# Employee Spotlight: Jaxon Beard

/ Published July 16, 2021
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:** Jaxon Beard

**Organization:** DLA Aviation at Ogden

**Years of Service:** 1 year

**What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically?** I’m a material expediter. I receive material, parts, components and assemblies that are undergoing testing, repairs, rework or manufacturing. I also fill requisitions, work orders and other requests for materials, tools or other items.

**What do you like most about your job?** This is a great work environment with great co-workers who all work together to get the job done correctly and on time. The supervisors are great as well and are always willing to help and have great knowledge of the position and are great at teaching and explaining processes.

**What is your fondest memory of working for DLA Aviation?** My fondest memory of working at DLA Aviation was my very first day. I was very excited and grateful to start my career.

**What kind(s) of training and education helps your work performance in your current role?** I think all the different trainings I have completed through the DLA Learning Management System are very helpful. I am also grateful when supervisors give small reminder trainings. It’s good to be able to ask questions and learn from them directly.

**What would you say has been your major contributions to your organization this year in your job?** I think my biggest contributions would be my efforts to make sure things are done correctly and having pride in my work. I truly believe that has made a difference.

**What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction and why?**  Learning new things gives me a lot of personal satisfaction. I want to be as acknowledgeable as I can. I’m always looking to learn more.

**What was your first job?** My first job was as a dish washer at a pizza place.

**What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?** I would tell that guy to invest in Bitcoin.

**Where do you see yourself five years from now?** I see myself advancing in my career at DLA.

**Do you have an unfulfilled wish?** I want my wife to be able to be a stay-at-home mom.

**What is the most surprising/unexpected thing others don’t know about you?** I like to watch romantic comedies.

**What’s your biggest pet peeve?** My biggest pet peeve is lazy people.

**What are some of your passions outside of work?** I love playing and watching basketball.

**What’s the most thrilling/adventurous thing you have ever done?** The most thrilling thing I’ve ever done is downhill mountain biking in Park City Mountain Resort here in Utah.

**If you had a theme song, what would it be and why?** My theme song would be “God’s Country” by Blake Shelton. It reminds me of great times camping with my family.

**If you could pick a personal motto, what would it be?** My personal motto is work hard, play hard.

**Who is the most influential person in your life...past or present?**  Any person who is in a position I want to be in is influential to me.  I look to them has an inspiration and try to learn from them.

**Who is your favorite actor or actress and why?** My favorite actor is Adam Sandler because he is hilarious. 

**What is your favorite military aircraft and why?** My favorite military aircraft is the Air Force F-22 Raptor. Simply put, it’s awesome!

**If you could start your life over again, what would you do differently?** Absolutely nothing, I am so grateful to be where I am.

**What is your proudest accomplishment?** My proudest accomplishments are becoming a proud dad and marrying my wife.

**What five things could you absolutely not live without?** The five things I couldn’t live without are family, friends, sports, camping and tools.

**What is/are your favorite book(s), television show(s) or movie(s)?** My favorite book is “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki.” My favorite TV show would be “Lucifer,” and my favorite movie is “Focus,” starring Will Smith.

**What type of music do you most enjoy?** I enjoy listening to country, rap and classic rock.

**Have you had a mentor that helped you grow in your career?  If so who, and how did they help?** John Shanker and Doug King are the two supervisors here at DLA Aviation at Ogden that have helped me tremendously. They know I am eager to learn and are both great at teaching me and answering all the questions I throw at them.

**Have you ever been a mentor to a co-worker or other employee?****If so, how did you help them grow?** Unfortunately, not yet. I have not had the chance to train or work with many people, but I look forward to mentoring and helping as many of my co-workers as I can in the near future!