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# Okinawa ops chief named Employee of the Quarter

By Jake JoyDLA Disposition Services Public Affairs

                BATTLE CREEK, Mich.  –              
Hunter Higgins was recently honored as Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Employee of the Quarter for his outstanding efforts during the second quarter of fiscal 2024.

The Okinawa-based operations chief, originally from Lake Village, Arkansas, has spent two years with the agency and was cited for his leadership and management of DOD’s reverse logistics needs while serving as an acting area manager in the vast Indo-Pacific region. 

Higgins said that after retirement from a 20-year career in the Marine Corps, the promise of a role that offered camaraderie and a chance to continue supporting warfighters drew him to DLA.

“At DLA Disposition Services Okinawa, I discovered a new family – resonating with the feeling of unity akin to a military unit,” Higgins said. “From handling the turnover of various training systems from the Marine Corps to processing the return of F-15s from the Air Force, each day presents an opportunity to experience something novel and exciting. This transition has been an exhilarating ride, blending the spirit of the military with the dynamism of civilian life.”

On a day-to-day basis, Higgins helps keep the site focused on optimal customer support and operating safely. He said he visits each site section daily, engages customers, provides instructive classes, and helps monitor the property receipt process. He cited the busy operational tempo of the U.S. military in the Indo-Pacific and was thankful to be at a location that works alongside all the armed services.

“Our warfighters are constantly on missions or exercises, which means a constant turnover of personnel,” Higgins said. “Every month, we offer two different classes to teach new customers how to turn in and receive property from DLA. It has been enjoyable to watch our customers learn about us and then utilize our services - watching them struggle with their first turn in and becoming pros by their third. Whenever the day seems tough, I can walk out the back doors and just stare off into the ocean and realize that I get to serve in one of the best locations in the world.”

Higgins was cited for a “smooth” site transition to DLA’s Warehouse Management System and extensive related inventory requirements, the development of visit itineraries for visiting agency leadership, and providing substantial cost savings in disposal support to the III Marine Expeditionary Force. For his part, Higgins said the recognition belongs to the entire area team.

“I am truly blessed to have the best coworkers in all of DLA,” Higgins said. Although I was lucky enough to receive EOQ recognition, it was only possible due to my team. At DLA Disposition Services Okinawa, I get to work alongside Japanese [colleagues]. We get to share our cultures, and we have become a family. The Japanese are some of the hardest workers you will ever meet, and they have truly impressed me with the cutover to WMS. Just being in the Pacific, I talk to my fellow operations chiefs and the area managers almost daily. The mentoring and support I receive from everyone has made my time here in DLA amazing.” 

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