# DLA Distribution Commanding Officer's Holiday Message

/ Published Dec. 24, 2019
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Distribution Teammates, as the holidays quickly approach and we all get a little lost in the rush of holiday shopping, decorating, and parties, I'd like to ask you to take a breath and look back on your accomplishments from this year ... I'm so proud of all of you!

This has been an eventful year for Defense Logistics Agency Distribution. In January, the Defense Department assigned F-35 global transportation and distribution and North American regional warehousing to DLA and the U.S. Transportation Command. We're viewing this as an opportunity for Distribution to support the F-35 for the next 50 years. We also established our first Public Private Partnership with Thales Defense & Security, Inc. at San Diego, Calif., established a Trans-Arabian Network long-term contract, modernization efforts through voice technology, tablets and mobile printers, piloted the new TRANSCOM Transportation Management System at San Joaquin, Calif., and the new Warehouse Management System at Corpus Christi, Texas, continued our Whole of Government support to Hurricane Dorian through the DDXX team, completed a 100% physical inventory count,  significantly reduced suspended stock,  and participated in exercises Talisman Saber in Australia and Saber Guardian in Europe. 

As you relax this holiday season, enjoying the company of family and friends, please remember the tens of thousands of American troops deployed all over the world in war zones such as Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. U.S. troops are also stationed in Germany, South Korea, Japan, and other countries, reassuring allies and deterring competitors. These Warfighters, the reason we do what we do every day, are not able to enjoy the holiday season with their loved ones. For the Warfighters, they accept that it's the way it's always been - the military is always on duty. The bottom line is - the U.S. military stands watch so the world can know peace.

I would also ask that you remember to stay safe in your travels and celebrate responsibly. I look forward to seeing all of you safely return from the holidays. The National Safety Council suggests being prepared for holiday travel by doing the following:

- Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency preparedness kit with you- Get a good night's sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving- Leave early, planning ahead for heavy traffic- Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled- Put that cell phone away; many distractions occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit- Practice defensive driving- Designate a sober driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs can cause impairment

Ms. Gonzales and I, and our families, wish to thank all of you for your dedicated support to the Warfighter, always on duty and out there keeping watch. Our warmest wishes go out to you and your families as you mark this time of year with family traditions and thoughts of peace on earth. HOOYAH Distribution!

Kevin JonesRDML, SC, USN