Photo By Master Sgt. Robert Segin | Sgt. Ashlee Desantis, a supply noncommissioned officer in B Company, 53rd Signal...... read more read more
By Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Rognstad, USASMDC
Army unit supply specialists (92Y) are critical to mission success. The supply sergeant is the go-to noncommissioned officer for all your gear. It is always good to make friends with him or her, as you never know when you might need something in a pinch.
Sgt. Ashlee Desantis, from York, Pennsylvania, has been in supply all five-and-a-half years of her military career thus far, and works in B Company, 53rd Signal Battalion, Satellite Communications Brigade, (SATOPS) at Fort Meade, Maryland, about an hour from where she grew up.
Her commander, Capt. Noel Bartley called her a “rock star supply NCO,” as well as a top-notch squad leader.
I recently had the privilege of interviewing her over the phone to get an idea of what it is like working supply in a signal battalion, and to get to know her a bit better.
Q: Why did you join the military?
A: It was just something I always wanted to do. My biggest decision was whether to go active duty or National Guard. In high school I did Army JROTC, so that prepared me for the real thing later on.
Q: How has it been serving in the 53rd in the capacity that you do?
A: It’s interesting learning the space and signal side of things. At my last duty station, Fort Drum, (New York), I was in an aviation unit, so I got to see a totally different side of the military up there, and now here at Meade, I am seeing the space side of the house. Seeing all the different systems and operations; there are so many precise steps and procedures the Soldiers need to do to carry out their mission and make sure the satellites are functional.
Q: What is it about supply you enjoy?
A: I love being able to support the mission here to make sure everybody has what they need. If someone needs something, I either get it for them, or figure out how to acquire it.
Q: I understand you are also a squad leader. What is it about leading Soldiers you enjoy?
A: Really just being there for Soldiers, solving problems, providing mentorship, and making sure everything is running smoothly.
Q: Leading Soldiers is of utmost importance, but how is the leadership above you?
A: Great! I have a great command team who are good on communicating and understanding Soldier’s needs.
Q: Do you want to make a career out of the military and what do you want to do after you get out?
A: I plan on staying in until my body gives out or I retire; whichever comes first. I am 90 percent sure I will stay in supply on the enlisted side. I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity online from the University of Arizona Global Campus, so something in that field after I get out.
| Date Taken: | 06.02.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.03.2021 12:02 |
| Story ID: | 398037 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 114 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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