# Disposition Services Command Support Office thrives in 2021

/ Published Nov. 18, 2021
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. , 
This year presented new challenges as the world continued to operate in a COVID restricted environment. These challenges required some out of the box thinking from Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services programs and employees.

In the command support office, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Equal Employment Opportunity and Public Affairs offices continued their mission altering the execution style slightly but ultimately having great success with their 2021 accomplishments.                DLA Director Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic addresses All American Day at Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan July 28, 2021.                            DLA Director Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic addresses All American Day                            DLA Director Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic addresses All American Day at Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan July 28, 2021.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jace ArmstrongVIRIN: 210728-D-OS362-109

Hosting DLA Director Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, for the first time during her tenure as director was a 2021 highlight for DLA Disposition Services.

“It’s an honor for me to spend a little bit of time with all of you in Battle Creek,” she said during her July visit. “I’m very grateful for the mission of the team here.”

Skubic met with senior leaders and attended EEO’s annual All-American Day which featured refreshments and informational booths.

As a new way to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, the SAPR program organized a Teal Ribbon Relay - a first for SAPR and the agency. DLA Disposition Services Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Robin Rogers led the charge.

“It really came from the idea of, how can we stay connected during COVID because we are all spread apart and that’s where the idea of the relay came up,” said Rogers. “We can still connect all of our locations in a virtual platform.”

Each DLA major subordinate command was asked to compete and submit miles by running, walking or biking, with the goal of 1,026 miles – the total distance between all the DLA major subordinate command headquarters locations. Headquarters support functions, commonly known as J/D codes to the workforce, received a plaque for placing first with 8,314.47 miles and DLA Disposition Services came in second with 6,415.06 miles.

The Teal Ribbon Relay was an analogy of the large area the SAPR program supports.

“You could participate [in the relay] no matter where you were located, just like you can receive support and services no matter where you are,” said Rogers. “The SAPR program can provide services and resources to DLA employees in all locations.”                Ty Schmidt, the son of a HDI FC employee, volunteers his time to move donated food and gifts collected during the Adopt a Family program to brighten a families Christmas.                            DLA journalism competition winner for best photo in news photo category                            Ty Schmidt, the son of a HDI FC employee, volunteers his time to move donated food and gifts collected during the Adopt a Family program to brighten a families Christmas.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Jeff LandenbergerVIRIN: 201209-D-YU183-210

Additionally, EEO received two Agency Management Review best practice awards for their work in a virtual environment for their Special Emphasis Program and reasonable accommodations practices.

The expanding public affairs office also received an award in 2021. DLA Disposition Services Public Affairs Specialist Jeff Landenberger placed first in the DLA Journalism competition for best photo in the news photo category.

“This year, the office has experienced many changes and some of those changes, like the realignment, has allowed us to expand the support we provide,” said Dana Thornbury, the chief of public affairs for DLA Disposition Services. “It’s a very exciting time for the office. We are looking forward to wrapping up the year and telling the DLA Disposition Services story and sharing its history in the new year as we approach our 50th anniversary.”