Chris "CJ" Stewart seamlessly balances his dual roles as a federal civilian logistics management specialist and an Army Reservist. Serving within the Resource Integration Division (RID) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Logistics Activity (ULA), Stewart's civilian duties involve assessing logistics through the Command Logistics Review Program (CLRP). Simultaneously, as a Motor Transport Operator (88M) in the Army Reserves, his military focus is also squarely on logistics.
Stewart recently completed a year-long activation based in Poland, where his mission involved deterring, defending against, and potentially defeating adversarial aggression. His logistical support stretched across multiple countries, including Poland, Croatia, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Germany. During his deployment, Stewart held multiple critical command roles in addition to his regular duties, including SHARP Ambassador Program representative, Suicide Prevention Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), Liaison Officer NCOIC, and Unit Movement Officer NCOIC.
“In these roles, I provided logistical support, which encompassed fuel delivery, maintenance parts distribution and retrograde task, coordinating rest overnight locations (RONs), facilitating physical and weapons training, and managing various tasks dedicated to the welfare of all Soldiers in a deployed environment,” said Stewart. “Also, I worked as the Unit Movement Officer NCOIC to move more than 76 pieces of rolling stock, 8 containers and 540M worth of equipment back to Port of Origin in Fort Cavazos and finally back to home station.
Balancing his commitments as both a federal civilian employee and an Army Reservist isn't without challenges, Stewart acknowledged.
“Achieving a work-life balance between my responsibilities at USACE, the Army Reserves, and family commitments is a challenging endeavor,” he said. “While it has required numerous sacrifices, it has also presented valuable opportunities. This balance is made possible by the support of my family, a strong work team, and understanding leadership.”
Stewart credits the skills he's acquired during military service, such as resilience, adaptability, and patience, as key to his civilian career success.
“My experiences from previous combat deployments, unit transitions, and leadership roles have equipped me with the resilience, adaptability, and patience necessary to navigate constant changes,” he said. “I have developed skills in impromptu public speaking for training and presentations, as well as in managing Soldier-related issues. These experiences have made me highly effective and well-versed in my role as a CLRP assessor, as well as a leader, mentor, and trainer for Soldiers.”
The ULA played a critical role in Stewart’s successful activation and return to civilian work.
“Upon notification of my activation, the ULA provided unwavering support in every aspect,” Stewart said. “The Executive Office leadership, RID Chief, CLRP Supervisor, CLRP team, and the entire Human Resources staff were readily available for questions, guidance, and proactive assistance. This level of support was essential in ensuring that my activation was executed safely, informatively, and with a strong backing throughout the process.”
Knowing that things were being taken care of at home and that he would be welcomed back to ULA when he returned brought Stewart peace of mind, allowing him to fully focus on his mission without added stress.
“The knowledge that I would return to secure employment has provided an indescribable sense of comfort,” he said. “The absence of the added stress of re-entering the job market has brought me immense relief, ease, and peace—benefits uniquely afforded by a federal civilian role. For this, both my family and I are profoundly grateful.”
Specific policies and teams within USACE further eased Stewart's transition between civilian and military duties. He highlighted the CLRP team's experience, HR’s proactive communication, and the morale-boosting care packages organized by the ULA Millington team, especially noting Todd Heuser and his family for their thoughtful contributions.
“The active USACE and government policies that ensured my employment upon completing my activation, along with the finance team’s efforts to guarantee I returned without any unexpected debts, provided invaluable support. The CLRP team’s patience, experience, and prior military backgrounds offered essential guidance, reassurance, and comfort, confirming that my absence would be acknowledged but not detrimental to the team or its mission,” he said. The HR staff delivered exceptional support through proactive communication and behind-the-scenes actions, addressing aspects I had not considered. Additionally, the ULA Millington team significantly contributed to the morale, welfare, and wellness of my Soldiers by assembling care packages for us. A special thanks to Todd Heuser and his family for mailing these care packages. This experience truly embodies the essence of family and the commitment to supporting the team.”
Returning to civilian life after his year-long activation presented Stewart with unique challenges, requiring adjustments in mindset and responsibilities.
“Transitioning from active military service back to my civilian role presented a unique challenge that I had not encountered in previous deployments,” he said. “During activation, we adapt our mindset, roles, and missions, but upon returning home, we must switch to new responsibilities and reintegrate into our civilian positions. This includes understanding the distinctions between interacting with Soldiers, civilians, and customers. Balancing these dual roles as both a Soldier and a civilian employee is both challenging and rewarding. While it can be a struggle, my family and team have been incredibly patient, understanding, and supportive throughout this transition.”
Stewart returned to his civilian role with fresh perspectives and enhanced skills, deepening his appreciation of the CLRP team's vital role within the organization.
“Assuming a new liaison leadership position among diverse military branches, various civilian counterparts, and my unit during this mobilization has deepened my understanding of the vital role the CLRP team plays within the USACE and the ULA,” Stewart said. “In many instances, we serve as direct representatives of the ULA, which necessitates being knowledgeable, compassionate, and understanding to be effective. This comprehension enables us to conclude each assessment with the confidence that we have given our all, delivered unparalleled service, and represented the ULA in a manner we can all take pride in.”
Stewart encourages fellow federal employees considering the Reserves to embrace the opportunity.
“The Army Reserves offers a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking to serve while also advancing their professional careers outside of the military,” he said. “There is a profound sense of fulfillment that comes from being part of something larger than oneself. The Reserves provide not only educational and health benefits but also a foundation of servant leadership that seamlessly aligns with the federal civil service roles we engage in daily. I would rate this experience a 10 out of 10 and highly recommend it.”
For organizations seeking to support employees who serve, Stewart suggests adopting ULA’s exemplary approach.
“Organizations can further support employees who serve by emulating the approach taken by the ULA team in my experience,” Stewart said. “It is essential to have knowledgeable, patient, and like-minded leaders and staff who can educate and guide employees through the complexities of administrative processes and legal rights.” Providing ongoing support ensures that each employee feels valued, heard, and, most importantly, appreciated for their service and sacrifices.
“CJ demonstrated his commitment to the nation and his selfless service by deploying in support of the nation’s mission. This is the same dedication and selfless service he brings to serving the nation in his civilian capacity. Our entire division is incredibly proud of Chris’s dedicated service during such a critical deployment. His absence was certainly felt across our team, but everyone rallied together to ensure the mission’s success,” said Todd Heuser, RID Division Chief.