Fort Belvoir –
Tracy Stender currently serves as the Support Acquisition Manager (SAM) for the Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program. LASSO is a man-portable, tube launched, lethal payload munition, unmanned aerial system. It includes electrical optical /infrared sensor, precision flight control, and the ability to fly, track and engage non-line-of-sight targets and armored vehicles with precision lethal fires. LASSO currently consists of three modules: the launch tube, unmanned aerial system, and fire control station.
"I saw this role as a great opportunity to impact Soldiers' lives, affecting not only them but also their families as we create resources to bring them home safely, making a positive contribution to the nation," Tracy said.
Tracy aims to complete her Acquisition Certification, already having earned her Program Management Professional Certificate through her last organization. She would also like to move through the ranks to become an Acquisition Program Manager and eventually hold a supervisory role.
“I love to evolve and learn. I believe my life experiences, education and training have equipped me with good intuition to create a safe space for fellow employees,” she said. “Mentors have shown me the balance between the efforts of the mission and the well-being of our personnel is an important one. Our most efficient employees have leaders who hear them, see them, create a safe space for them to express themselves and can assist them in finding and utilizing their assets.”
Previously, Tracy held positions as a Logistics Management Specialist at the Tobyhanna Army Depot on several programs including overhaul, fabrication and repair and return. Tobyhanna encouraged learning and growth and Tracy took full advantage. She had the opportunity to engage in leadership training, supervisor training, completed her B.S. in Business and stared working on her Masters’ in Business with a certificate in Business Analytics. In January of 2023 she took a Developmental position as a Congressional Affairs Contact Officer directly under the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology at the Pentagon with the Honorable Mr. Bush.
"It was a different field, and I felt there was room for further growth. After deciding I enjoyed that sector, I sought ways to better serve the warfighter efficiently," Tracy explained.