# Former Distribution commander honored with newly named Gainey Auditorium

/ Published March 27, 2018
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
DLA Distribution commanding general, Army Brig. Gen. John S. Laskodi dedicated the DLA Distribution Headquarters auditorium to former Distribution commanding general, retired Army Lt. Gen. Kathleen M. Gainey on March 14.

Gainey served as commanding general of DLA Distribution from August 2002 to August 2004.

After graduating from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Gainey was commissioned in the Transportation Corps in 1978.  After graduation, she served as a platoon leader in a Medium Truck Company and Assistant Battalion S2/3 in the 28th Transportation Battalion in Mannheim, Germany.  

Upon returning to the United States in 1981, she attended the Transportation Officer Course and then became chief of the Container Freight Division of the Military Ocean Terminal Bay Area, Oakland, California.  From 1984 to 1987, she commanded the 5th Transportation Company (Heavy Boat) on Ford Island and served as the S-4 for the 45th Support Group, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.  

In 1989, Gainey received her Master’s in Business Administration from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts and then attended the Command and General Staff College from 1989 to 1990.  After graduation she was assigned as a Contracting Officer at Army Munitions and Chemical Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois.

Gainey then deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991, and served as the deputy commander of the 2nd Area Support Group and as the S-3 for the 702nd Transportation Battalion.  

In 1992, Gainey returned once again to the United States, to become the division transportation officer for the 24th Infantry Division.  She became the executive officer for the DISCOM in July 1993.  From 1994 to 1996, she commanded the 6th Transportation Battalion (Truck).  After command, she attended the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

From 1997 to1998, Gainey served as a special assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Army.  In July 1998, she assumed command of the 7th Corps Support Group located in Bamberg, Germany and relinquished command in July 2000.  She then reported as chief, Joint Operations Division, USTRANSCOM, Directorate of Operations and Logistics (TC J3/4), Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, before taking over command of DLA Distribution in August 2002.

During her time as the commander of DLA Distribution, Gainey planned and established distribution’s first-ever combat theater distribution platform in Bahrain which resulted in critical inventories being effectively positioned for direct delivery to allied units engaged in combat operations.  This forward positioning allowed over $30 million worth of bulk materiel to be placed using surface transportation modes, saving tens of thousands of dollars in shipping costs and freeing critical aircraft capacity for emergent supply requirements.

Gainey was instrumental in forging the DLA Distribution “emergency essential” personnel program, which built upon the lessons learned since 9/11 and enhanced timely command response to critical contingency requirements.  

She facilitated the movement of combat logistics support materiel into the defense transportation system, providing an improved channel for delivery and significantly reducing costs.  

“Lt. Gen. Gainey led groundbreaking initiatives that not only resulted in a business systems modernization plan of “hub and spoke,” ensuring effective stock positioning in support of enterprise-wide strategy and goals, but also improved overseas customer support through the establishment of new overseas distribution centers,” said Laskodi.

Additionally, Gainey tailored the route plans to consolidate freight to specific supply activities when the volume did not enable a pure pallet to be built.  

“Thank you for your service to this organization,” said Laskodi before unveiling the newly names Gainey Auditorium.

“I am honored by this dedication,” said Gainey. “Because of your patience, dedication and selflessness, this is a tribute to you.”