# DLA Distribution, DLA Installation Management Susquehanna, DLA Installation Management San Joaquin recognized for outstanding performance at virtual DLA 53rd Annual Employee Recognition Awards Event

/ Published Jan. 29, 2021
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Nineteen individuals and teams from Defense Logistics Agency Distribution and two installations garnered accolades at the agency’s 53rd Annual Employee Recognition Awards event Jan. 28. The awards program recognizes outstanding performers in all segments of the DLA workforce and includes 54 awards in 14 categories. Due to COVID-19, this year the winners were recognized in a virtual ceremony with the video link posted to DLA’s Facebook page. 

In her opening remarks, DLA Director, Navy Vice Adm. Michelle Skubic noted how impressed she was with the workforce given the challenges of the past year. “The year 2020 was like no other. During America’s time of need, DLA came thru in spectacular fashion. Our employees gave us plenty of inspiration upon which to draw. Since my arrival in July, I’ve been in frequent communication with senior leaders at the highest levels of the military and federal government around the world. Those leaders truly appreciate what DLA brings to the table in support of our nation. They know that DLA brings effective and efficient solutions to the logistics challenges they face. That’s a powerful testament to you, to us, the DLA team.”

“Your dedication, work ethic, knowledge and talent make our mutual success possible. There were scores of nominations this year which was great to see. I’d like to thank all the supervisors for taking the time to recognize your employees for their great work. Please keep it up.”

DLA Distribution winners were awarded in the following categories:

Top Ten Outstanding DLA Personnel of the Year:Category A - Paolo Pappalardo, DLA Distribution Sigonella, ItalyCategory B - Cassandra Glos, DLA Distribution Headquarters

Leader of the Year:Level 3, New Civilian Supervisor- Jabari Giles, DLA Distribution Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

Employee of the Quarter:Category A civilian grades 1 through 6 - Jed E. Ballesteros, DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California

Team Award:Medium Category – DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas, Packing, Packaging, Preservation and Marking Team

Military Personnel Awards:Joint Reserve Force Field Grade Officer of the Year – Army Lt. Col. Dominick Versace, U.S. Army ReserveJunior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year – Petty Officer 1st Class Roberto Horton, U.S. NavyJoint Reserve Force Junior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year – Petty Officer 1st Class Salina Miller, U.S. Navy Reserve

Enterprise Safety Excellence Awards:Safety Champion of the Year – Enrique Garza, DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, TexasEmployee Safety/Voluntary Protection Program Team Award – Aerial Delivery Glass Team, DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania

Security Professional Award:DLA Junior Security Professional of the Year – Tyrell Rice, DLA Distribution Anniston, Alabama

EEO Award:Achievement in EEO by an Employee – Kristen Roberts, DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California

Acquisition Excellence Award:Excellence in Acquisition - Karen Ghani, DLA Distribution

Installation Support Excellence Awards:Outstanding Police Activity of the Year - DLA Installation Management San Joaquin, CaliforniaDLA Police Officer of the Year – Officer Bryan Spikes, DLA Installation Management San Joaquin, CaliforniaDLA Supervisory Police Officer of the Year – Lt. Michael Geesaman, DLA Installation Management Susquehanna, PennsylvaniaDLA Firefighter of the Year – Firefighter/Paramedic Bret Mitchell, DLA Installation Management Susquehanna, PennsylvaniaDLA Fire Service Instructor of the Year – Firefighter Kelly Lemmons, DLA Installation Management Susquehanna, PennsylvaniaDLA Fire Prevention Program of the Year - DLA Installation Management Susquehanna, Pennsylvania

“To our honorees, you are leaders and the best of the best. Your collective accomplishments epitomize excellence and the true spirit of DLA,” said Skubic, summarizing the event, “The success of any organization comes down to its people, and at DLA, we have the very best.”