Phoenix recognizes Keystone contributions

Courtesy Photo | Nick Walters, Defense Contract Management Agency Phoenix industrial specialist, reads a card from his co-workers as his group chief, Glenn Varty (left), and supervisor, Mark Hearn, watch in amusement.  

PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES

08.10.2012

Courtesy Story

Defense Contract Management Agency

PHOENIX - Defense Contract Management Agency Phoenix personnel celebrated the graduation of a Keystone intern who has been with the agency since 2007.

Nick Walters, an 1150 industrial specialist, was recognized for his accomplishment during a small ceremony at the contract management office here July 23. “Nick has been one of our stellar Keystones,” said Valerie Edwards, DCMA Phoenix deputy director. “He provides manufacturing and production surveillance on approximately 50 contractors who provide products to the warfighter that range from hard body armor to parachutes and guns.”

The ceremony was held in the CMO conference room and was attended by many of Nick’s co-workers, the CMO Keystone coordinator, and his supervisor and group chief. He was presented with a graduation certificate, a card from the staff and a special lapel pin from Edwards. The ceremony was capped off with a graduation cake.

"The Keystone program provided me the opportunity to interact with, and learn from, many different functional areas at a deeper level than is afforded to most incoming journeymen,” said Walters. “Engaging mentors helped me explore numerous facets of DCMA’s business, such as the product-oriented sector structure.”

Walters joined the agency in 2007 as a Student Career Experience Program student while attending Arizona State University. At the time he was a junior going through the supply chain management program at ASU. In 2009, he graduated summa cum laude and subsequently converted to the DCMA Keystone intern program.

“I know my Keystone experiences have given me a strong foundation that will benefit me both now and more particularly in the future as I grow my career within DCMA," said Walters.

Now that his Keystone time is complete, Walters enters into the journeyman phase of DCMA employment.

“We know Nick will continue his dedication, professionalism, strong work ethic and enthusiasm for the job,” said Edwards. “Especially now, since he’s a full-up journeyman employee.”

• Date Taken: 08.10.2012
• Date Posted: 08.28.2012 13:46
• Story ID: 93921
• Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US