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# DLA Distribution Corpus Christi welcomes new commander Owens and bids farewell as Autrey retires

By Diana DawaDLA Distribution Public Affairs

                CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas  –              
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas, bid a fond farewell to Army Lt. Col. Cody M. Autrey and welcomed Army Lt. Col. Timothy J. Owens during a change of command and retirement ceremony June 27. Navy Rear Admiral Grafton D. Chase, Jr., commander of DLA Distribution, officiated the ceremony.

In his remarks, Chase touched on the many achievements accomplished over Autrey’s 20-year Army career, especially noting his outstanding leadership and experience as the commander of DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, when the distribution center piloted DLA’s new Warehouse Management System.

“Lieutenant Colonel Autrey established professional relationships with WMS developers and DLA subject matter experts to develop and refine training packages, system updates and standard operating procedures, leading to the first successful DLA Distribution WMS Go-Live in July 2022. Through his leadership, DLA Distribution Corpus Christi has set the standard for WMS implementation. Cody, your honor, professionalism, and commitment to supporting the warfighter and your workforce are second to none. The Army will need to find an exceptional officer to fill the gap upon your departure.”

Autrey was awarded the Defense Meritorious Superior Medal for his performance as DDCT’s commander.                 Defense Logisitics Agency Distribution Commander, Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, Jr., left, presented the Defense Meritorious Service Medal to DDCT outgoing commander Army Lt. Col. Cody M. Autrey during a change of command and retirement ceremony June 27, 2023.                            DLA Distribution Corpus Christi welcomes new commander Owens and                            Defense Logisitics Agency Distribution Commander, Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, Jr., left, presented the Defense Meritorious Service Medal to DDCT outgoing commander Army Lt. Col. Cody M. Autrey during a change of command and retirement ceremony June 27, 2023.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Ervey MartinezVIRIN: 230627-A-AK442-2022

During the retirement ceremony, Autrey was presented with a presidential achievement certificate, a four-star letter package that included a U.S. flag, retirement pin and soldier for life decals. He also received an honorable discharge certificate and retirement certificate. Mrs. Autrey and the Autrey children were presented with special recognition certificates.

Autrey specifically mentioned two people during his remarks. “Carter Gamble is a Gold Star Father and recently retired member of the DDCT Family.  Carter, if you’re watching .... thank you for your family’s sacrifice to this great nation. Jeremy Beckwith, you are the best deputy in DLA. A man with strategic vision at the right place and right time to shape DLA’s modernization efforts. Thank you for your friendship and guidance.  You truly make a difference.”

Autrey thanked the DDCT team for their support, noting their many accomplishments.

“DDCT ... we fly because of you. Winning matters. You make up less than 1% of the DLA Distribution workforce and you have taken home over 10% of the Distribution Excellence Awards – from Distribution Center of the Year Awards to Excellence in People and Culture Awards, to numerous individual awards. You make a difference.”

Autrey thanked his wife, Jennifer, and children for their support and devotion during his career.                  Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Commander Navy Rear Adm. Grafton Chase, Jr., passes the DLA organization flag to Army Lt. Col. Timothy Owens, signifying the transfer of leadership during a change of command and retirement ceremony June 27, 2023. Photo by Ervey Martinez, Corpus Christi Army Depot.                            DLA Distribution Corpus Christi welcomes new commander Owens and                            Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Commander Navy Rear Adm. Grafton Chase, Jr., passes the DLA organization flag to Army Lt. Col. Timothy Owens, signifying the transfer of leadership during a change of command and retirement ceremony June 27, 2023. Photo by Ervey Martinez, Corpus Christi Army Depot.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Ervey MartinezVIRIN: 230627-A-AK442-2016

“Jenn, thank you for standing by me for 20 years and five deployments. You have been nothing but supportive. You raised our kids alone while I was away, and you never complained. Kids - we missed out on a lot of birthdays and ballgames. I wish I could have been there for that, but I plan on making that up to you. I love you and I’m proud of each of you.”

Owens expressed his thanks to Autrey for a seamless transition of command.

‘Cody, I couldn’t have asked for a better transition from you and the entire team. I am inspired by your leadership and the culture you have created here. I am excited as I look forward to building upon the legacy of DLA Distribution Corpus and continuing the success that you and the team have had over the past two years. I wish you and your entire family the best as you begin life after retirement from the Army.” 

An East Hampton, Connecticut native, Owens has served in a variety of command and staff assignments. His most recent assignment was with Joint Task Force National capital region as a joint logistics plans and operations officer in Washington, D.C.

No stranger to Corpus Christi, Owen’s has visited family living in the area many times.

“My family and I already feel welcomed here in Corpus Christi and we appreciate everyone’s support thus far. We are beyond excited to be joining the team and look forward to the amazing opportunities that we will get to be a part of over the coming years. Lifeline to the flightline!”

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