# ‘Warfighter’s logistician’ takes charge of DLA Troop Support

/ Published July 12, 2017
PHILADELPHIA, 
Soon after Army Brig. Gen. Charles Hamilton took command in July 2015, he said that taking care of the workforce at the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support was his number one priority.

During his first remarks as the former DLA Troop Support commander, Hamilton thanked two team members who help maintain the facilities.

“Eric and Theresa, who keep the headquarters building clean, greet us with us smile every day,” he said, before leading a round of applause for the Chimes Family of Services employees.

Hamilton relinquished command of DLA Troop Support to Army Col. Mark Simerly during a ceremony July 11 in Philadelphia. Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams, who became the DLA director June 16, officiated.

Williams said he’s been on the customer side of Troop Support’s five supply chains and that the workforce’s efforts are appreciated.

On behalf of the nation’s service members and those served by DLA’s humanitarian assistance support, he said, “thank you for routinely going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our warfighters and civilians have what they need.”

Williams credited Hamilton for supporting the creation of Troop Support’s resiliency program, leadership development and his impact on mission support, including $14.4 billion worth of materials provided to the services and other customers in 2016.

While Hamilton shared his appreciation for the workforce, he also told the audience to “continue to do what you do,” especially as his son, a second lieutenant with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, prepares to deploy next summer.

“That’s my charge to you: keep being innovative, don’t rest on your laurels and never settle for status quo,” he said.

Hamilton’s next assignment will be as the senior logistician for U.S. Forces Korea. 

Simerly comes to Troop Support from the Combined Arms Support Command at Fort Lee, Virginia, where he was the director of capabilities, development and integration and worked for Williams for two years.

Williams praised Simerly’s broad experience. 

“He has a diverse logistical background that distinguished him as the best possible candidate to lead Troop Support into the future,” Williams said. “He’s a focused leader, a warfighter’s logistician who will get the job done and take care of the work force.”

Simerly will oversee a workforce of 2,900 civilian and military personnel around the world that supports the warfighter and other customers through five supply chains: Subsistence, Clothing and Textiles, Construction and Equipment, Medical and Industrial Hardware.

“I can’t tell you how blessed I am to be here today ... and the sense of gratitude for the great team that General Hamilton has provided to me and General Williams has entrusted me with,” Simerly said.

Simerly is a Richmond, Virginia, native and was commissioned a lieutenant for Air Defense Artillery on graduation from the University of Richmond, where he was a Distinguished Military Graduate.

“It’s remarkable to stand here today, in the birthplace of our nation’s dream,” he said. “I’m humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to lead the service members and civilians and families of DLA Troop Support.”