SDDC's Surface Warrior Spotlight extends across the globe to Izmir, Turkey to focus on local national employee Huseyin Tartar, a marine cargo specialist with the 839th Transportation Battalion's Turkey Detachment.
Tartar, who will celebrate his 29th year with SDDC in March, is considered by his unit leadership as "everything we look for in an Army local national" and has been described as a "key component to the Turkey Detachment's success."
Starting as a cargo checker, Tartar has held several positions at the Detachment over the years. He is known as a hard worker who never turns down assignments, is well respected by his co-workers, and refuses to settle for anything less than perfection.
Now it's time to bring Huseyin into the Spotlight.
Q: Before working at SDDC, what was the most unusual or interesting job you've ever had?
A: I finished the plumber section of the vocational school from 1975 to 1979. I worked at that job for three to four years. Then I worked for U.S. Air Force security section where I was a security guard from 1987 to 1989. Then in 1989, I began my career with SDDC.
Q: How would people describe your personality?
A: Friendly, loyal, reliable, well-performing, and a person who loves to share.
Q: What did you want to be when growing up?
A: A professional football (soccer) player.
Q: If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?
A: I would like to see a moment when my ancestors were fighting for us.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your family?
A: My wife and I have been married since 1981. I have a 34-year-old son who is married with one child. My daughter is 29-years-old and currently lives with my wife and I. I am very proud of my family, and I consider my grandson to be one of the most important things to happen to me.
Q: What kind of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
A: I enjoy running, walking, reading, going to the cinema, shopping, and of course spending time with my grandson.
Q: Where would you go on a dream vacation?
A: I would love to have a vacation in New York City.
Q: What is your proudest moment at SDDC?
A: I have had many moments over the years, but receiving my 30 Years of Service certificate was an honor for me.
Q: Over the last five years, what is the most important thing you have learned?
A: First it would be developing my foreign language skills, then I also learned ship loading and unloading and coordination. This was hard work.
Q: What does true leadership mean to you?
A: When you can rely on people's experience and keep morale high.
Q: What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
A: Learning to play golf.
Q: What is your personal philosophy?
A: Have real friends, and trust them.
Q: If you could switch your job with anyone else within SDDC, whose job would you want?
A: I really like being a marine cargo specialist, but I am interested in sharing my knowledge and experience and working as a terminal manager.
Q: What is your favorite meal?
A: I love ALL Turkish food.
Q: Are you messy or organized?
A: Very neat. I like organization.
Q: What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?
A: Helping other people.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
A: Spending time with my family. They are everything to me.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: Hopefully I will be retired.
SDDC's "Surface Warrior Spotlight" program highlights different members of the SDDC workforce every few weeks through a series of interview-style questions that focus on his or her unique background, personal stories and experiences.
Take a look at Tartar's Surface Warrior Spotlight video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GVbDiRcGPuo.
Social Sharing