# DLA Energy Commander addresses workforce

/ Published July 12, 2022
FORT BELVOIR, Va., 
Defense Logistics Agency Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas shared command related news and recognized employee accomplishments during a hybrid event held in the McNamara Headquarters Complex auditorium, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, July 6.  

The all hands kicked off with the viewing of a new DLA Energy Americas East video, produced by DLA Video Director Jim Miller. The video showcases the region’s efforts in supplying bulk fuel and other energy products to more than 1,000 customers and over 200,000 transactions per month supplying 2.2 billion gallons of fuel annually. 

Canlas discussed the National Defense Authorization Act Sec 352 that directs U.S. Transportation Command to be the “Element Responsible for Bulk Fuel Management and Delivery” for the Defense Department on a global basis.

“This is a fast-moving target,” Canlas said. “A course of action was selected which was to rewrite the Unified Command Plan to transfer the executive agent fuel role to TRANSCOM. DLA Energy will continue as the Integrated Materiel Manager role...from procurement all the way to the point of sale.”

Other topics of discussion included recent employee recognition and the Energy workforce Reintegration Reentry into the workplace. 

Canlas explained that DLA continues to adhere to and enforce DoD COVID-19-related safety guidance and began reentry to official duty locations on May 9, 2022. Reentry is dependent on several factors, including but not limited to mission requirements, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 community levels, and DoD health protection condition. 

                DLA Energy Commander addresses workforce                            DLA Energy Deputy Commander David Kless congratulates the DLA Energy employees who were awarded the DLA Energy Awards Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2022 during an All Hands at the McNamara Headquarters Complex auditorium, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, July 6. Photo by DLA photographer Christopher Lynch            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DLA photographer Christopher LynchVIRIN: 220706-D-HE260-1030

DLA Energy Deputy Commander David Kless congratulated the Energy Employees who were awarded the DLA Energy Awards Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2022. Learn more about the DLA Energy winners in this DLA news story. 

He also recognized DLA Energy Okinawa’s Christine Pamplona and the DLA Energy East Pacific team who earned the Excellence in Federal Government awards from the Honolulu-Pacific Federal Executive Board. DLA Energy East Pacific received the Team Excellence award and Pamplona received the Federal Employee of the Year in the Professional, Administrative, & Technical category. 

DLA Energy Public Affairs Specialist Connie Braesch was recognized for taking third place in the Defense Media Merit Awards for her feature article, “A High-Quality Career” about Mike Purkey’s 50-year career in the military and as a DLA Energy quality assurance representative.

Canlas recognized the 2022 DLA Hall of Fame inductee Kathryn Fantasia. Fantasia is the former Direct Delivery Fuels director who began her career in the clerical field and broke through the “glass ceiling” becoming a GS-15s and role model, mentoring the female and male leaders who would follow them.  

Kless introduced the ongoing efforts to transform the Strategic Communications Group into a Commander’s Action Group, led by interim Director Bruce Blank. 

“I believe the formation of a strong, efficient CAG is of value to both the Command and the entire organization,” Kless said. “I ask for your support as we look to build its roles and responsibilities and its resources over the coming months.”

Kless and Canlas went on to discuss and promote several professional development opportunities including the DLA Energy Shadow Program, rotational assignments, advisory and integration council opportunities, and more. 

“If you haven’t figured out the theme here today... My number one priority is to develop professional leaders,” Canlas told the audience. 

He encouraged employees to take advantage of all the opportunities available both in DLA Energy and across the DLA enterprise. 

These quarterly events help keep employees informed and in touch with leadership. The next event is scheduled for October 2022.