty as an aircraft electrician. Since then, it has been quite fulfilling with friends, fun, travels, and a lot of hard work.

**Where do you see yourself five years from now?**

Well, after giving it my all for the last, almost 42 years of service, in the next five years I could see myself passing the baton to new folks with fresh ideas while I am sipping pina coladas on a warm beach with warm crystal clear waters, while the dolphins dance over the water tops.

**What’s your biggest pet peeve?**

Don't get me started, but since you asked - my biggest pet peeve is someone using a cell phone while on speaker phone in public places. Like, nobody wants to hear that! Rude!

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

My biggest passion outside of work would be spending time in the great outdoors. There is so much to see and do, especially in the state of Florida where the weather is so much more forgiving in the cooler months. I love the beach, swimming, hiking, camping, and believe it or not, the hot weather.

**What’s the most thrilling/adventurous thing you have ever done?**

One of the most exciting things I have ever done was to climb a mountain in Alaska with nothing but my bare hands and lived to tell about it. Okay, so it wasn't Mt. Denali, but it was exciting, exuberant and one the coolest things I have ever done. The view was incredible.

**Who is the most influential person in your life...past or present?**

My parents are the most influential people in my life. They raised me with good values, love and support for any interest I had. They provided me with a good grounding, which made it possible for me to pass those same values on to my children. I was taught that hard work and good behavior pay off. Thanks Mom and Dad!

**Who is your favorite actor or actress and why?**

My favorite actress is Sally Fields. She has really perfected her craft over the years. I loved her in “The Flying Nun.” (She was so cute, and still is). It really brings back some fond memories and quirky comedy. Now, I am really telling my age, shhh.

**What is your favorite military aircraft and why?**

I have gotten my hands dirty on a lot of different aircraft that I have worked on over the years and I loved every minute of it. I think aviation is the coolest invention and I am glad to be part of it, but I will say my favorite aircraft is the CH-47 Chinook helicopter. They can go anywhere and stop anytime just to hover and take in the view. That aircraft was so much easier to work on than all the jet aircrafts I have worked on. There is so much room! Jets are extremely compact and full of equipment, leaving no room for a toothpick.