# DDJC successfully hosts summer internship program

/ Published Aug. 4, 2023
TRACY, CA, 
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, successfully implemented a student summer internship at the DDJC installation that started Mar. 1.

Out of 62 applicants, 10 high school and college students were selected for the student laborer position aboard DDJC. This summer’s internship runs Mar. 1 to Sept. 22 and supports the Unitized Group Rations’ mission, which provides meals to service members across the globe.

The internship program aims to provide students with work experience, exposure to public service and feedback on work abilities in a real-world environment. As a student intern at DDJC, laborers conduct inventory counts, print and stick labels, re-warehouse and palletize material, work on an assembly line and perform basic housekeeping duties.

                Joseph Vasquez, a Unitized Group Rations laborer for the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, left, works with student intern laborers German Gill, second from left, and Sanah Sunner, right, to build E-ration boxes July 27, 2023, at the DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California Installation. DLA Photo by Julian Temblador                            DDJC successfully hosts summer internship program                            Joseph Vasquez, a Unitized Group Rations laborer for the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, left, works with student intern laborers German Gill, second from left, and Sanah Sunner, right, to build E-ration boxes July 27, 2023, at the DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California Installation. DLA Photo by Julian Temblador            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Julian TembladorVIRIN: 230727-D-TT233-0002

Matthew Wadleigh, the chief for DDJC’s Distribution and Specialized Missions Group, noted how successful the internship program was this year.

“We spent three days onboarding the students to ensure they were prepared to be successful in their internship with us,” said Wadleigh. “The interns were mentored and coached during their entire duration here at DDJC; we wanted to model successful leadership and teamwork for our interns during their time supporting the warfighter.”

One student, Sanah Sunner, spent her summer working as a laborer in the UGR warehouse before heading off to the University of California, Berkeley, for her first year of college to study political science.

“Thank you for the opportunity to work and learn about DLA,” Sunner said. “It was a wonderful experience.”

Another student, Ariana Fernando, noted that she had a great experience working in the UGR warehouse.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity in gaining work experience and serving the warfighter,” Fernando said. “I will miss the great staff and work environment but look forward to finishing my education.”  

Wadleigh also noted that the interns received a valuable introduction to warfighter support that taught dedication, teamwork and work ethic.

Danielle Hernandez, the UGR branch chief, was impressed with the work ethic and dedication of the student interns during the summer period. 

“We started the E-ration [quick heat and serve meals] mission right around the time the interns started working with us. They’ve helped assemble 20,000 E-rations,” Hernandez said. “They really helped our mission these last few months and we will miss having them as part of our team. We hope to see them back in the future.”

DDJC will continue to offer programs designed to enrich the lives of local communities while simultaneously supporting the warfighter.

If you are interested in a dynamic and fulfilling career with the Defense Logistics Agency, click here.

                Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, San Joaquin, California Unitized Group Ration sponsors and student interns pose for a group photo July 27, 2023, at DDJC Installation. DLA Photo by Julian Temblador                            DDJC successfully hosts summer internship program                            Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, San Joaquin, California Unitized Group Ration sponsors and student interns pose for a group photo July 27, 2023, at DDJC Installation. DLA Photo by Julian Temblador            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Julian TembladorVIRIN: 230727-D-TT233-0001