# DLA Aviation military members recognized for excellence in warfighter support 

/ Published Jan. 20, 2021
RICHMOND, VA, 
The winners of the Defense Logistics Agency 53rd Annual Employee Recognition Awards program were announced Dec. 5 and DLA Aviation was well represented in the military personnel category. The award recognizes superior performance between Oct. 1, 2019 – Sept. 30, 2020.

Air Force Capt. Lisa McCarthy, a logistics career broadening officer within DLA Aviation’s Customer Operations Directorate’s Air Force Customer Facing Division, was named DLA Company Grade Officer of the Year.

McCarthy was on rotation to the Supplier Operations Original Equipment Manufacturer Directorate at the time of her nomination.

“Over the past year and a half, I have been able to witness the astounding work our civilian and military workforce has accomplished every day to support the warfighter. Even through unexpected [COVID-19] challenges, they continued to put their best foot forward, so yes, to be selected against these fine members of our Defense Department community is an honor,” McCarthy said.   

DLA Aviation Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. David Sanford nominated McCarthy. As part of his write up, Sanford stated, “Captain McCarthy epitomized those exceptional qualities most sought in today's military professional: integrity, commitment to the mission, and thirst for knowledge. In her roles as a career broadening officer, she made vast contributions to the core mission of DLA Aviation directly contributing to service warfighting readiness.” He continued, “As a member of the DLA Aviation team, Captain McCarthy is dedicated to exceeding requirements while providing the best possible support to the organization’s daily mission.”

McCarthy said Sanford personally called her to break the news of her selection.

“I was overwhelmed with gratitude when he shared the news,” McCarthy said.

Another DLA Aviation military member who was recognized for superior performance is Air Force Master Sgt. Elijah Loughridge. He’s assigned to DLA Aviation’s Joint Reserve Force Unit as a material manager. Loughridge was named the Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

“May all the glory go to God for how he continually gives us challenges to bring out the best in us and build our character,” he said.

Loughridge said he serves as a material manager within the unit due to his supply systems expertise as a DLA civilian. In his civilian job, Loughridge is a supply systems analyst at DLA Land and Maritime in Columbus, Ohio.

“I have gained a higher understanding of DLA’s mission as well as how the JRF can provide real value to the agency. I bring this perspective to every role that I take on to ensure the JRF makes the greatest positive impact for the warfighter,” he said.

In nominating Loughridge, Sanford highlighted his outstanding performance as a senior noncommissioned officer as a shining example of excellence in leadership and as one who exemplifies the characteristics of today’s military professional. Sanford said Loughridge demonstrated the top qualities required of today’s SNCOs: integrity, exemplary service, and a personal drive for excellence in all facets of life...a true professional with outstanding leadership qualities who has performed his duties in an exceptional manner.

“By being awarded the DLA Joint Reserve Force Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, I feel it adequately captured the service that I have provided to the Joint Reserve Force and reinforced the Air Force core value of “Service Before Self,” Loughridge said.

We salute Capt. McCarthy and Master Sgt. Loughridge. They clearly embody DLA’s five strategic lines of effort and have embraced the Air Force slogan to Aim High!

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the award ceremony will be recorded and released to the DLA workforce Jan. 28.