# Lawyer, judge joins DLA Energy Hall of Fame

/ Published April 5, 2022
FORT BELVOIR, Va., 
The Arab oil embargo and energy crises of the 1970s shocked the nation as it experienced its first-ever peacetime gasoline shortage. “Panic at the pump” and “gasoline fever” put the nation on edge raising legal issues and supply concerns that were felt around the globe. 

From 1975-1988, Defense Logistics Agency Energy’s General Counsel Martin Harty played an influential role using his legal expertise and understanding of political processes to guide the Agency through the unprecedented petroleum marketplace. 

                DLA Energy Hall of Fame ceremony returns                            After a two year pause due to COVID-19, four former employees were inducted into Defense Logistics Agency Energy Hall of Fame in a ceremony at McNamara Headquarters Complex, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, March 22. Photo by DLA photographer Chris Lynch.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DLA photographer Chris LynchVIRIN: 220322-D-HE260-1001

For his broad knowledge of the law, keen business judgment, innovative leadership and mentoring of junior lawyers, Harty became a distinguished member of the DLA Energy Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, March 22.

“Mr. Harty’s leadership created a legal office that epitomized DLA’s values of diversity and inclusivity and afforded legal professionals a positive, value-based collegial work environment,” said retired DLA Energy Supply Chain Counsel Howard Kaufer and one of Harty’s mentees. “His ability to interpret and apply the relevant law and regulations helped the Agency’s senior leaders develop pioneering commercial methods needed to obtain fuel in the volatile global market.”

During his career, Harty faced many challenges as the oil markets created unique challenges to the procurement and logistics communities, driving legislation and economical change. The petroleum marketplace in the 1970s and early 1980s was influenced by various environmental, political, and economic forces, and periodic oil embargos and supply shortages, creating unprecedented price volatility. 

A recognized leader in the procurement community, Harty navigated these challenges helping to develop the pioneering commercial methods needed to obtain fuel in the volatile global market.

“Fuel never stops moving,” Harty said. “We put out heads down and looked up and it was 10 years later.”

Among his notable achievements was his work with the Department of Energy in their enforcement actions against oil companies for violation of the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973. Harty provided information on contracts to support compliance audits helping the Agency recoup millions of dollars in refunds for oil company pricing violations. 

Harty played a significant role in the development of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.  He helped identify contracting solutions to reduce the impact of disruptions in supplies. He worked on DLA Energy’s first exchange agreements whereby government-owned crude oil was exchanged for contractor-furnished crude oil used to fill the SPR.

Harty was instrumental in leading the Agency’s response to sensitive foreign policy and legislative matters during the late 1980s. His vigilance and sensitivity provided the information necessary to ensure foreign sanctions were effective without the unintended loss of important fuel suppliers, which would have resulted in millions of dollars in higher costs. 

In 1984, he developed and implemented a peer review program in the DLA Office of General Counsel, resulting in more effective, timely legal services. Harty was responsible for hiring attorneys who later became leaders in DLA Energy including three former Chief Counsels, two former Deputy Chief Counsels, one Supply Chain Counsel, and one senior employment counsel. 

Two of Harty’s attorneys, Edwin B. Neill and the late James Hendley, served as judges on the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. Elizabeth Grant and Harty himself later served on the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals. 

“Marty built a professional, well respected legal office, establishing the office's vital role in supporting the Energy mission,” Kaufer said. “His leadership and advice were respected and sought out by DLA Energy Commanders and senior leaders over many years.”Harty later served as the Deputy General Counsel for DLA Logistics Operations from 1988-1990. After retiring from DLA, he served as a Judge on the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals from 1990 to 2006. Since retiring Harty has provided mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution services in connection with commercial and government contracts. 

When asked what the thinks about being inducted into the DLA Energy Hall of Fame, Harty said he was surprised. Harty stumbled to find words before saying that he doesn’t focus on the past. 

“I tend to be forward looking,” Harty said. “I always challenge my grandchildren to live in the present while reflecting on the past and how it can inform the future.”

He added that his grandchildren would say that he always reminds them that the present is properly viewed as the “flowing now.”

“It’s a real honor to be remembered. I always valued my time at fuel,” he said. 

Induction into the DLA Energy Hall of Fame acknowledges the vital role people play in DLA Energy’s current and long-term success. It honors and preserves their exceptional service, dedication, and contributions. Current and new generations of employees should look upon the inductees as role models and inspiration to motivate them to continue their stellar support to the Warfighter.