# DLA Energy inducts four new Hall of Fame leaders

/ Published Oct. 30, 2017
FORT BELVOIR, Va., 
Four new members joined Defense Logistics Agency Energy’s Hall of Fame during the second annual induction ceremony at the McNamara Headquarters Complex, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Oct. 24.

Many current and former leaders from DLA and the military came together to celebrate and honor the inductees. 

“We are not recognizing these people because of any position they held or any rank they may have carried,” said DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin. “The basis for this recognition is the long and lasting impact they had on how we at DLA Energy do our mission.”

The 2017 DLA Energy Hall of Fame inductees are:

- Army Col. Gary W. Bradley, who was awarded the honor posthumously, served in a number of petroleum positions between 1977 and 1998 including the quality assurance representative in the Middle East, operations and maintenance officer with NATO’s Central Europe Pipeline Systems, commander of the 505th Quartermaster Battalion in Japan, and commander of Defense Energy Support Center Europe and Africa.

- Retired Navy Capt. Michael D. Hooth served as director of the Directorate of Facilities Management and director of the Directorate of Supply Operations between 1990 and 1993.

- Calvin Martin served in multiple positions within DLA Energy between 1973 and 1996 including environmental control officer for the Defense Fuel Supply Center, director of Quality Assurance and Technical Operations and deputy director for the Business Integration Center.

- Sharon Murphy began her contracting career with DLA Energy in 1985, was instrumental in several key organizational programs, and served as the director of the Aerospace Directorate in San Antonio, Texas, from 2001 until her retirement in 2013.

As Chapin acknowledged each honoree, he talked about the reality and burden of current national events not only affecting DLA operations but also its people. He stressed how important events like the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are.

“We are here to recognize the accomplishments of some truly outstanding individuals who have molded many of the people in this room today,” Chapin said. “But, events like this also offer us an opportunity to reflect on our own service.”

He encouraged the audience to think about the bigger picture of the DLA Energy mission and what it means to be a leader.¬¬

“We come to work, we do the best we can,” he said. “Ask yourself why you come to work every day ... ask yourself if what you do is important to the warfighter.”

The recognition event was more than a ceremony to honor the new members. It was a gathering of colleagues, mentors, friends and family. In fact, Chapin equated it to a family reunion. 

“Everyone knew each other,” he said. “We've all been to those family reunions when you get to see people you haven't seen in a very long time and that's exactly what it felt like ... DLA Energy isn’t a location, it’s not a building, it isn’t a sign, it is all of us.”

As each one of the inductees spoke, they recognized their success stems from a long line of those who came before them – and those who will come after. 

“I am humbled by this honor,” Martin said. “I know there are numerous other people who could be standing here based on their great contributions to DLA Energy and worldwide support of the mission. I thank you for deeming me worthy.”

“What made my jobs really great were the people,” Hooth said. “I have received impressive support from others who helped me over the years - bosses, peers, coworkers, friends and family.”

Murphy offered a piece of advice that she said changed the course of her career and helped shape her leadership style. 

“Always raise your hand for the hard stuff, the challenge and say ‘put me in coach,’” she said reflecting on her natural gas contracting experience and not backing down from an opportunity to influence change. 

When Bradley’s oldest son, Chad, accepted the honor on his father’s behalf, he held back tears as he reflected on his father’s career.

“You can’t write the history of the Defense Logistics Agency or military logistics without my dad in it,” he said. “He earned it.”

Leaders like Bradley, Hooth, Martin and Murphy helped shape the future of the DLA Energy mission and its people. Their work ethic, leadership and contributions paved the way for today’s energy solutions. 

“You not only laid the foundation of what we do and how we do it, but also the foundation of leadership that has enabled Energy to continue to be an amazing organization,” Chapin said. “My personal thanks for taking your time, effort and dedication to grow an amazing group of folks that have come up in your footsteps. You should be very proud of not only your own accomplishments but the legacy that has followed behind you.”

To learn more about the DLA Energy Hall of Fame leaders, their significant accomplishments and career highlights, read the next edition of the Energy Source that will include features on each inductee. A video highlighting this year's inductees can be viewed on DLA Energy’s YouTube page.