Black History Month Spotlight: Chuck Berry
 
  By DLA Energy Public Affairs
  *Editor's note: This year's Black History month theme is “Black Migrations” honoring African Americans in motion. Just like their ancestors, these DLA Energy employees are driving forward, progressing their lives and careers in positive ways.* **My name is:** 
Chuck Berry **I am:**
A Quality Assurance Representative with DLA Energy South-West Pacific in Guam. **Describe your job in a sentence:**
I help to ensure the Warfighter receives on-specification fuel from procurement to delivery, whenever and wherever the mission dictates. **How long have you worked for DLA?**
My career with DLA began in 2010 when I joined the DLA Energy Europe & Africa team after I retired from serving a 22-year career with the Air Force as a contract fuels manager. **What is your favorite thing about working for DLA?**
Being someone who wore the uniform, I take pride and responsibility in the importance of meeting Warfighter requirements. I am now a part of the DLA integral support system that I have come to know through my career. I am proud to be a part of an organization that continues to provide reliability and resources to our customers. Knowing firsthand what could be at stake, going above and beyond the standard is a normal operating principle. I may not wear the uniform anymore but in the interest of those I support I sure feel (and act) as if I do. **What are your best memories of working here?**
While assigned to DLA Energy Europe & Africa, I travelled to three sites in Belgium and the Netherlands to inspect 30 International Standards Organization fuel storage tanks destined for Ebola treatment units throughout Liberia to increase fuel storage capacity at each site. Time was a factor, and as the only DLA representative on-site, my role shifted from being the QAR to whatever was needed to accomplish the mission. This, at times, entailed moving the containers from the contractor, to the port, through customs and then safely loading them on a charted vessel. Management provided crucial information and support as needed via phone conversations. This operation confirmed for me that DLA strongly invokes the “it takes a village” dynamic. Failure was not an option, and it made me feel very proud to be a part of an organization that gives you the tools to be successful in any situation. **How do you make a difference?**
By caring! Caring about my work, my colleagues and the customer. You tend to be observant and show more concern when you care. Simple but true. **How are you driving forward and progressing in your life and career in positive ways?**
From the time I left my small town in Georgia and joined the U.S Air Force in 1979, I’ve always been able to picture in my mind what my next goal would be, and what I wanted to accomplish in life. Never could I have imagined the blessings and opportunities that would come my way. To be fortunate enough to serve my country for nearly 40 years, as enlisted and civilian, working alongside our great men and women of the armed services, has brought me joy and fulfillment in my life beyond measure. The things I’ve seen and the places I have traveled have opened my eyes and heart to a world that few will ever get to experience. This inspires me to become a better person, a better husband and a better father. It also strengthens my belief, that in helping others you definitely help yourself. Being a part of the DLA team has played a major role in making all of this happen.