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# DLA Distribution Donnie Thompson to receive 2021 Spirit of Hope award

By Matthew Mahoney, DLA Distribution Public Affairs 

                NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa.  –              
Donnie Thompson, chief, Deployments and Training, at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, will be awarded the 2021 Department of Defense Spirit of Hope award at a ceremony at the Pentagon Sept. 16.

The Spirit of Hope award is presented by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to individuals or organizations that epitomize selfless service and dedicated commitment to our military. The history of the award comes from the contributions made by entertainer Bob Hope during World War II.

“There are few words to express the appreciation for all that Donnie has and continues to do in support of our Military, their families, his community, DLA and DLA Distribution,” said Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Keith Reventlow, commanding general, DLA Distribution.

Thompson, a Navy veteran, currently serves as the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 1620 in Middletown, Pennsylvania, a VFW post that wouldn’t be around today, if it were not for the dedicated efforts of Thompson.

Closed in early 2009, it was through Thompson’s efforts that VFW post 1620 was brought back to life, continuing their mission to assist veterans and their community.Under Thompson’s leadership VFW post 1620 would lead state efforts in assisting veterans with housing, medical, meals, employment, transportation and even obtained COVID-19 vaccinations for over 150 veterans.

Despite the toll that COVID-19 was placing on our nation, Thompson still motivated his post to keep on with the long-standing tradition of creating Buddy Poppies. A tradition normally carried on by our disabled veterans that were not able to gather due to the pandemic. VFW post 1620 would create more than 125,000 of the red flowers.

The local community benefits from the efforts of Thompson and his team through college scholarship programs, donations to schools and after school programs, and regular visits to nursing homes and schools.

Thompson joins the ranks of many great Americans honored with this prestigious award to include Emmy Award-winning Actor, Gary Sinise, who was recognized in 2012 for his efforts in supporting our Nation’s military.

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DLADLA DistributionDepartment of Defense Spirit of Hope AwardVeterans of Foreign WarsVFW Post 1620