Civilian budget analyst supports Special Operations task force in Kuwait

As the trusted provider to connect and protect the warfighter in cyberspace, all DISA personnel play a critical role in the nation’s defense. The “DISA Deployed” series tells the story of civilian employees who volunteer for deployment.

Beverly Marie Davis, the spouse of a retired service member who has worked for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) more than 11 years, knew she wanted to get a “feel for what he went through.” She also wanted to better understand how her role within the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) enables the warfighter.

“Although my husband served in the military for 24 years, I was truly naive to the reality of deployed life,” Davis said. “I think it is important to understand their language, their structure, why they join, their commitment to the mission, and the role of honor and sacrifice in military service.”

Davis’ empathy for her husband’s service led her to volunteer for a deployment to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, where she served as the J8 Chief of Budget for the Special Operations Joint Task Force for Operation Inherent Resolve (SOJTF-OIR) from August 2017 to February 2018. She said she believes as a civilian, it is imperative to fully understand the military mindset.

“Unless you understand how the unique military environment and how it influences service members, we (civilians) cannot work effectively with them,” said the budget analyst from Fort Huachuca, Arizona. “Civilians not only bring work knowledge, but various life experiences to the deployment environment.”

While deployed, Davis supported the commanding general and staff on all aspects of resource management during the SOJTF-OIR campaign’s mission to defeat the Islamic State. She was responsible for executing more than $2.8 billion in overseas contingency operations, Iraq Train and Equip Funds, and Syria Train and Equip Funds. She also said it was her duty to ensure funds were executed and accounted for within financial regulations, the standards of fiscal laws, congressional intent, and the commander's priorities.

Although she feels honored she was able to provide outstanding to support to her leadership, it’s the little things that will leave an enduring stamp in her memory.

“As a Christian, I was allowed to share encouragement with many of the younger service members serving on their first deployment,” she said. “Many of them looked at me as a ‘mother figure,’ which really made me feel great. I was allowed to pray with them as well as make them laugh — which would ease some of their concerns. Although we were in a deployed environment, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to celebrate and highlight key moments in their lives and celebrate their uniqueness while also coming together as a team. It was also nice to bring a more good-humored approach to the deployment.”

When she arrived in Kuwait, Davis used her easygoing, approachable personality to make connections within the team. Through her actions, she displayed not only her commitment to the mission, but also DISA’s ethos in a practical sense. She knew to accomplish the mission, meaningful connections needed to be made, and trusted partnerships needed to be built.

“I took every opportunity to sit with each person within the office to learn their specific role,” she said. “During this time, we shared family and work stories, which really allowed me to build a rapport with the team.”

Those who have deployed will admit service to country always requires a level of sacrifice. Families can face some emotional stress, but there is something to be said about being part of something bigger than oneself. Although Davis concedes there were challenges throughout her deployment journey, she said she would do it again given the opportunity.

“My 16-year-old son initially had a difficult time because this was the longest we've ever been apart,” she said. “Because of my husband’s military background, he was able to provide a great support system for our son, and my son eventually settled in when basketball season started. Sure, there were challenges — the hours were extremely long and the work conditions were challenging, but I would deploy again. The experience allowed me to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.”

Though her deployment eventually ended, Davis said she is grateful for the experience. She learned more about DISA than she ever knew, and she was able to forge lasting friendships.

“I was pleased to find that DISA has a strong presence within the region and continues to lead industry through its global support of our service members as well as other nations,” she said. “I believe that my participation added value to what has already been established by others from DISA.”

“If you have never served in the military, a deployment is an opportunity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with uniformed members in a fight that goes beyond our personal comfort or safety,” said Davis. “It is an opportunity to learn more about national defense and the war on terror from ‘where the rubber-meets-the-road perspective,’ and to give back to your country. If you have a desire for adventure, I would encourage every civilian to try it at least once.”

Posted October 5, 2018