Congratulations to the 56 acquisition employees who were recognized for 

earning DAWIA and advanced training certificates during a fun, high-energy, allinclusive honors program on June 15.

The hybrid event brought together more than 210 people online and about 20 

people socially distanced in the conference room, many wearing silver shiny 

superhero capes to honor the theme, “Acquisition Professionals of Steel.” 

“The planning team pivoted to execute the program virtually which more than 

doubled the number of participants in the program,” said DLA Energy Acquisition 

Workforce Development and Intern Office Division Chief Ditu Kasuyi. “We are 

committed to making our events more inclusive, engaging, and memorable. 

It takes more planning, collaboration, and determination to create such an 

experience, and we know that our team is up to the task.”

DLA Energy Head of the Contracting Activity and Supplier Operations Director 

Gabriella Earhardt quoted Brian Herbert in her encouraging speech to the 

workforce. “The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. The 

willingness to learn is a choice,” she said. 

Lorraine Gallagher participated online saying, “In all my years, I must say it was 

the most enjoyable and uplifting ceremony that I’ve attended.”

CONGRATULATIONS TEAM!

Acquisition Professionals of Steel

Read the story and see the list of honorees in this DLA news story

ENERGY CONNECTION

Energy Team, 

 I hope everyone has something fun lined up 

for the long weekend to celebrate our nation’s 

247th birthday. As you head out on your 

outdoor adventures, please do so with safety 

in mind. 

 Watch the weather and heat indexes, drink 

plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and cool off 

in the shade when needed. If you’re headed 

out on the water, wear life jackets, closely 

supervise children and practice water safety. 

 Use caution around grills, bonfires, fire pits, 

and fireworks. Even simple sparklers can burn 

skin and the pointed ends can be hazardous. 

Be aware of and obey all state and local 

firework laws/ordinances. 

 Finally, make sure and always buckle up, 

give your full attention to driving and avoid 

all distractions like phones, food, other 

passengers, etc.

 This summer we have four regional changes 

of command. I want to personally thank those 

who are outgoing and welcome those who 

are incoming. At Americas, we wish you all 

the best COL Heflin and welcome back to 

COL Carrasquillo. At Americas West, a huge 

thank you to CDR Kim and welcome to CDR 

Maazouzi. In Korea, thank you LTC Medina for 

all you’ve done and welcome LTC Han. Finally, 

in Japan, we said goodbye to Maj Coffman and 

hello to Lt Col James Smith. Please help me 

give all of them a warm welcome. 

 I want to call your attention to page 2 of the 

newsletter where you can find information 

on how to nominate employees for the 55th 

Annual Employee Awards and the DLA Energy 

Hall of Fame. Please consider nominating your 

current and former colleagues to recognize 

their hard work and contributions. 

 Have a great weekend but do so responsibly. 

Happy Birthday America!

A MESSAGE FROM 

CHIEF OF STAFF

Col Keith Mecham

HQC/NCR COVID-19 Status: HPCON B

Continue max telework until your designated re-entry date. Face masks not required in 

the HQC Complex but are required for HQC Child Development Center.

Volume 2, Issue 12 July 5, 2022

Core Values: Leadership, Professionalism & Technical Knowledge through Dedication to Duty, Integrity, Ethics, Honor, Courage & Loyalty
The next DLA Energy All Hands was 

postponed to Wednesday, July 6.

- Check your Outlook calendar for details - 

July 6: DLA Energy All Hands, 8:30am

July 18: Donuts w/ Deputy, GS-13 and below, 10am and 6pm

July 20: Coffee w/ Commander, GS-13/14 Div/Sec/Branch Chiefs,

8:30am and 5pm 

Mark your calendars!

DLA Energy Lunch and Learn: USAJOBS application process

DLA Human Resources specialists outlined the process for 

USAJOBS applications during a virtual DLA Energy Lunch and 

Learn June 7. Read more in this DLA news story. 

Ayodele Warburton graduates Naval 

Postgraduate School

Warburton graduated with a Master of 

Science in Contract Management from 

the Naval Postgraduate School June 17.

Read more about the program in this 

DLA news story.

HAIL & FAREWELL

Do you know someone who’s legacy has left a significant 

mark on DLA Energy? Did their exceptional service and 

dedication contribute the long-term success of DLA Energy? 

If so, nominate him/her for the DLA Energy Hall of Fame! 

For information contact Irene.smith@dla.mil. 

Nominations are due by Friday, July 8. 

Kathryn Fantasia, former Director of 

DLA Energy Direct Delivery Fuels and a 

2018 DLA Energy Hall of Fame inductee, 

is joining the DLA Hall of Fame! 

The 2022 class induction ceremony 

to be held at the DLA Headquarters 

Complex, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on 

Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at 1:30 

p.m. in the McNamara Auditorium.

Read more about Ms. Fantasia’s career in this DLA news story.

Inductees selected for the 2022 DLA Hall of Fame are:

• Edward “Ted” Case, former DLA Vice Director

• Benjamin “Gil” Perkins, former DLA Aviation Office of 

Counsel Director

• Janet Price, former DLA Aviation Procurement Process 

Support Director

• Kathryn Fantasia, former DLA Energy Direct Delivery 

Fuels Director 

• Janet Hoffheins, former DLA Human Resources Services 

Administrator 

• Keith Ford, former DLA Troop Support Clothing and 

Textiles Supply Chain Deputy Director 

HALL OF FAME

Farewell to CAPT Jay Hamilton

Welcome to 

CAPT Timothy 

Bellott, the 

new Facility 

Sustainment 

Director.

Welcome to Kevin Robinson as the new 

Deputy Comptroller. Kevin has been 

with DLA Finance Energy for 12 years in 

roles managing Accounting, the Budget, 

Financial Systems, and Accounts Payable.

Korea welcomed a new commander during 

a change of command ceremony at Camp 

Walker, Daegu, June 27. Farewell to LTC 

Jose Medina, thank you for your service.

Welcome LTC Dennis Han!

Welcome back COL Josiel Carrasquillo

who took command of DLA Energy 

Americas on June 30. 

 Farewell and thank you for your 

service COL Raphael Heflin.

Japan welcomed Lt Col James Smith during a change of 

command on June 27. 

Thank you for your service Maj Coffman. 

Farewell and congratulations to 

Americas Operations Director Dave Ray

who retired on June 15 serving 42 years 

combined service, 19 with DLA Energy. 

Read more in this DLA news story.

CAPT Bellott Brig Gen Canlas & CAPT Hamilton

LTC Han

COL Heflin & Dave Ray

COL Carrasquillo

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

55th Annual DLA Employee Recognition Awards

These awards provide a highly visible means for the DLA 

Director to recognize deserving superior performers in every 

segment of the workforce. Categories include:

10 Outstanding DLA Personnel of the Year

DLA Team Performance Awards

DLA Leader of the Year Awards 

Questions? Email DLAENERGY.AWARDSPROGRAM@DLA.MIL