# Employee Spotlight: Luis Alejo

/ Published Oct. 12, 2016
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**: Luis Alejo 

**Organization:** Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at Warner Robins. 

**Years of Service:** Four years with DLA and four years as a U.S. Army combat engineer. 

**What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically?** Customer Support Specialist. I provide logistical support for our customers. 

**What do you like most about your job?** I like the challenge that it brings day-to-day. Can be overwhelming at times, but it’s all worth it.

**What is your fondest memory of working for DLA Aviation?** The Pathways to Career Excellence Program training in Richmond, Virginia. I enjoyed meeting new people and visiting the different DLA sites. 

**What kind(s) of training and education helps your work performance in your current role?** Learning Management System training, Defense Acquisition University courses, and formal training when implementing new processes. 

**What would you say has been your major contributions to your organization this year in your job?** Continuing to be dependable, motivated, and resilient to change. 

**What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction?  Why?** Being able to support our warfighters, because I have a number of close friends and family who are warfighters and I would hate to be the one to negatively affect their mission.

**If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them?**It may not seem like it sometimes, but we truly work hard to get them the support they need. 

**What was your first job?** Agriculture. As a child and through my teenage years, I worked in Florida and Michigan as a migrant worker. 

**What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?** Everything happens for a reason. You will end-up where you need to be. 

**Where do you see yourself five years from now?** Still working for DLA. Hopefully I will have attained my master’s degree in logistics, and be further along in my career.

**Do you have an unfulfilled wish?** I hope to take my family to Mexico in order for them to see where I came from. 

**What’s your biggest pet peeve?** Workplace laziness. 

**What are some of your passions outside of work?** I love spending time with my family, traveling, keeping up with my Miami Hurricanes, and playing an extra in films. 

**What’s the most thrilling/adventurous thing you have ever done?** I submitted my profile to a casting call and was picked the first time. During filming, I was able to see just how much hard work is needed in order to bring all these great movies to life. 

**If you could pick a personal motto, what would it be?** Always strive to set the standard. Your reputation should always precede you.

**Who is the most influential person in your life...past or present?** My father. He taught me that I can do anything as long as I am willing to work hard.  

**Who is your favorite actor or actress and why?** Clint Eastwood. I grew up watching all of his movies. 

**What is your favorite military aircraft?** Why? The A-10 Warthog, because it’s a beast. 

**What is your proudest accomplishment?** At 5’6”, 130 pounds, I made it through the U.S. Army basic training, completed my enlistment, and received an Honorable Discharge. Because of this, my life has always had a charmed feel to it. You would be surprised how many doors a DD 214 (the form military veterans receive upon honorable discharge) opens. I will always cherish my time in the military and the opportunities that it has afforded me. 
**Have you ever been a mentor to a co-worker or other employee?  If so, how did you help them grow?** Yes, I always share information. Also, I can’t tell people what to do, but I can tell them what happened to me from experience.