Larry Leonard, a video teleconference production specialist from Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's (SDDC) G6 Directorate, is the first member of the SDDC workforce to be featured in the command's new "Surface Warrior Spotlight" program.
The program will highlight a different Surface Warrior each month through a series of interview-style questions that focus on his or her unique background, personal stories and experiences.
"Our workforce is made up of amazing people who have a real passion for the work they do," said Bryan Samson, SDDC Deputy to the Commander. "By highlighting a different Surface Warrior each month, we hope you'll get to know the members of our SDDC Team a little better."
The SDDC workforce will get to know each month's highlighted Surface Warrior through an article featured on the SDDC portal as well as in a video that will play on the command's video display walls.
Let's shine the spotlight on Larry Leonard…
Leonard, who has been with SDDC since 2007, was asked 10 questions ranging from professional expertise to personal experiences. Here's his story:
Q: Where are you from?
A: Originally I am from Kansas City -- the home of the Royals.
Q: Do you have a nickname, and if so, what is the story behind it?
A: It seems that SDDC has lots of Larrys. We once had a Larry the Popcorn Guy, and over time I slowly became Larry the Cable Guy -- because of my work with VTCs.
Q: What is something interesting about your family and your heritage?
A: I recently got married, and I am the father to five daughters and one son. Interestingly enough, we recently did some DNA testing and found out we are majority Nigerian mixed with some French and Irish.
Q: Before working for SDDC, what was an unusual job you held?
A: I think the most interesting job I ever had was working in the 33rd Army Band and Chorus in Europe. I was a bass/baritone singer, and it was a lot of fun to do all the traveling and see all the sights.
Q: If you could switch jobs with anyone else within SDDC, whose job would you want?
A: It would most likely be with the person who does the troubleshooting and repairs of the computers. It's always a good feeling to see a problem, fix the problem, and at the same time teach the user about what caused the problem.
Q: What is your proudest moment at SDDC?
A: We have a program called MESSAGES that allows us to connect families with service members overseas. There was a Soldier being promoted, so we brought his wife and their children into a conference room and did a video teleconference so that they could all be together during the promotion. We've done several MESSAGES events that are pretty awesome and memorable.
Q: If you could be anyone from any time period, who would it be, and why?
A: Honestly, I don't think I would want to be anyone else from another time. We live in a pretty good time right now. We're witnessing the cellular revolution, we're witnessing historical precedents being set, and we're seeing new laws and rights being written daily.
Q: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would they cast as you, and why?
A: I would love to see Ice Cube play me, because I think he could embody the true essence of how comical yet serious my life has been.
Q: If you had to eat one meal, every day, for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: If I was forced to eat jerk chicken and plantains every day, I wouldn't be angry. I guess the same goes for shrimp fried rice.
Q: What kind of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
A: I dabble in web design and music production. I love teaching young people how to mix and master their own music. It's a passion of mine.
Throughout Larry's time at SDDC, he has developed a solid reputation for being a reliable and vital member of the Surface Warrior Team. Whether he is setting up VTCs for the Commanding General or disc-jockeying organizational events like the Surface Warrior Challenge, Larry Leonard is creating a lasting legacy of motivation and service for others to emulate.
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