# Energy employees earn Enterprise-wide awards

/ Published March 11, 2020

Defense Logistics Agency Energy employees rose to the top receiving three enterprise-wide awards for the fiscal year 2019 fourth quarter.

In a memorandum to the entire DLA workforce, DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell K. Williams said the awardees were selected from many superb nominations. 

“Their efforts show true dedication to our Agency’s core values of leadership, professionalism and technical knowledge through dedication to duty, integrity, ethics, honor, courage and loyalty,” Williams wrote.

The Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro California Thermal Remediation Acquisition Team won the Director’s Strategic Goals Award for their efforts in awarding a $75 million remediation contract. The contract is a significant milestone in returning management control of the site to the Department of the Navy and saving millions of dollars in caretaker and remediation costs. As a result of their efforts, the team was recognized for strategic focus areas of Strong Partnerships and Always Accountable.

The team members are: 
      - Carol Devier-Heeney, Restoration Project Lead
      - Rhoji Fernandez, Contracting Specialist
      - Heather Adams, Contracting Officer
      - Owen Hassig, Contracting Division Chief
      - Melissa Roth, Contracting Director 
      - Jerry Kim, Legal Counsel 
      - Brian Schick, Environmental Specialist
      - Stephen Deatherage, Environmental Specialist
      - William Potter, Restoration Branch
      - Laura Fleming, Environmental Division Chief
      - Susan Stewart, Procurement Analyst
      - Christopher Tull, Procurement Analyst 

Michael Van Dongen was selected as the Category C (GS 13-15) DLA Employee of the Quarter for the 4th quarter of fiscal 2019. As the leader of the DLA Energy Americas East Quality Division, Van Dongen is responsible for managing the quality assurance of products and services at refineries and storage areas spread out over 37 states. Under his leadership, his team oversaw 9,300 bulk fuel movements, performed over 200 site visits and managed more than 220 Aerospace product movements.

“His selection is a testament to his superior performance and outstanding contributions to the DLA Energy mission,” said DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Albert Miller.

A subject matter expert on quality issues, Van Dongen was instrumental in re-establishing flying operations for Air Force KC-135 and F-16 aircraft when a suspected fuel contamination issue shut down flying operations at three Air Force wings. He immediately assembled a working group of DLA Energy quality representatives and the Air Force Petroleum Agency technical team to address the problem and get the sites operational as quickly as possible.

The DLA Support Team-Afghanistan, which includes two DLA Energy personnel Ronald Bock and Michelle Sands, was also recognized in the Warfighter First; Global Posture; Strong Partnerships; Always Accountable categories.

Bock and Sands utilized close working relationships with fuel operations soldiers at 11 Forward Operating Bases to ensure timely fuel deliveries. When deliveries became difficult, the DLA team leveraged close relationships for reach back to the DLA Energy Middle East team to shift vendor deliveries. The teamwork of soldiers, vendors and DLA ensured fuel requirements were always met.

“These outstanding teams and personnel displayed exemplary service, tremendous commitment, and reflect DLA Energy’s dedication to the Warfighter and DLA enterprise,” Miller said. “Please join me in congratulating them and all of the other winners throughout DLA.”