# Commentary: Thoughts on DLA's 60th Anniversary 

/ Published Sept. 16, 2021
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
Team,

We are now celebrating 60 years of DLA and its evolution. There is a lot to look back on as far as accomplishments and achievements. Our very own DLA Disposition Services team works tirelessly in CONUS and overseas environments to ensure we continue providing the highest level of support. Because of your great work, our warfighters around the globe have the necessary equipment to carry out their missions safely and effectively.

We all know the last year and a half has been very challenging as we combat the COVID-19 pandemic. It has forced us to make a lot of changes, some minor and others more drastic, in both our personal and professional lives. You have all performed admirably in the face of adversity. I am extremely proud of the work that our team has done to help support the nation in combating the pandemic. DLA Disposition Services has delivered N95 respirator masks, rapid test kits, ventilators and various medical property. The support the agency provides to both military services and first responders has been integral in saving countless lives. That is no small feat and something that all of you should be proud to have been a part of.

Over the years, our organization has been a part of providing humanitarian support to victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy and provided relief to refugees in Iraq. On top of providing humanitarian support, we are still accomplishing our everyday mission through reutilization, transfer and donation. That game-changing capability starts with the very building we are headquartered in. We are making excellent use of the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center rather than needing to build our own facility from scratch and at the expense of others. This is just one example of the ways DLA Disposition Services works to save the taxpayer money through fiscal stewardship.

As you all consider the day-to-day operations across our many sites, recognize the great work being done by our people. Not only are we providing a necessary service, but we are also saving taxpayers millions of dollars every day. We also have the good fortune to come across some amazingly unique items. It’s not just the office furniture and personal protective equipment that gets turned in. It’s seeing a Nathan’s hot dog stand or an historic American flag with 46 stars that paints a much larger picture than we realize. Some truly unusual items have been turned in across our sites and through them you can see the incredible diversity in our customers and in the services we provide.

As the agency has just completed its Afghanistan mission and we look back on our past, it also serves as a great time to look toward the future. While past accomplishments are wonderful, our agency must remain focused on continuing to progress forward and not remain complacent. Our customers depend on our workforce being at the top of its game at all times, as we have a no-fail mission to support the “Warfighter Always.” In your day-to-day lives be sure to take a moment and remember the role you play in the grand scheme – you each are a vital piece of DLA’s continued success. We have accomplished great things, and with our outstanding team I have every bit of faith that you will all continue DLA’s greatness in the coming years as well. and we can’t wait to celebrate our MSC’s own 50th anniversary milestone next year.