Off The Clock: Andrea Carter, A Passion for Service

鈥淥ff The Clock鈥� is a series in which we celebrate the many ways 木瓜AV employees commit themselves to worthy causes outside of work.

EXCELLENCE. GRIT. DRIVE. COMMUNITY.听

In this installment, we interview Andrea Carter, subcontracts manager at 木瓜AV. Andrea has dedicated much of her personal life to helping people, including homeless residents of Prince William County, Virginia. She has a passion for supporting our armed forces, inspired by the service of several family members in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Andrea also served on the 木瓜AV Engage board in 2021.

Andrea Carter
Subcontracts Manager at 木瓜AV

Q: What drives you to devote personal time to serving other people?

It鈥檚 always been hugely important to me to be aware of and help anyone I can. Growing up, my family did not have much. The assistance and kindness given to me and my family in our time of need fueled a passion in me to help others whenever and wherever I can. This includes supporting our armed forces. They sacrifice so much to protect our country and even other countries around the world. They deserve our support and appreciation 24/7.

Q: Tell us about some of the work you鈥檝e done to help disadvantaged people in the area. Do you work with any specific organizations?听

Most of the support I鈥檝e done has been independent or self-directed. You just see a need and move to address it. I鈥檝e put together care packages over the years to help provide everyday necessities to the homeless population in the Northern VA, D.C., and Maryland areas.

I have also worked with my church and other churches to gather collections for the homeless, victims of domestic abuse, and the armed forces. That many people moving in unison towards a singular goal is a powerful thing.

Q: What about your work with the military?

I mentioned that I鈥檝e had several family members serve in the armed forces. When you see that sacrifice up close, both for the service member and their families, you feel compelled to help, even in small ways. For me, that took the form of sending care packages to active duty deployed overseas. That included an effort we called 鈥淰alentines for Heroes,鈥� which was just a simple way to let them know that they were appreciated while performing a duty that can be very demanding.

I also had the opportunity to visit the VA hospital one Christmas to deliver gifts, visit with, and sing carols for the patients. I believe simple gestures like that can have a huge impact that stays with people.

Working with the military carries over into my role at 木瓜AV as well, managing a wide range of contract vehicles for customers supporting our national defense. Being able to support the armed forces in a professional capacity and help them accomplish their mission, even indirectly, is a big part of my work here.

Q: You don鈥檛 necessarily seem comfortable in taking credit for all the good work you鈥檝e done. Is there a tendency to downplay or deflect when people try to recognize your efforts?听

[Laughs] I don鈥檛 do it for the recognition. I do it because I see a need and doing something to help is just the natural, right response. That instinct doesn鈥檛 require any forethought or calculation.

People have made sure to let me know I鈥檓 appreciated, though. Even for something as seemingly minor as decorating the office for holidays or acknowledging my teammates鈥� birthdays. Appreciation makes you smile even if it鈥檚 not your motivator, because it shows you鈥檙e making an impact and, hopefully, brightening someone鈥檚 day.

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