Ducking mystery solved; employee creates joy with tiny surprises

RICHMOND, Va. -

In the busy world of Defense Logistics Agency Aviation at Defense Supply Center Richmond, an unexpected yet delightful phenomenon has taken root: tiny duck trinkets, mysteriously appearing throughout the workplace, have become a symbol of joy and camaraderie.

At the heart of this initiative is Michele Murray, a materiel planner in the Planning Process Directorate's Materiel Planning Division, whose whimsical project has brightened the days of her colleagues.

Murray began her federal service career with DLA in 1989, supporting the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team from Defense Supply Center Columbus, Ohio. Her dedication to military members while ensuring the availability of essential aviation parts has defined her career. In 2007, agency support for her favorite aircraft, the F-18 Super Hornet, moved to Richmond. She followed the mission to Virginia, driven by her commitment to the cause.

"I love being part of an amazing team that works hard to keep items ready for our military when they need them," Murray said.

Murray's primary goal is to spread joy and laughter, fostering connections among employees who have spent years apart due to the pandemic. When DLA employees began to return to the office this year, she saw an opportunity to help boost morale. Inspiration for the ducks came from a video she found online where kids "ducked" their home while their parents were away. She thought the mini ducks were "colorful, small and cute - so, why not?"

"I hope to bring employees together, boost morale, and meet new people daily who want a few ducks and genuine smiles," Murray said. "We can have fun and get our work done."

Her colleagues responded positively, enjoying finding tiny ducks in unexpected places and sharing jokes about "just ducking around."

Murray recalls a memorable moment with their Director Kent Ennis, during which she offered him a duck.

"He looked puzzled, so I put a duck in his hand," she said. "He smiled, and I said, 'Did you see your smile? Why not pass that forward?'"

Murray said the initiative has noticeably improved workplace morale. Whenever employees venture away from their desks, they find ducks and interact with colleagues, bringing a more relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

Murray likens DLA Aviation to a flock of ducks, emphasizing the supportive and collaborative nature of the organization.

"Ducks fly together with a leader," she said. "When a leader needs a break, another takes the role. If one duck falls out, another will fall out, too. Ducks never leave one behind, and that's how our organization operates. We all pitch in to support our warfighters."

Wanda Lemaster, a materiel planner and one of Murray's coworkers, shared her first encounter with the ducks.

"About six to eight weeks ago, I found tiny translucent pink ducks on my desk, monitor, keyboard and in my potted plant," she said. "As the weeks passed, a few clear ducks turned into a flock of many colors."

The curiosity and joy these ducks sparked spread throughout the office, with employees from other areas asking for their own ducks. Lemaster said Murray "ducked" desks in stages, and when demand exceeded supply, she ordered more.

"Small gestures like this can significantly impact workplace culture," Lemaster said. "Michele is a giver by nature, and bringing joy to others is her specialty. It didn't surprise me that she brought the ducks in to make us smile, but it did surprise me how many people stopped by to ask for ducks so they could join in the fun."

DLA Aviation Deputy Commander Charlie Lilli also appreciates the initiative.

"Seeing the ducks everywhere makes me smile," he said. "It is it is a fun initiative to improve morale at the office. I am a big supporter of anything that boosts morale and fosters a culture where people truly care for each other."

Murray has felt the profound impact of joy and positivity through this experience, and her advice for other sections looking to improve morale is simple: "Stay humble, ask for help, make eye contact when saying good morning, and always remember we are fortunate to have the important jobs of keeping our warfighter soaring high."

Murray's motivation comes from a lesson from her father, retired Navy Capt. William Dennis Groves. "He taught me to always keep your 4-year-old child within alive and well," she said. "I've always been positive. There's always something positive in every situation, especially when thinking about yourself. Our warfighter can't soar high above the clouds without our help."

As DLA Aviation continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, initiatives like Murray's can be crucial in fostering a positive and supportive workplace environment. Through small but impactful gestures, Murray has shown that the simplest acts of kindness can create the biggest waves of joy.

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