# DLA Energy Commander briefs workforce

/ Published Jan. 15, 2020

To help kick things off for the New Year, the Defense Logistics Agency Energy Commander addressed employee during a town hall held in the Fort Belvoir McNamara Headquarters Complex auditorium, Jan. 7.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Albert Miller took the opportunity to thank the workforce and recognize the challenges Energy employees faced over the last year.

“2019 had some turbulence; thank you for your grace and hard work,” Miller said. “It wasn’t business as usual. We had cash positions to mitigate and made decisions to defer fuel purchases. Some of that turbulence is behind us and additional turbulence lies ahead. Together, the DLA Energy family will go forward.”

Miller emphasized the outstanding work performed by DLA Energy and thanked the supervisors for putting in the effort to submit their employees for awards. 

“We crushed it in the 52nd Annual DLA Employee Recognition Awards and won in areas we never won before,” Miller said. 

DLA Energy won 13 awards, more than any other DLA major subordinate command or J-code, and Miller said he wore a path in the carpet on his many trips to the stage. 

Other congratulations were offered to DLA Energy Middle East quality assurance specialist Steven Surgeon and DLA Energy Korea employee Richard Rivera for receiving the Superior Civilian Service Award. Bulk Petroleum Products Division Director Erin Ralph received the meritorious civilian service award.

Two employees received the honor of being selected for Employee of the Quarter for their performances during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2019. Brian Reed, DLA Energy Americas East inventory management specialist, earned the WG/WL/GS-7 to 12 category and Michael H. Van Dongen, DLA Energy Quality Technical quality program manager, earned the GS-13 to GS-15 category for the period of Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.

Longevity and service was the theme when Miller recognized DLA Energy Quality Technical Directorate employee Dana Davidson for his 45 years of federal service. DLA Energy Americas East Quality Assurance Representative Shawn Lee Browning and Senior Procurement Analyst Vivienne L. Clark were recognized for their 40 years of federal service.

Following the recognition, DLA Energy Safety Director Dr. Brenda L. Smith briefed the importance of winter safety, highlighting the necessity to drive safely in the snow and to be cautious when shoveling.

“Shoveling snow is grueling,” Smith said. “It can put many people at risk of heart attack, especially those who have inactive lifestyles.”

Miller welcomed the new Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Coordinator, Ella Warren. She hails from DLA Troop Support in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The new DLA Energy Deputy Commander, Eric Smith, introduced himself as a Dallas Cowboys fan to a round of applause. Smith spent 25 years as an Army logistician and retired from DLA as an Army colonel. He spent time at Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Energy, private sector and was lucky enough to return to DLA, he said.

“It’s great to have you on the team,” Miller said.

After taking several questions from the audience, Miller concluded the town hall with a heartfelt thank you.