# The next generation learns about DLA 

/ Published April 26, 2019
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
Kids got to see first-hand how Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime associates often have to adapt to changing requirements when the weather required other plans for Take Your Kid to Work Day activities April 25.

                Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime associate's children explore various police equipment during Take Your Kids to Work Day on the Defense Supply Center Columbus April 25.                            Take Your Kids to Work Day                            Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime associate's children explore various police equipment during Take Your Kids to Work Day on the Defense Supply Center Columbus April 25.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Charles MorrisVIRIN: 190425-D-LC637-2088DLA Land and Maritime associates and their children gathered in the auditorium, many were excited to be on the installation for the first time, others curious as to what happens at their parents or grandparents work place, but a consensus from all were they were happier to be here with their loved ones rather than at school.

Prior to the program’s official kick-off, children interviewed didn’t have an idea about what the Defense Supply Center Columbus was nor the difference between the installation and DLA Land and Maritime.

Tommy, 9, mentioned that his mom talked to him and that he knew DSCC was a military base but he didn’t know what DLA was; although he was happy to be here with his mom, especially because there were activities making it more fun than school.

Both of Tommy’s parents are DLA associates. He’s the son of Kristin Molinaro, the day’s event coordinator and Michael.

The program opened up with two videos that caused laughter to erupt throughout the auditorium.

The first video were interviews for the world’s toughest job. Throughout the video, the audience chuckled and whispered curiously to one another with comments such as who would work 24/7 with no pay or breaks. The answer was mothers.

The next video focused on dad’s telling their kids “you’ve got this” through various life events from learning to read and play sports to starting a career and a family of their own. 

After the videos, shouts were heard throughout the auditorium from children telling their parents thank you for all they do every day at home.

Melanie Schmechel, director of Executive Programs, asked the kids what they wanted to be when they grow-up. Answers included game designer, engineer, working at a pool, singer, DJ, vet, owning a Taekwondo dojo and working at DSCC.

“Throughout your life, you’ll have the opportunity to get little glimpses of what various careers look like,” Schmechel said. “Today’s one of those days so have fun, learn and be safe.”

Schmechel also told the kids they may learn about opportunities that interest them and others that they may cross off their list; both are great as they’ll help with deciding their career path.

To introduce the children to the path their parent or grandparent choose, a final video was shown that explained what DLA does.

The auditorium portion of the day wrapped up with a group photo before breaking into groups for hands-on activities. 

Police officers set-up inside in the Buckeye and Cardinal rooms answering questions about their jobs, letting kids try on vest and explore training weapons and handcuffs, as well as provided photo opportunities with mascots, McGruff and Sparky.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s mascot Rex-reation even joined in on the fun, taking photos with the kids and providing MWR drawstrings bags filled with various items such as towels, sunglasses, bottles, Frisbees, pedometers and coloring books.

MWR activities included a coloring contest for a chance to win a free pool pass, cornhole, bowling and hula hoops.

The Environmental Division had a station providing families a free native tree of choice to include the Eastern Redbud, Tulip or White Flowering Dog Woods. The booth also included a display of rocks, a tarantula preserved in a paperweight, windmill and photos.

After all the fun, the kids refueled with kid-friendly meals offered through Café 20 and concluded their day by shadowing their parents in the office.