Our employee spotlight shines a light on one employee at a time. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome diverse thinking. It takes a village — through collaboration, living safely and driving innovation we realize our goals and help our clients achieve mission success. Our mantra is people first, mission always. In September and October, we’ll focus on Hispanic Heritage Month. Today’s Q&A is with Reynaldo Garza, Range Manager & Vice President.
How did you come to join Amentum?
I was encouraged by a retired Air Force Colonel to step out of my comfort zone to accept greater challenges and make a difference. It was the best career move of my life.
How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at Amentum?
The military gave me the confidence to take on new challenges and to accept failures as part of my growth.
What is your professional and personal background?
I started my career as an Electronic Technician and then developed into a Systems Engineer and Manager. In my current position, I lead the JT4 LLC/Amentum workforce supporting the Joint Range Technical Services Contract at Edwards AFB, CA.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
I support the 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB with test and evaluation of newly developed defense systems such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and hypersonic weapons. My job is to provide over 650 dedicated employees with the resources needed to do their jobs. Our employees are making a difference every day to help keep our military strong and our country free. I feel privileged to be part of this incredible team.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
I was born in Harlingen, Texas and my family moved to California when I was very young. My parents struggled to support six kids so my siblings and I worked in the summer months picking grapes in Central California to help our parents make ends meet. It was hard work during very hot days, but it gave me the determination to graduate from high school and work on my education. Joining the Air Force was a life changing event. The Air Force gave me the foundation to accomplish many difficult challenges and grow into my current leadership position. Some of my career highlights include being selected as the Edwards AFB Range Manager in 2009 and being a finalist for the JT4 President job in 2019.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
I love being part of a company that supports our nation’s defense and truly cares about employee safety.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about my family and being a role model. I started working in an entry level Electronic Technician position on a legacy contract at Edwards AFB in 1987 and eventually rose to lead the Edwards J-TECH workforce. I hope that employees see me as an inspiration for their growth.
What’s your career advice?
Always stay positive and have a great attitude and work ethic. Invest in yourself, learn from mistakes and keep moving forward.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
My favorite safety slogan is to “Take a Minute for Safety”. It’s simple. We all should be taking a minute before starting any task to identify, report and correct potential hazards.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
I’m a car guy. So I feel the best invention in the world is the automobile. I enjoy restoring old muscle cars. I just finished a 1971 Dodge Challenger Convertible and I’m now working on a 1970 Cuda.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
My wife Julie and I raised six children and have nine grandkids. If that wasn’t enough, we are now raising three teenage granddaughters which is not easy, especially in this social media age. But we love it and being a grandparent is the absolute best!
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
It means that we are making an effort to learn and recognize all of the cultures and their diverse contributions that have helped to shape our country. I’m proud of my Mexican heritage and feel honored to represent Amentum.
