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WORKFORCE


work but was also tasked with training an entire division of interns. Using lessons learned from her time in service, time in industry, the teachings of yoga and the Master Gunner crucible, she took almost a dozen interns under her wing. Execut- ing contracts and training neophytes can be full-time responsibilities independent of one another, but even more daunting when combined. However, Rodriguez excelled.


“Get yourself into a battle rhythm, from there it’s all just a dance,” she said. “I’ve truly enjoyed being a KO [contract officer] and team leader. Helping new contract- ing professionals learn and understand our career field is a rewarding process.”


YOGI FOR LIFE


Lilian Rodriguez sits on a yoga mat during a retreat to Mexico last year. She has a passion for yoga practice and brings teachings into her professional life as well. (Photo courtesy of Lilian Rodriguez)


Before departing Fort Carson for her current role at Peterson Space Force Base, she left the organization with a final lesson from yoga: “Inhale the future, exhale the past.”


“I write contracts for the U.S government. We buy supplies and services for the warfighter. My support can make or break a mission,” she said. “As a former Soldier, I know how important it is to have the comfort items and the necessary items to complete a mission. I enjoy seeing a project from beginning to end and know- ing that I made a difference.”


Second, acquisition offers countless oppor- tunities for advancement.


“You are in charge of your destiny. It’s up to you how fast you can progress in this field. If you’re willing to go above and beyond, the opportunities are there,” Rodriguez said.


Tat isn’t a sweeping generalization, either. In her time at MICC-Fort Carson, she started as a purchasing agent, and in under five years was a warranted (appointed) contracting officer responsible for a $6.5


million warrant. She accomplished this by seizing moments of growth and maintain- ing a tenacity for learning. Specifically, she was granted her warrant after participating in the inaugural Master Gunner course in 2022. Te intense course was designed to provide rigorous contract training to Soldiers and civilians and included both written tests and a four-event culminat- ing competition. Rodriguez placed second and received numerous accolades in addi- tion to her warrant.


“Attending the MICC Master Gunners course absolutely transformed my view on the acquisition field, it made me a better leader, it simplified the bigger picture for me,” she said.


After establishing herself at Master Gunner, she returned to MICC-Fort Carson to take over as a team lead within the Installation Division, where she not only took on the bulk of contracting officer


Rodriguez’s passion for her yoga practice is evident, as is its applicability to her profes- sional life. “I am the yogi and runner in my group of friends. Yoga teaches you to be calm and to center yourself, running requires discipline,” she said. “I use those techniques at work. It makes me a happier, better person to work with.”


—MAJ. BRAD HEINLEY AND HOLLY DECARLO-WHITE


https:// asc.ar my.mil


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