# DLA Energy receives Excellence in Federal Government Awards

/ Published May 11, 2022

Defense Logistics Agency Energy employees earned Excellence in Federal Government awards during a ceremony at the 66th Annual Honolulu-Pacific Federal Executive Board EXPO at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Officer’s Club May 6.

DLA Energy East Pacific received the Team Excellence award and DLA Energy Okinawa’s Christine Pamplona awarded the Federal Employee of the Year in the Professional, Administrative, & Technical category.

“The Honolulu-Pacific FEB and its awards program helps to build bridges among the region’s federal agencies,” said DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas. “The program is a respected form of employee recognition and appreciation, reinforces pride in federal service, and helps call public attention to the broad range of services provided by federal employees.”

Canlas, who chaired the program for three years at another location, said he knows how tough the competition is for these awards. “To be selected and recognized at this level is a great accomplishment.” 

Recognized in Team Excellence category, DLA Energy East Pacific delivers comprehensive energy solutions across the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area. Located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, the regional office oversees 276 million gallons of bulk fuel at 10 locations and a $50 million ground fuels contract supporting 32 customers across 42 locations. 

To support the closure of Red Hill, the team vigorously worked with DLA Energy senior leadership to develop a resilient bulk fuel supply chain to support INDOPACOM operations. When the Industrial Gas Markets were disrupted on Oahu because of COVID-19 hospitalizations and depleted liquid oxygen resources, the team worked to find solutions with stakeholders, tracking inventory levels and developing mitigation strategies to prevent mission impact to the warfighter. 

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from the Federal Executive Board,” said CDR Bill Jakubowicz. “It is a great privilege to serve warfighters in the Indo-Pacific Area of Operation and advance strategic energy initiatives across the Pacific.”

As a Federal Employee of the Year in the Professional, Administrative, & Technical category, Pamplona was recognized for her management of the DLA Energy Okinawa $3.3 million operating budget and her leadership across the region helping seven section chiefs forecast a seven-year budget requirement worth $43 million. As a Government Purchase Card billing official, she certified the managing account and exceeded compliance goals reviewing 167 transactions totaling $166,000. 

“She streamlined the budget execution process to effectively evaluate expenditure variances and trends to ensure consistency with budget policies and programs,” said DLA Energy Okinawa Commander Air Force Maj. Tony Anderson. “Christine’s ability to quickly adapt to any situation, lead her peers and co-workers, and work with both Master Labor Contractors and U.S. civilians throughout Pacific region has been invaluable to our success.” 

Pamplona said she is grateful that her leadership notices her hard work and dedication.

“To earn this award is a big deal, and I am beyond grateful to my leadership for the opportunity to receive this award,” she said. 

You can learn more about Pamplona is a recent DLA Energy employee spotlight for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The Federal Executive Board’s mission is to increase the effectiveness of the federal government by strengthening coordination of government activities and acknowledging the individual agency’s highest-level contributors. 

Each FEB agency may nominate one candidate or team for each of the seven award categories: 
      - Team Excellence
      - Federal Leader/Supervisor/Manager of the Year
      - Federal Employee of the Year – Professional, Administrative, and Technical 
      - Federal Employee of the Year – Clerical and Assistant  
      - Federal Employee of the Year – Trades and Crafts
      - Exceptional Community Service 
      - Mentor of the Year