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# Headquarters complex kicks off the holidays with annual tree lighting

By Nancy BeneckiDLA Public Affairs

                FORT BELVOIR, Va.  –              
Employees at the McNamara Headquarters Complex filled the halls and gathered along the rails in the atrium to watch the annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 6.

Defense Logistics Agency Director Navy Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic hosted the event with co-hosts Navy Rear Adm. Ryan Scholl, deputy director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency; Elliot Avida, senior assistant general counsel with the Defense Contract Audit Agency; and Christopher Thomas, administrator with the Defense Technical Information Center. 

                Defense Logistics Agency Director Navy Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic takes a selfie with the Grinch during the McNamara Headquarters Complex annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 6, 2022 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This was the first tree lighting ceremony held at the complex since 2019. (Photo by Christopher Lynch)                            Headquarters complex kicks off the holidays with annual tree lighting                            Defense Logistics Agency Director Navy Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic takes a selfie with the Grinch during the McNamara Headquarters Complex annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 6, 2022 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This was the first tree lighting ceremony held at the complex since 2019. (Photo by Christopher Lynch)            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Christopher LynchVIRIN: 221206-D-HE260-1003

Skubic tied the event’s theme, “Miracle on Kingman Road,” into the annual Combined Federal Campaign.

“If you have not had the opportunity to put your heart and soul into a contribution that inspires you, whether that be your time or your money, then I encourage you to do so and to add to the Miracle on Kingman Road,” Skubic said.

She also mentioned the upcoming weekend’s Army-Navy football game, saying there’ve been 122 games played between the teams since 1890. The crowd, filled with members from both services, reacted loudly when she pointed out that the Navy leads the series 62-53 with seven ties.

“No matter how fierce the rivalry is on the field, those teammates across Army and Navy have the utmost respect for each other, for they have raised their hands to swear to our Constitution to support and defend our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic,” she said.

While it has been three years since the last tree lighting ceremony took place in the building, Skubic said it felt like “we’ve experienced decades of history” since the last event.

“I want to thank each and every one of you, no matter who you are, what organization you work for, what your specific job is. Thank you for your resilience and your persistence and passion in supporting our collective missions,” she said, also asking the crowd to keep servicemembers and civilians serving in harm’s way and their families in their thoughts and prayers throughout the season.

Scholl also asked the audience to remember those serving abroad who can’t be with their families during the holiday season and to celebrate this year’s accomplishments.

“Let's continue that work forward as we celebrate this holiday season and the New Year, understanding that our celebrations today are without those that are forward deployed,” he said, adding that the celebrations are held in honor of those who can’t be home.

“The work that we do today and tomorrow into the following year is to support that same peace that we share and the freedoms that we share each and every day,” he added.

Eight employees took part in an ugly holiday sweater contest. The first-place winner was Annette Francis with the Defense Technical Information Center. Second place went to Elizabeth Strickland with DLA. The third-place winner was Stephen Kennedy with the Defense Contract Audit Agency.

Music was provided by Christopher Erbe, speechwriter with the DLA Strategic Initiatives Group, on the flugelhorn; Patrick Mackin, deputy director of DLA Public Affairs, on guitar; and Jada Fairrow, administrative officer with DLA Joint Reserve Force, providing vocals.

Holiday characters the Grinch and Abominable Snowman arrived at the end of the ceremony and took photos with those in attendance.

 

 

 

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