Senior Director, Supply Chain @ Vintun LLC

Alexandria, VA – October 2016 - Vintun LLC, a provider of information management, program support and technology solutions to the federal marketplace is pleased to announce that David “Dave” Baucom has joined our firm as a Senior Director of our supply chain consulting group. In this capacity, Dave will work with our client base to provide strategic direction and solutions that improve the business operations of the Federal Government.

Dave served more than 34 years as a US Navy Supply Corps officer culminating in the rank of Rear Admiral. He has vast experience in all facets of global supply chain, acquisition and transportation leadership. His flag officer assignments included director, Navy logistics strategy on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations; director, strategy, capabilities, policy and logistics at US Transportation Command; commander, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support; director of the US Central Command Deployment and Distribution Operations Center, Kuwait, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom; deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (Acquisition and Logistics Management) providing policy and oversight to all Navy and Marine Corps contracting and logistics; and assistant deputy chief of staff for fleet readiness and training/the fleet supply officer at US Fleet Forces Command.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University and Masters of Science degrees in Acquisition and Contract Management from the Naval Postgraduate School and in National Security and Resources Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at the National Defense University – today known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.

He is a graduate of the University of Virginia, Darden Graduate School of Business Administration and the University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School Executive Education Programs.  He is a certified level III acquisition professional in the contracting career field, a certified lifetime professional contracts manager in the National Contract Management Association; and a graduate of the Senior Acquisition Course at the National Defense University.

He has extensive experience with contracting, acquisition planning, financial management, logistics supply chain and leading personnel within large organizations. Aside from several key leadership positions afloat, his shore duty assignments include commanding officer, Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk; the first deputy chief of staff for logistics at the Headquarters, Supreme Allied Command Transformation; the Joint Staff, director for logistics (J4), the Pentagon where he drafted and coordinated with the services and agencies the very first doctrine for accounting for contractor personnel in the Theater of Operations; at the Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Yokosuka, Japan; and as a White House Military Aide to President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan.

“Dave’s experience offers tremendous capability as we work with our clients to improve data management and information systems within federal organizations, especially with regards to supply chain logistics and acquisition and contracting processes,” said Greg Early, President, Vintun LLC.

About Vintun LLC

Vintun is a leading provider of solutions that optimize the use of information within an organization and enables organizations to improve efficiency. Vintun focuses on supply chain, maintenance, procurement, financial, facilities and information technology organizations that are seeking to improve process, implement technical solutions or measure their delivery value.  Vintun is currently serving and has served customers across the federal government including: Defense Logistics Agency, Naval Sea Systems Command, Secretary of the Navy, Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of the Army, and the Program Executive Office, Soldier.

United States Navy Ethos

We are the United States Navy, our Nation's sea power - ready guardians of peace, victorious in war.

We are professional Sailors and Civilians - a diverse and agile force exemplifying the highest standards of service to our Nation, at home and abroad, at sea and ashore.

Integrity is the foundation of our conduct; respect for others is fundamental to our character; decisive leadership is crucial to our success.

We are a team, disciplined and well-prepared, committed to mission accomplishment. We do not waiver in our dedication and accountability to our Shipmates and families.

We are patriots, forged by the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. In times of war and peace, our actions reflect our proud heritage and tradition.

We defend our Nation and prevail in the face of adversity with strength, determination, and dignity.

We are the United States Navy.

David Baucom

The Auburn Creed

Mr. George Petrie wrote The Auburn Creed on November 12, 1943. It remains one of our Auburn University traditions and is at the center of my values and beliefs:

I BELIEVE that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I BELIEVE in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and hands to work skillfully.

I BELIEVE in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.

I BELIEVE in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

I BELIEVE in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I BELIEVE in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I BELIEVE in my country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercifully, and walking humbly with my God."

And, because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.

David Baucom

My Values - Commitment

The third value that I closely adhere to is commitment. To be committed is to effectively and efficiently use our public resources; consider the full impact of your actions; once you make a decision, commit to it and execute; continually strive to improve; promote teamwork, improvement, and innovation; and speak up to offer ideas and encourage others to do the same.

Honor, Courage, and Commitment. More than just words. They are my closely held values.

David Baucom

My Values - Courage

Having courage means you face challenges with determination and strength of character. You make the best choice amongst difficult alternatives; reach out to colleagues and supervisors to assist in decision-making; speak up to avoid improper actions; report unethical conduct; continually strive to improve; and remember, you are responsible and accountable for your decisions and actions.

Certainly, it's not always the easy path, but having the courage to stand tall when tested makes you the stronger person. It's the right thing to do.

David Baucom

My Values - Honor

I served almost 35 years as an officer in the United States Navy, so naturally my personal values are our Navy's values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. This post is about my value of Honor.

Serving with Honor means that you always act with honesty and truthfulness; be dependable; avoid conflicts of interest; maintain the trust and respect of your superiors, peers, and subordinates; and remain dedicated to justice.

David Baucom

Moral Excellence (Part Three)

This is the third and the last of the principles of moral excellence that I carry around on that little plastic card in my wallet.  This principle is about making ethics a part of all decisions and behaviors.  In other words, doing what is honorable.

-Work together with openness, honesty, and transparency.
-Be honest, work hard, protect the company's assets.
-Know the limits of your duties, responsibilities, and discretion.
-Do not use your position for private gain.
-Act impartially; do not give preferential treatment to anyone.
-Avoid conflicts of interest between your position and outside activities and organizations.
-Avoid any actions that create the appearance that you are violating law or ethical standards.

Now, that's an important principle!

David Baucom

Moral Excellence (Part Two)

The second principle listed on that little plastic card I carry in my wallet is about obeying authority.  Its two tenants are: (1) respect and obey the law; and, (2) carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with legislation, regulations, policies, and directives. In other words, doing what is right.

This principle reminds me of the Scout Oath and Scout Law I learned many years ago. It still applies today.

David Baucom

Moral Excellence

I've carried this little plastic card around in my wallet for years.  And, throughout my career in the United States Navy, I have referred to it often and worked hard to achieve its values. The card is entitled: "Principles of Moral Excellence."

The first paragraph is about respecting the dignity of all persons.

-Treat every person with respect.
-Appreciate differing viewpoints and opinions.
-Contribute to a healthy work environment.
-Set the example.

I think the world would be a better place if we all followed these four simple goals.

David Baucom

The Quotable Ronald Reagan

Joseph R. Holmes edited and compiled a favorite book of mine that I've referred to many times throughout the years.  Holmes' "The Quotable Ronald Reagan - The Common Sense and Straight Talk of Former California Governor Ronald Reagan" was published in 1975, but many of these direct quotes compiled from various speeches and interviews still resonate today.

I've listed just a few of my favorite quotes below:

BUREAUCRATS
If a bureaucrat had been writing the 10 Commandments, a simple rock slab would not have been near enough room. Those simple rules would have read: "Thou Shalt Not, unless you feel strongly to the contrary, or for the following stateside exceptions, see paragraphs 1-10 subsection #A."
June 6, 1974

CONSTITUTION
Our constitution is a document that protects the people from government.
Sept 17, 1973

CREDIT
I have a little bronze plaque on my desk and I hope I can live by the inscription it bears - "You can accomplish much if you don't care who gets the credit."
June 28, 1972

ETERNAL LIFE
Too many people, especially in government, feel that the nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.
May 10, 1972

HABIT
We sure can't be like the fellow's wife who used to cut off both ends of the ham before she cooked it.  When he asked her why she did that, she said because that's the way her mother always did it.

One day, he got the chance to ask his mother-in-law why she cut off both ends of the ham before she cooked it. And she said because that's the way HER mother did it.

Came the holidays and Grandma was visiting and he told her about it and asked if that was true- why did she cut off both ends of the ham before she cooked it? She said, "that's simple. I never had a pan big enough to get the whole ham in it."
May 31, 1974

SCHOOL
Your teachers will hate me for this but my favorite subject in college was football. Today, I am fascinated with history.
March 8, 1973

David Baucom

Lincoln on Leadership

One of my favorite all time reference books is Donald T. Phillips' "Lincoln On Leadership - Executive Strategies For Tough Times." In this book, Phillips explores President Lincoln's management philosophies for students of leadership.  It's a fascinating read. Listed below are a few of my favorite  principles from Phillips that I have tried to embrace:

1. Be the very embodiment of good temper and affability.
2. Remember, everyone likes a compliment.
3. Wage only one war at a time.
4. Showing your compassionate and caring nature will aid you in forging successful relationships.
5. Use force only as a last resort.
6. A good leader avoids issuing orders, preferring to request, imply, or make suggestions.
7. When you make it to the top, turn and reach down for the person behind you.
8. Don't surrender the game leaving any available card unplayed.
9. Remember that compromise does not mean cowardice.
10. Seize the initiative and never relinquish it.

David Baucom

Find Your Park

Since January, my wife and I have celebrated the centennial of our national parks service by volunteering with the Student Conservation Association (The SCA) to pick up trash at three of our national parks in the Washington DC metro area.  We've discovered that this is a terrific, satisfying way to spend a Saturday.

So far, we volunteered at Anacostia, Greenbelt and Fort Dupont parks.  We've met some very interesting people, talked with both high school and college students about their future plans, and helped to clean up our national treasures.

We probably never would have visited these national parks without this opportunity to find them through volunteering. Through corporate contributions, the SCA provides tee shirts, sun glasses, work gloves, tools, breakfast treats including hot coffee as well as a boxed lunch at the end of the event.  Typically, we've returned home by 3:00 pm - enthusiastic that we paid back to our community, discovered someplace new, and met some wonderful, dedicated Americans.  David Baucom

Embassies Open House in DC

My wife and I enjoyed visiting the embassies of Austria, The Netherlands, Hungary, and Slovakia on Saturday, May 14, 2016.  Each embassy provided insights and highlights to visiting and living in their country. Plenty of great food and drink were offered as well.  We took Metro to Van Ness and the European Union volunteers provided bus transportation to each of the embassies.  It was a terrific way to enjoy a beautiful Saturday afternoon in our nation's capital.  David Baucom