# Former Customer Operations deputy director inducted into 2022 DLA Energy Hall of Fame

/ Published Nov. 10, 2022
FORT BELVOIR, Va. , 
High school intern Linda Barnett began her career at Defense Logistics Agency in the early 1980s when there were few women in senior management positions.

Little did she know that years later she would eventually become the deputy director of DLA Energy Customer Operations, responsible for supplying contracting expertise and experience and long-term continuity to the division employing more than 100 civilian and military personnel. 

                Linda Barnett (center) holds her induction plaque with Defense Logistics Agency Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas (left) and Deputy Commander David Kless during the 2022 DLA Energy Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Oct. 31, 2022. During her 35 years of federal service, Barnett led multiple organizations and was recognized for her exemplary work in improving the integration of bulk petroleum management across agency and directorate lines to bring value to the customer. Photo by DLA photographer Chris Lynch                            Former Customer Operations deputy director inducted into 2022 DLA Energy Hall of Fame                            Linda Barnett (center) holds her induction plaque with Defense Logistics Agency Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas (left) and Deputy Commander David Kless during the 2022 DLA Energy Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Oct. 31, 2022. During her 35 years of federal service, Barnett led multiple organizations and was recognized for her exemplary work in improving the integration of bulk petroleum management across agency and directorate lines to bring value to the customer. Photo by DLA photographer Chris Lynch            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Photo by DLA Energy Public AffairsVIRIN: 221031-D-HE260-1041

For her long-term contributions in developing contracting solutions, Barnett was inducted in the DLA Energy Hall of Fame in the McNamara Auditorium, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on Oct. 31.

“I started in 1980 at DLA Headquarters as a GS 3-4 in the 300 series in the Programs and Analysis office pulling data,” Barnett said. “The word was out that Fuels was the place to go. Folks were happy, proud, to serve, seemed like a family and they ‘fueled the forces’ ....it even sounded cool. Within a couple years, I found my way to Fuels.”

Barnett later went on to positions of increased responsibility within facilities, contracting, international agreements and as the chief for the Ocean Tanker branch. 

“I moved from the Ocean Tanker branch to the Inventory and Distribution division – where I got to be more involved in transportation and larger distribution efforts,” she said. “I tend to not really think about being in a male-dominated environment – unless it is in a humorous way. However, I have often noticed that I would be the only female in a meeting or on a trip.”

Barnett’s performance in this role was so exceptional, she was selected by DLA Energy’s leadership as the 2005 Tier III DLA Leader of the Year.  

“This recognition is the icing on the cake of 35 plus years,” Barnett said after being presented with a Hall of Fame plaque by DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas. “It was not expected but is appreciated,” she said.  

Often the only woman in a room, Barnett never blinked. She let her knowledge and contracting expertise speak for itself. By doing that, she laid the foundation for a diverse and inclusive workforce. 

In her role as the former deputy director of DLA Energy Customer Operations, Barnett was responsible for supporting the Department of Defense and federal agency customers who generated roughly 100 million barrels in sales of bulk petroleum products valued at $14 billion in fiscal 2015.

During the induction ceremony, Canlas remarked on Barnett’s contributions.

“During her storied career, she led multiple organizations and made lasting improvements in every organization she touched,” he said. “Linda was recognized for her exemplary work in improving the integration of bulk petroleum management across agency and directorate lines to bring value to the customer.” 

“We still enjoy the leadership she paved the way for within this organization,” Canlas added.

Barnett thanked several DLA Energy employees, notably former Energy Hall of Fame members Mike Broderick and John Bartenhagen.

“They taught me motivation,” Barnett told the audience. “Nothing motivates like being sent to the North Pole of Alaska in late November and told you can’t come home until the Eielson Air Force Base pipeline issue is resolved. I learned fast.”

DLA Energy Hall of Fame inductees are selected for selfless service and dedication that contributed in a meaningful and lasting way to our mission of providing resilient energy solutions to the Warfighter and Whole of Government.

“I have been very fortunate to have been part of this unique Fuels community at DLA Energy,” Barnett said. “I appreciate those I worked with and for and everyone has had some impact on my environment and me.”

Current and new generations of employees should look upon the DLA Energy Hall of Fame inductees as role models and inspiration for the traits and ideals they possessed.

“I encourage everyone to be open and engage with those around you,” Barnett said. “Learn from others; give others a chance to learn from you. We are all truly the sum of all the characters and characteristics we surround ourselves with. I know I am.”

Two other former DLA Energy employees were also inducted into the Class of 2022 Hall of Fame. Read more about them in this DLA news story or learn more about all of the inductees on the DLA Energy Hall of Fame webpage.