# DLA Distribution Red River, Texas, command changes hands

/ Published June 21, 2023
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Army Lt. Col. Joseph J. Lee took command of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Red River, Texas, from outgoing commander Army Lt. Col. Sonia I. Huertas during a change of command ceremony June 14. DLA Distribution Commander, Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, Jr., officiated the ceremony.

“Over the past two years of her command, lieutenant colonel Huertas has faced, on multiple occasions, what many people would refer to as ‘once in a lifetime’ events,” said Chase. “Sonia never backed down, and continually delivered success and growth.”

As the commander for DDRT, Huertas managed the logistics support of over 61,000 items, totaling in excess of $9.7 billion dollars in assets which, as evidenced by the past year, have played a critical role in global events, support of the warfighter and the security of our nation and those of our allies. Huertas’ next assignment is at Inter American Defense College at Fort McNair, Washington DC.

During the ceremony, Huertas was awarded with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for her outstanding leadership over the past two years.

In taking command of DLA Distribution Red River, Texas, Lee took command of the third largest distribution center in the DLA Distribution network.

                The colors are presented during the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Red River, Texas, change of command ceremony by a multi-branch of service color guard, June 14, 2023. Photo by Adrienne Brown.                            DLA Distribution Red River, Texas, command changes hands                            The colors are presented during the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Red River, Texas, change of command ceremony by a multi-branch of service color guard, June 14, 2023. Photo by Adrienne Brown.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Adrienne BrownVIRIN: 230614-D-D0441-0001

Lee has served in a variety positions from tactical to operational assignments throughout heavy, light and special operations formations, supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine. He hails from Prince George, Virginia, where he graduated from Virginia State University after earning his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Course in 2005. He later earned his Master of Science degree in Logistics Management with a concentration in Disaster Relief Logistics from the Florida Insitiute of Technology.

Lee spent the last seven years supporting special operations throughout the world, most recently as the logisitics operations chief for Special Operations Command Europe after his tour as the commanding general’s executive officer and headquarters commander. As part of his key developmental assignments, he served as the operations officer for the 528th Special Operations Sustainment Brigade, responsible for the integration of signal, medical, intelligence and logistics support for Army Special Operations. Additionally, he served in the 1st Infantry Division as a brigade logistics officer, where he supported an Infantry Brigade Comabt Team through multiple command post exercises to Africa and subsequently, as the executive officer for the 701st Brigade Support Battalion. At the company grade level, he commanded a forward support company in the 82nd Airborne Division, deployed to Southern Afghanistan and served as platoon leader and shop officer in the 3rd Infantry Division deployed to Iraq.

Lee’s awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, multiple Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, the Operation Resolute Support Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Parachutists Badge and various other awards.