# DLA Aviation Spotlight: Jennifer Child

/ Published May 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:** Jennifer Child

**Organization:** Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at Ogden

**Years of Service:** 8 Months

**What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically?**I am a material handler in the Storage and Distribution Division where I support the Air Forces’ F-16 and A-10 jets, as well as the C-130 cargo plane. My responsibilities are receiving and in-checking, sorting, fulfilling material requisition orders and delivering parts to the various maintenance shops within my building.

**What do you like most about your job?**What I like most about my job is keeping the military aircraft I support flying. My father retired from the Air Force and my husband is currently in the Air Force reserves, so I love the fact that I have a job that can assist our military in getting the job done.

**What kind(s) of training and education helps your work performance in your current role?**Completing the mandatory Distribution Standard System training, becoming forklift operator certified and all of the DLA enterprise-wide safety training have been wonderful for my job. Also, communication, customer service and team building are a great help as well. As for education, I greatly appreciate the shadowing program DLA Aviation here at Ogden has put in place. It has opened my eyes and shown me the bigger picture. 

**As a Material Handler, how has your workload been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?**Some of the changes that have occurred due to the impact of COVID-19 are the cleaning and sanitizing of the workspace, keeping a six feet social distance away from others, communicating with the customer via email or over the phone instead of face-to-face and the wearing of face masks. However, COVID-19 will not stop us from supporting the warfighter.

**What have been the challenges?** Keeping up with all of the changes with safety due to COVID-19 and making sure they are fully implemented, both at my work and at home. For someone as social as I am, not being able to see and spend time with people in person, but I am more than willing to continue to do so in order to protect my family, community and of course, my DLA Aviation family.  

**If you could speak directly to the warfighters, what would you tell them?** We at DLA Aviation at Ogden are doing everything within our power to get everything that you need to complete the mission. We want you to come home safe and sound to your loved ones.

**What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?** Ten years ago, I would have told that young kid to finish getting your college degree. It’s easier getting it done before life gets overly busy and crazy with everything else that will be coming along. I would also have told myself to breathe and enjoy the small things because they can/will change in a heartbeat.

**Where do you see yourself five years from now?**In my personal life, I can see myself possibly having a child or two. Within my work life, I see myself still being part of the DLA Aviation family and moving up within the organization, supporting as many people as I can along the way.

**What is/are your favorite book(s), television show(s) or movie(s)?** My favorite books are the Dresden files by Jim Butcher and the Storm Light Archive by Brandon Sanderson. My favorite Television shows are Friends, The Good Doctor and Doctor Who. My favorite movies are the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit Trilogies. 

**What are some of your passions outside of work?** My passions outside of work are my family and friends. I enjoy being out and social, camping and 4-wheeling is a great way that we do that. When I can’t be outdoors, I like listening to audio books, being crafty and of course, baking and cooking.

**What is your favorite military aircraft?** My favorite aircraft is the Air Force F-16 flown by the Thunderbirds, the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. My dad used to be one of the mechanics for the Thunderbirds when I was a small child and I remember meeting his co-workers, going to all the shows and hanging out with him in the hanger. They are some of my favorite memories and the reason why the F-16 will always have a special place in my heart.