DLA: Headquarters Complex Cafeteria Employees Enjoy Wellness Expo

FORT BELVOIR, Virginia, Oct. 4 -- The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Logistics Agency issued the following news:

The smell of essential oils and food samples from the McNamara Headquarters Complex Cafeteria lured employees to the Health and Safety Expo Oct. 3.

Two dozen vendors and sponsors provided information about health, fitness, estate planning, and home maintenance and security at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation event. Employees were treated to massage and reflexology services and vendors offered raffles for gift cards, hotel accommodations, complimentary financial advice and other services.

Vee Vongprachanh, a financial analyst in DLA Finance who has worked at the agency for 10 years, appreciated the financial planning resources promoted.

"I never think about it because I'm so far from retirement," she said. "But it makes sense to learn more about it now so I can make better decisions for the future."

Management and Program Analyst Maria Brewer, who works in the DLA Chief of Staff Business Management Office, she said events like the expo promote unity among HQC employees.

"It gets us together and shows us what's out here. I think it's good for morale," she said.

Army Col. Carl Mason, director of DLA's Agency Synchronization and Operations Center, encouraged his employees to attend as a teambuilding experience.

"I work in the basement so it helps me get out of the office and interact with my employees," adding that they created a checklist to make sure they hit all the tables. "We're going to talk about it at our afternoon meeting."

Mason said many employees may not be aware of MWR activities and events available at the HQC such as those at the Fitness Center, but he values interaction with external vendors as well.

"We are a combat service support organization that serves the community with our whole of government partners, so it's good to let the vendors in and let them know that we appreciate them," he said. "We should also let them see what they can do for us. It's a two-way partnership."