# DLA Distribution employees presented commander’s coins

/ Published Oct. 9, 2019
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Commanding Officer Navy Rear Adm. Kevin M. Jones presented coins to several DLA Distribution headquarters employees Sept.17. 

From DLA Distribution’s J9, Donnie Thompson was recognized for his compassion for the warfighter, our employees and his fellow citizens. Thompson not only works hard for DLA Distribution, he also volunteers in his community. He was at the forefront ensuring Distribution was ready to respond where our country needed us during Hurricane Dorian, completing orders and travel arrangements for more than 10 active duty and reserve military and more than 50 civilians. 

Army Sgt. 1st Class Lee and Army Staff Sgt. Lewis were also commended for their exceptional commitment to the DLA Distribution Reserves. This dynamic duo routinely think and act outside the box to support the Distribution mission by enabling both organic and non-organic Reservists  to be brought on Active Duty orders in support of contingencies, hurricanes and short fused requirements. Melvin and Lewis are laser focused on their customer—the warfighter, without losing sight of their key stakeholder—the taxpayer.

Ria Blackwell, DLA Distribution J5, has been instrumental in bringing the “outside the continental United States” transportation portion of the F-35 global transportation and distribution project into DLA Distribution. As an integral member of the DLA F-35 team, she has dedicated significant time, above and beyond her normal duties to the complex planning effort required to support one of the Agency’s top priorities. Blackwell’s efforts have directly assisted DLA Distribution in introducing the F-35 program as a best value logistics solution.

David Collins, DLA Distribution Installation Support, received a coin for his work to keep the agency compliant with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In particular, when he received notice that an NRC inspector was scheduled to visit DLA Distribution Warner Robins, Georgia and DLA Distribution Albany, Georgia, he went to the distribution centers to conduct a pre-inspection walk-through. He then accompanied the inspector to both DDWG and DDAG. It was no surprise that both assessments passed with flying colors.

Jeff Weber, DLA Distribution J4, was recognized for leading his team to meeting all metrics in the intermediate document format for business transaction data transfers “OF-49” area for over 12 months straight. Weber always does a fabulous job putting together the quarterly briefing with the DLA headquarters process owner and consistently receives positive comments from headquarters and the other major subordinate commands. His work has ensured that the IDoc OF-49 transactions remain auditable. Weber continues to leads his team down the path of excellence.

DLA Distribution General Council employees Nicole Decker and Darren Hall were also recognized. Decker does a fantastic job advising the DLA Distribution sexual assault response coordinators, command, and the Sexual Assault Response Team on sexual assault program issues. She also provides valuable support to a surges in investigation work. Hall received a coin for being an invaluable leader as the DLA Distribution General Council supervisory paralegal for the past five years.  

Joe Crowley and Benjamin Bailey with J7 were recognized as well. Crowley has performed his duties in an exemplary manner, reflective of a seasoned contract specialist, even though he just recently completed the DLA Pathways to Career Excellence program. A hardworking young man, Crowley is an excellent communicator and works well with DLA customers and vendors.  He approaches his work in a positive manner, is a proactive problem solver, and is able to manage a variety of actions at once. Crowley’s supervisor stated: “I would like to have several ‘Joes’ on my team!” Bailey currently works on a team dedicated to construction contracting and capital equipment contracting. He has expanded his knowledge by learning this type of contracting and is working independently to learn the nuances of construction and capital equipment contracting. Bailey works closely with our customers, contractors and contracting officer representatives to ensure successful performance of each contract, keeping management informed of any issues or concerns that may require attention. Bailey’s understanding of contract principles and quality of work exceeds expectations for someone new to the career field. 

Jacob West and Deb Youngblood, DLA Distribution J3, were recognized for their commitment to the agency. Youngblood received recognition for her outstanding assistance and knowledge base for the F-35 proof of principle as well as for daily vendor shipment module operations and outstanding customer service. West was key in the planning and execution of the Bangor, Washington, 100% inventory project.  West’s coordination between Naval Sea Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center and DLA allowed the mission to be funded and executed in only one month. 

A special thanks to these employees for their efforts as part of the DLA Distribution team.