# DLA Energy Commander bids farewell to workforce in a video town hall

/ Published June 19, 2020
FORT BELVOIR, Va., 
Defense Logistics Agency Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Albert G. Miller held his final all hands town hall with employees through a video recorded, June 17. He will be changing command with Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas on June 23.

The maximum telework situation due to coronavirus precautions has most of the workforce working from home as the agency prepares to enter phase one of reconstitution. Employees can watch the video at this go.USA.gov link (Common Access Card-enabled site).

“Today is a bittersweet day,” Miller said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at DLA Energy. I regret that I can’t engage the workforce face to face and thank everyone for what they do.”

Miller encouraged the Energy workforce to read the DLA Director’s June 16 email on civil unrest.

“Within our sphere of influence, we can no longer tolerate the environment we are in today,” Miller said. “Everyone is urged to show respect for diversity and try to understand where people are coming from.”

DLA Energy Deputy Commander Eric Smith spoke about summer safety staffing concerns, upcoming senior leadership transitions, and thanked Miller for his advocacy, leadership and setting the foundation for future success.

Miller shared employee related news and recognized employees who reached career milestones in federal service.

Length of service recognition for 30 years went to: Janaebernette Meyers, James Lamm, Frankie Silver, Ronald Staten, Sherilyn Aribon, Glenn Bashara, Leonard Backus, Paul Nasi, Emmanuel Stockdale, Douglas Billig, Ardandy Brown, Marc McConahy, Patrick Draper, Pamela Jaeger, Kimberly Binns and Lonnie Ferrell.

Ten individuals were acknowledged for their 35 year of service. They included: Christel Haygood, Julio Banez, Higinio Ramirez, Sean Lucas, Michael Argrue, David Gherlone, Michael Bradow, Linda Ryan, William Moore and Janie Waring.

Five people were recognized for their 40 years of service: Mark Hines, James Fetzner, Shawn Williams, David Ray and Joseph Wright.

The following people were presented with the Superior Civilian Service Award: DLA Energy Middle East employees Benjamin Beadles and Tracy Sims; and DLA Energy Europe and Africa employees Elias Odar, Leonard Cole, Gregory McCray, Ariana Suerodelgado and Tony O’Neal.

The Meritorious Service Medal was presented to David Alexander, Frank Rechner, Aybike Arslan, Kirk Moats and Darcy Hall.

Miller congratulated DLA Energy Americas Air Force Technical Sergeant Zachary Beggin for receiving the DLA Junior Non-Commissioned Officer of the second quarter award of fiscal year 2020.

In recognition of their superior COVID-19 efforts, certificates of appreciation were presented to U.S. Marine Corps Reservist Maj. Malashenok, Air Force Capt. Kelaher, Air Force Master Sgt. Karras and Air Force Master Sgt. Stevens.

Joint Service Achievement Medals for COVID-19 efforts were presented to Army Lt. Col. Gatus, Army Lt. Col. Daniel, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Renquist, Army Maj. Benton, Army Capt. Lagunas-Booty, Army Capt. Gaitan and Air Force 1st Lt. Bierschbach. The Joint Service Achievement Medal was also presented to Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Hopson and Naval Reservist Petty Officer 1st Class Kontaxis. 

The Joint Service Commendation Medal was presented to Air Force Reservist Maj. Park, Air Force Capt. Spears, Army Reservist Capt. Hall, and Air Force Capt. Kelaher.

Defense Meritorious Service Medals were presented to Navy Cmdr. Michael R. Wilson, Air Force Lt. Col. Amanda Shumaker, Army Lt. Col. Craig Daniel, Navy Cmdr. James P. Zakar, Air Force Maj. Justin D’Agostino, Air Force Maj. Chance, Air Force Master Sgt. Karras, Air Force Master Sgt. Carpenter, Air Force Master Sgt. Pyramides, Army Sgt. 1st Class Shadle, Air Force Tech. Sgt. McLeod, Air Force Master Sgt. Stevens. 

Miller sincerely thanked the workforce for all they do to support the Warfighter and the whole of government. 

“I hope I’ve been able to contribute to this organization,” he said. “My goal at the end of the day is to get the feedback to make this a better place to be.”

There isn’t a single thing I did, he added. “You did it.”