DLA - Defense Logistics Agency
09/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/19/2024 03:14
National Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Marc S. Rojas Sr.
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -
Can you tell us about yourself? I'm from Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. I came to Fort Wainwright, Alaska by way of the U.S. Army. I was a light wheeled vehicle mechanic. After the military, I decided to stay in Alaska and work as a military contractor for the better part of 16 years. I've also worked in goldmining and hospital procurement. I'm a die-hard Detroit sports fan, for all Detroit sports. I have six children who are all grown, with the last one set to graduate high school this year.
DLA Disposition Services team members: Marc Rojas, Jenifer Sestina sales contracting officer, Taylor Bowersox, sales & marketing specialist, and Elizabeth Beck, lead sales contracting officer are photographed next to the welcome sign for North Pole, Alaska.
North pole
Describe your job in a sentence or two. I work in reverse logistics for DLA Disposition Services as a disposal service representative. Part of my job is to help military and government entities reappropriate excess equipment and materials.
DLA Disposition Services team members: Marc Rojas, Jenifer Sestina sales contracting officer, Taylor Bowersox, sales & marketing specialist, and Elizabeth Beck, lead sales contracting officer are photographed next to the welcome sign for North Pole, Alaska.
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How long have you worked for the federal government including military service? Seven years in the Army, nine years in government contracting, three months as a General Services employee with DLA.
How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services? Three months.
What is your favorite thing about your line of work? The genuine appreciation on a customer's face, their enthusiastic reaction or sigh of relief, after assisting them. You really see the weight fall from their shoulders.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? My first platoon sergeant, Seargeant First Class Kurt Peterson, told me "Ro-Jazz, don't be afraid to break anything. There isn't anything that can't be fixed". Needless to say, I broke a lot of things that first year in the Army, but because of it I learned a lot as well.
What do you think about when you hear National Hispanic Heritage Awareness Month? I can appreciate the acknowledgement of Hispanic heritage and the message that sending by bringing awareness to the different cultures of Latin America and Spain.
Why is it important to you that we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month? I believe it's important to carry on and pass down customs, traditions, values and, history to our younger generations. It's an opportunity to share our heritage with those that are not of Hispanic descent but do have a genuine interest in Hispanic cultures and history.
The theme for this month's observance is "National Hispanic Heritage." In your words, briefly explain what this means to you? To me it means spotlighting the experiences, historical achievements, influences, and contributions Hispanics and Latinos brought to this great American melting pot.
Marc S. Rojas Sr. a disposal service representative with DLA Disposition Services at Fairbanks, Alaska, stands next to a sign featuring the temperature at the time was -45.
cold
Who's your biggest influence? My father. He was always good with words and influencing others. His perspective was always one to be admired. He was a great basketball coach and as in life, he always explained things in ways that left you various options and he would explain possible outcomes. He never told others how to think or what to do. He always opened you up to realizing that there was more than one way to see things, and more than one way to get things done.
Marc S. Rojas Sr. a disposal service representative with DLA Disposition Services at Fairbanks, Alaska, stands next to a sign featuring the temperature at the time was -45.
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Name your favorite books. Mort Crim's "Second Thought" and Norman Vincent Peale's "Tough-Minded Optimist". Those are two books that I have always gone back to, whenever I find myself losing focus in life, or hitting a rough patch.
What was your first job? I was nine and worked at the convenience store down the street. I was in the back of the store, sorting out 10 cent refund bottles for the vendors, who would come haul them away during their deliveries. I was making a buck twenty-five an hour and getting free soda pops on my breaks. This was around 1985-86.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Radio Disc Jockey/Sports Announcer. I graduated Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, in Michigan, and spent three years in broadcasting, to include being an on-air talent for a short while, and winning an award for Commercial Writing & Production, from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.
Who is your hero? My "Pops", Brigido Rojas Jr., he knows just enough about everything to hold a conversation with anyone and could take over a room with a smile and witty observation. He really knows how to break the ice with others, and make people feel at ease. People always remember him, respect him, and have nothing but great things to say about him.
What is your favorite quote? "When winning seems illogical, losing's still far from optional" -Clifford Joseph Harris Jr, AKA T.I. I have it tattooed on my right forearm. It's a quote that really hits me hard and helps me stay focused.