Ever wonder what exciting new projects the many employees at NARA are working on? The “What are You Working On?” blog feature aims to introduce a variety of NARA employees and highlight some of the exciting projects we are working on around the agency.
What is your name and title?
Sara Lathom, Student Trainee (Archival Science), Archives Technician
Sara painting Aunt Polly’s white fence for Tom Sawyer in Hannibal, MO the boyhood home of Mark Twain.
Where is your job located?
National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO
What is your job in a nutshell?
I recently became a Correspondence Technician in November 2014 under the Pathways Program. I respond to requests for military, medical (inpatient and outpatient) for military and dependents, and all other records needed. I send these to veterans, family members, Congressional offices, and any other customer who has authorization for the records. I also respond to Freedom of Information Act and Archival (records 62 years or older) requests.
What are you working on right now? (Why is it cool/why does it matter?)
I am two-thirds of the way through training. There is so much to learn about military records! I really enjoy it because there is always something new to learn, and I enjoy the challenge.
How long have you been at NARA? Have you worked at any other NARA location?
I have been with NARA for over a year now. I came to NARA in December 2013 as a temporary Pathways employee, working in the Records Retrieval Branch – Refile department here at NPRC. I do not miss climbing the ladders!
What has changed since you started at NARA?
There have been some shifts in personnel. I am always excited to see people with great talent moving up.
Do you have a favorite day at NARA, or a favorite discovery or accomplishment?
We had a “Chip In” over-time event back in September 2014 where I came in as having refiled the most records for the day – 1,211!
What are your passions or interests outside of work?
I hopefully will be in possession of a bassoon here in the next couple weeks. I studied bassoon in my undergraduate with a member of The Cleveland Orchestra. I’m excited to have the time and opportunity to play with a local community orchestra this year!
What is the last book you read, or the last book you loved?
I recently read one of Mary Roach’s books, and it was oddly interesting. I think I’d like to read “Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal” next.
Are there any other cool facts that you would like folks to know about you?
I moved here from Ohio to take my first job at NARA. It was a huge risk: I didn’t have any money to move and I wasn’t sure my car was even going to make the drive. Thankfully it all worked out! I am really happy to be working for NARA. I hope that maybe someday I can transfer to an east coast facility, so I can be closer to my family in Pittsburgh.