# DLA Distribution’s aide-de-camp promoted to Army captain

/ Published Jan. 2, 2024
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution’s Aide-de-Camp, Army 1st Lt. Joel Mock, was promoted to captain in a ceremony held at DLA Distribution headquarters Jan 2.Mock’s mother, Army 1st Sgt., retired, Jeannetta Mock, and father, Army Master Sgt., retired, Joseph Mock, as well as daughter Jahari-Grace was present as Mock’s wife, Leah-Michelle pinned captain’s bars to his uniform.

A native of Fort Knox, Kentucky, Mock was commissioned in the Transportation Corps through the Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps at the University of Central Florida in December of 2019, earning a bachelor’s degree in communications.

His first duty assignment was with the 58th Transportation Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, as the transportation advanced individual training company executive officer in April 2020. In September 2021, Mock served with the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, as an aerial delivery platoon leader and maintenance company executive officer. In January of 2023, Mock was selected for the aide-de-camp position at DLA Distribution which he began in May of 2023.

DLA Distribution Commander, Navy Rear Adm. Grafton Chase, said Mock’s previous Army experiences as well as his current position here led to his promotion.

“Serving as aide-de-camp is no easy feat and can be extremely hectic.  Whether serving as an executive administrator, travel agent, map reader or mind reader, the aide is expected to do it all. While hectic, serving as aide can be very rewarding and can provide an educational experience that can further serve as a foundation for a long and varied military career.  In Joel’s capacity here at DLA Distribution, he’s had the opportunity to learn how this organization functions, how we interact with, and support our key customers and he’s observed our challenges as well as how we tackle those challenges. Being part of the command staff allows him to see the business operations at all levels,” said Chase, adding, “This is just the beginning of many more promotions for Joel as he is an extraordinary officer with plans for a 20-year or more career.”                 Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Commander, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Grafton Chase, left, administers the oath of office to newly promoted U.S. Army Capt. Joel Mock during a ceremony held at DLA Distribution headquarters January 2, 2024. Photo by Diana Dawa, DLA Distribution Public Affairs.                            DLA Distribution’s aide-de-camp promoted to Army captain                            Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Commander, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Grafton Chase, left, administers the oath of office to newly promoted U.S. Army Capt. Joel Mock during a ceremony held at DLA Distribution headquarters January 2, 2024. Photo by Diana Dawa, DLA Distribution Public Affairs.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Diana Dawa, DLA Distribution Public AffairsVIRIN: 240102-D-WD427-6694

Mock shared his appreciation and gratitude with those in attendance on the guidance he’s received while assigned to DLA Distribution.

“You all are largely responsible for where I’m at (in my career). Something as simple as offering guidance – it goes a long way. I’ve had a lot of interactions with many of you that really stuck with me. Being so young in my career and getting the opportunity to see how senior servicemembers and civilians interact and what will be expected of me when I get to that level is truly a blessing and sets a great example.”

Mock largely attributes his success to his close-knit family.

“My parents are my inspiration. My mom navigated the plains of being a woman of color in the Army in the early 80’s, and she shot to top of the ranks. My father challenged stereotypes about people of color in the combat arms – he shot to the top of the ranks. You are my inspiration.”

As a small token of his appreciation, Mock presented his wife Leah-Michelle with red roses during the ceremony.

“My wife has been by my side since the beginning, she cares for soldiers as much as I do, she takes care of our daughter and our home while I’ve been away and has never once complained. She is my rock star and my spiritual and moral guide.”