# DLA Disposition Service director applauds workforce for outstanding support to warfighter

/ Published Oct. 15, 2022
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon addressed the global workforce during the first town hall of the new fiscal year Oct. 12 at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, Battle Creek, Michigan.

                DLA Disposition Services director addresses workforce                            DLA Disposition Services director addresses workforce during the most recent Director's Call at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, Battle Creek, Michigan, on Oct. 12.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Kelly BurellVIRIN: 221014-D-D0441-415Cannon begins each town hall recognizing the most recent employees’ achievements and awards. This time around, he recognized two employees whose efforts during Operation Allies Welcome allowed the delivery of 14,500 cots and 48,700 additional items that included blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, and more. The original acquisition valued totaled approximately $1.6 million in urgently needed supplies.

In July, DLA Disposition Services said farewell to previous Deputy Director U.S. Army Col. Fran Taylor as she moved onto her next assignment at the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. During the live town hall, the new Deputy Director U.S. Army Col. Andre L. Toussaint was introduced to the team.

“We are very blessed to have Col. Toussaint,” Cannon said. “I’ve enjoyed working with him in the few short months he’s been here and I’m excited to work with him for the next two years.”

Toussaint, a California native, pre-recorded his introduction as he was away visiting a DLA Disposition Services’ site during the live event.  

“Happy to be here; I wish I could be there in person,” he said. “I love being here, I love being in this part of the logistics enterprise. All of you are such fantastic subject-matter experts and I look forward to learning a lot from all of you.”

Other topics covered included a recap on the Contingency Operation Readiness Exercise that was executed in July, a year-end reflection on the DLA Disposition Services’ strategic initiatives, a material handling equipment safety brief, and information on the upcoming Warehouse Management System deployment.

“It’s a big deal and I’m really happy where the team is at,” Cannon said referring WMS progress. “Keep an eye on this one, it’s a big deal for us.”

WMS is a method to streamline storage and distribution warehousing functions across the agency. Design and testing will continue this year and system rollout will begin in 2023.

The town hall culminated in the most recent unique turn-ins submitted by the various sites located around the world. Notable submissions included a $105,000 surgical microscope, a Gibson Les Paul guitar, an armored BMW sedan and a mechanical bull.

“It was a great fiscal year 2022,” Cannon said. “We met the mission of our customers, we handled some pretty unique challenges, supported Operation Allies Welcome – in addition to our regular mission. I applaud you for the outstanding support we continue to provide the warfighter. Looking forward to next year.”