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People on the move: Vanessa Bryant

  • Published
  • By Bob Fehringer
  • U.S. Transportation Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Chances are if you work at the U.S. Transportation Command and have done any travelling as part of your job, you've met, or at least talked with Vanessa Bryant, lead defense travel administrator, or LDTA, for the command. 

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Mrs. Bryant, 42, came to USTRANSCOM from Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, in 2003. "I was originally a contractor on the Defense Enterprise Accounting and Management System requirements team," Mrs. Bryant said. "I transferred to J8-A as the TRANSCOM lead for the Defense Travel System and Government Travel Card programs in July 2005 and then entered civil service in October 2008." 

In her position, Mrs. Bryant is the USTRANSCOM focal point for DTS. "As the LDTA, I manage the day-to-day operations of DTS for all USTRANSCOM directorates," she said. "The LDTA is also considered the Tier 2 Helpdesk. Each directorate has an organizational defense travel administrator that is equivalent to the first-line support for the organization. 

"There are approximately 15 ODTAs," Mrs. Bryant continued. "In theory, a traveler would go to their ODTA for assistance and then the ODTA would come to me if they cannot provide assistance. In reality, I help a lot of travelers directly, due to my availability and knowledge. Many times I am also the liaison between travelers and the commercial travel office. 

Mrs. Bryant says her job keeps her constantly on the move. 

"I am also the focal point for coordination with the DTS Program Management Office to ensure system requirements and activities necessary to achieve the objectives of the program are identified and met," she said. "This includes all technical, administrative and operational problems or issues. 

"My job is very busy and non-stop, but I love it and really enjoy helping people," Mrs. Bryant continued. "It's a great job, great people. There are good career opportunities here. The base seems like a small community but has so much to offer."
When not tending to the travel needs of her fellow workers, Mrs. Bryant enjoys taking part in activities at the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon and spending time with her husband, Don, and their ten-year-old daughter, Veronica.