JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – Freedom. That’s why supporting Airmen and Guardians is important to Mantangi Johnson.
“The same freedom my fifth great-grandfather fought for in the Civil War is the same freedom all of us fight to protect today,” he said. “Any person fighting alongside me is worth serving and supporting.”
As a member of the 773rd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Mantangi manages acquisitions programs that have far-reaching impacts. He was recently part of the DAF Acquisition COVID-19 Task Force team that helped manage $6 billion in contract awards. Their work expanded domestic production capacity for pharmaceuticals, medical products, testing and diagnostics capabilities, medical-based raw materials, and other personal protective equipment necessary to combat the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“This mission not only protected medical professionals in their workplaces, but it brought thousands of new jobs to the U.S. I felt grateful to be a part of such an impactful project.”
Off duty, Mantangi is committed to making a difference in the community and helping others overcome obstacles he battled growing up.
Over the last 10 years, he’s led several efforts to help displaced children, human trafficking victims and survivors of domestic abuse throughout the greater San Antonio Area. He’s recruited over 600 sponsors and volunteers who, together, have donated more than 500 toys, 1,000 pairs of shoes and 300 sweatshirts to kids in residential treatment facilities. He and his wife also co-host the annual Purple Run in San Antonio every October in honor of victims, survivors and all those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
“Growing up in poverty, I learned that when you look back to see how far you've traveled with little guidance and resources, it’s important to go back to become a guide and a resource to others traveling the same road.”