Award & Accolades • Legends Honored • Rapid Hurricane Relief

ENERGY

SOURCE

Defense Logistics Agency Energy Winter 2018
2 www.dla.mil/Energy

Commander

Air Force Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin

Deputy Commander

Guy C. Beougher

Chief of Staff

Army Col. Doug Henry

Public Affairs Officer

Irene Smith

Editor

Ronald Inman

Writing Staff

Tanekwa Bournes

Connie Braesch

Elizabeth Stoeckmann

Layout/Design

Ronald Inman

Address correspondence to:

ATTN: DLA Energy-DP

8725 John J. Kingman Rd.

Suite 4950

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6222

Commercial: 703-767-4108

Address email to:

EnergySourceMagazine@dla.mil

Energy Source is an official publication distributed by and for the 

Defense Logistics Agency Energy and energy-oriented clientele. 

Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of, 

or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Defense 

Logistics Agency or Defense Logistics Agency Energy. Energy Source 

is prepared by desktop publishing applications. Photos not credited 

are courtesy of DLA Energy sources.

From the Commander

Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin, USAF

Defense Logistics Agency Energy

Energy Source

Front Cover: Army Sgt. Michael Eaddy

Back Cover: Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Levingston Lewis

From the Commander

Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin, USAF

Defense Logistics Agency Energy

Energy Team,

 The past few months have been challenging as our 

nation recovers from several catastrophic natural 

disasters. People around the nation came together to 

support one another and we are proud to be a part of 

that team. This issue is dedicated not only to the people 

affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria but also 

to the warfighters and our federal partners who came to 

their aid to rebuild their communities. 

 We are not just a source of energy, but a source of hope 

and renewal. 

 Our mission success is not defined by the fuel and energy 

we provide or the supply chains we enable. Our people 

– and their support of the warfighter, our partners and 

customers every day – are what brings that mission to life.

 Recovery efforts from Harvey, Irma and Maria are 

unprecedented in scope, scale and complexity, and our 

people have been providing extensive and adaptive 

support since before Harvey hit Texas in August. Read 

more about how DLA Energy and our Task Force 

Americas team have been supporting these operations, 

starting on Page 18.

 Despite these tragic 

natural disasters, we 

continue to support 

warfighters around the 

globe without missing 

a beat. 

 It’s only fitting that 

this issue focuses on 

our people. You’ll read 

about Energy team members from our past and present who 

make us the high performing, agile and flexible organization 

we are today. We’ll celebrate highly esteemed DLA Energy 

leaders who charted our course, left lasting legacies and 

were inducted into the DLA Energy Hall of Fame in 

October. We’ll also recognize the United States Forces Korea 

Civilian Employee of the Year (chosen from among 16,000 

applicants!). Their stories are truly inspirational, and I 

encourage you to look to them as examples of how to work, 

collaborate, lead and innovate within DLA Energy and with 

our partners. 

 I don’t think I can truly express the depth of my 

appreciation for your outstanding efforts. I couldn’t be 

prouder of the work you have done, are doing now and 

will continue to do in the future – no matter what storms 

come our way. 

From the Commander

Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin, USAF

Defense Logistics Agency Energy
Energy Source l WINTER 2018 3

A Conversation with ...

 23 ...... Roger Hylton

FEATURES

6

4 Meet USFK’s Employee of the Year 

 Defense Logistics Agency Energy Pacific at Korea’s Kyu Sok Kwak

 earns United States Forces Korea’s 2017 Civilian Employee of the Year 

 honors in the Administrator of the Year category.

5 2017 DLA Energy Hall of Fame 

 Army Col. Gary Bradley, Retired Navy Capt. Mike Hooth, Calvin Martin

 and Sharon Murphy join the honored ranks of DLA Energy’s Hall of Fame

 during the second annual induction ceremony.

6 Army Col. Gary Bradley 

 Bradley served as commander of Defense Energy Support Center 

 Europe & Africa from 1996 - 1998 and is remembered as a mission- and 

 results-oriented leader with exceptional drive.

9 Navy Capt. Mike Hooth 

 Hooth was Defense Fuel Supply Center’s director of both Supplier 

 Operations and the Facilities Management Directorate from 1990 - 1993, 

 known for his unquestionable integrity and exceeding expectations.

12 Calvin Martin

 Martin worked at DFSC from 1981 - 1996 as Quality Assurance and 

 Technical Operations and Business Integration Center director. His 

 “walk the talk” leadership style made him a true legend in DLA. 

15 Sharon Murphy 

 Murphy worked at DFSC/DESC/DLA Energy from 1985 - 2013, was 

 Aerospace director from 2001 - 2013 and was an “out of the box” thinker 

 whose teams won many DLA and Department of Defense awards. 

18 DLA Energy’s Hurricane Support 

 DLA Energy provides unprecedented response before, during and after

 Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria devastated the U.S. and region. 

4

18

22

4

FEATURES

5

18
4 www.dla.mil/Energy

USFK Civilian Employee of the Year

Kyu Sok Kwak

 Defense Logistics Agency Energy Korea Inventory 

Management Specialist Kyu Sok Kwak was recognized as 

the 2017 United States Forces Korea Civilian Employee of 

the Year in the Administrator of the Year category during 

a ceremony at Yongsan Army Base, Seoul, South Korea, 

Sept. 20.

 In the category, Kwak was chosen from 50 nominees 

representing civilian employees in all commands as well 

as assigned, attached or tenant units of USFK and other 

Department of Defense activities in the Republic of Korea.

 “I never expected to receive an award like this,” Kwak 

said. “I’m happy to represent DLA Energy and thankful 

to my leadership and coworkers for making this a great 

place to work.”

 Kwak, known as the elder statesman of DLA Energy 

Korea, brings a quiet demeanor combined with a fierce 

knowledge of petroleum distribution to the ROK, his 

nominating supervisor said.

 “He has earned the respect and admiration of U.S. and 

Korean military and civilian employees, and I am so proud 

of him,” said DLA Energy Korea Inventory Specialist 

Supervisor Marc Lamontagne. “Today, he received welldeserved recognition as the best among a workforce of 

16,000 USFK civilians.”

 With more than 15 years’ experience in DLA Energy and 

fuels, Kwak’s masterful planning skills proved invaluable, 

providing subject matter expertise in the award of a 14.7 

million gallon fuel storage service contract valued at more 

than $13 million.

 Kwak’s contributions were essential to ensuring 

petroleum inventory and resupply to 22 USFK Defense 

Fuel Support Points throughout the ROK. Moving fuel 

between DFSPs in Korea requires a nomination in the 

Enterprise Business System. Kwak placed nominations for 

194 million gallons of JP-8 by pipeline, 13 million by barge, 

5 million by tank truck, 4.5 million by rail tank car and 

another 4.5 million by fuel exchange program. 2016 was 

an extremely challenging year for fuel planning in Korea 

because the international agreement that provides support 

for distribution infrastructure is pending expiration.

 “Mr. Kwak is an exceptional performer in his own 

right,” said DLA Energy Korea Commander Army Lt. Col. 

Faith Chamberlain.

 He flawlessly managed Korea’s Fuel Exchange Agreement/

Replacement-In-Kind (FEA/RIK) program. He hosted 

quarterly reconciliation events for each of the foreign 

services and an annual event validated by Headquarters 

International Agreements and DLA Finance personnel. The 

ROK and U.S. exchanged more than 13 million gallons of fuel 

during the calendar year, including 1.8 million gallons of fuel 

in support of Rim of the Pacific, the world’s largest maritime 

exercise. Kwak verified each transaction and reconciled 

totals for cash or RIK settlement with each service. Finally, 

he devised a plan for reconciling an in-balance, in-fuel 

exchange with the ROK Air Force. His innovative proposal 

for replacement-in-kind will potentially save the U.S. more 

than $3 million annually in petroleum distribution and 

transportation costs.

 Kwak streamlined reconciliation procedures for foreign fuel 

exchange, crafting an international agreement between the 

U.S. and ROK. The new agreement calls for reconciliation on 

a semi-annual versus a quarterly basis and brings the U.S./

Korea agreement into alignment with standard practices. He 

also coordinated efforts for a Sustainment Re-modernization 

Maintenance project at Yechon DFSP, enabling exchange of 

product between services.

 For his efforts, Kwak was presented a coin and certificate 

of appreciation by General Song, Kyung Sun, commander, 

Aero Resource Management Wing, ROK Air Force.

 Kwak also serves as mentor to Korean employees.

 “He is a true ambassador of Korean culture for the 

Americans who serve tours abroad,” his supervisor said. 

“Because Mr. Kwak is the epitome of a quiet professional, 

he very reluctantly accepts praise; he is, however, as 

deserving as any other employee.”

By Elizabeth Stoeckmann

Defense Logistics Agency Energy Pacific at Korea Inventory Management 

Specialist Kyu Sok Kwak (center) was recognized as the 2017 United States 

Forces Korea Civilian Employee of the Year in the Administrator of the Year 

award category during a ceremony at Yongsan Army Base, Seoul, South 

Korea, Sept. 20. Photo by Rick Rivera
Energy Source l WINTER 2018 5

 Four new members joined Defense Logistics Agency 

Energy’s Hall of Fame during the second annual induction 

ceremony at the McNamara Headquarters Complex, Fort 

Belvoir, Virginia, Oct. 24. 

 The 2017 inductees are: Army Col. 

Gary W. Bradley, retired Navy Capt. 

Michael D. Hooth, Calvin Martin and 

Sharon Murphy.

 “We are not recognizing these people 

because of any position or rank they 

carried,” said DLA Energy Commander 

Air Force Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin. “The 

basis for this recognition is the long and 

lasting impact they had on DLA Energy.”

 Chapin reflected on the importance of 

events like the Hall of Fame.

 “We are here to recognize the 

accomplishments of some truly 

outstanding individuals who have 

molded many of the people in this room 

today,” Chapin said. “But, events like this also offer us an 

opportunity to reflect on our own service.”

 He encouraged the audience to think about the bigger 

picture and what it means to be a leader.

 “We come to work, we do the best we can,” he said. “Ask 

yourself why you come to work every day ... ask yourself if 

what you do is important to the warfighter.”

DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin stands with 2017 Energy Hall of Fame inductees (left to right): Sharon Murphy, Calvin 

Martin, retired Navy Capt. Michael Hooth and Yusuk Bradley and Chad Bradley - who accepted the award on behalf of Army Col. Gary Bradley. The 

ceremony was held at the McNamara Headquarters Complex at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Oct. 24. Photo by Tanekwa Bournes 

 The recognition event was more than a ceremony 

to honor the new members. It was a gathering of 

colleagues, mentors, friends and family. In fact, Chapin 

equated the occasion to a family reunion. 

 “Everyone knew each other,” he said. 

“We’ve all been to family reunions 

when you get to see people you haven’t 

seen in a long time. That’s exactly 

what it felt like ... DLA Energy isn’t a 

location, it’s not a building, it isn’t a 

sign, it is all of us.”

 During the ceremony, each inductee 

humbly recognized their success 

stems from a long line of those who 

came before them – and those who 

will come after. But, it is leaders like 

Bradley, Hooth, Martin and Murphy 

who shape the future of DLA Energy. 

Their work ethic, leadership and 

contributions paved the way for 

today’s energy solutions.

 “You not only laid the foundation of what we do and how 

we do it, but also the foundation of leadership that has 

enabled Energy to continue to be an amazing organization,” 

Chapin said. “My personal thanks for your time, effort and 

dedication growing an amazing group of folks who have 

come up in your footsteps. You should be very proud of 

your own accomplishments and the legacy you leave.”

By Connie Braesch

DL A E n e r g y i n d u c t s f o u r n e w 

Hall of Fame leaders
6 www.dla.mil/Energy

A patriot, devoted husband and father, Army Col. Gary Bradley was posthumously inducted into the Defense 

Logistics Agency Energy Hall of Fame for his dedication 

and service to his country.

 Bradley was the commander of the Defense Energy 

Support Center Region Europe & Africa when he died on 

Sept. 9, 1998, as the result of an untimely accident when 

he was on temporary duty in Tunisia, Africa.

 “He was the most caring, patriotic and positive person 

I’ve ever met,” said his widow, Yusuk Bradley. “His 

children were everything to him; he was the most selfless 

man and a good Christian.”

 As an Army petroleum officer, Bradley served in 

challenging joint and combined assignments over the 

course of a 24-year military career.

 Bradley was enthusiastic in his role as a leader, his 

wife explained. She shared his command presentation 

that outlined his priorities, expectations of people and 

leadership hints.

 “Know what you want to happen (vision), make decisions 

fast (you will never have all the information), keep it 

simple, be flexible, expect something to get screwed 

up, develop contingencies, get near the action, develop 

priorities and generate enthusiasm,” Bradley wrote.

 Early in his career as a junior Army officer, Bradley 

served as a quality assurance representative in the 

Middle East area of responsibility where he inspected 

and distributed DLA fuel under challenging conditions. 

His career continued as the operations and maintenance 

officer with the NATO Central Europe Pipeline System, 

one of the largest and most complex pipeline systems 

in the world, with fuel operations in Belgium, France, 

Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

 “He was open and approachable and served as a role 

model for all,” said DLA Energy U.S. Transportation 

Command Liaison Officer Frank Wright, who wrote and 

prepared Bradley’s Hall of Fame nomination package. 

“He was a natural mentor to his junior officers, noncommissioned officers and civilian personnel in Korea, 

Okinawa and Bahrain.”

 As the commander of the 505th Quartermaster Battalion, 

Okinawa, Japan, the Army’s last and most diversified active 

petroleum command, (then Lt. Col.) Bradley was always 

thinking of ways to get the job done. In fact, to compensate 

for a shortage of JP-8 in Okinawa he had the vision to 

By Irene Smith

Army Col. Gary Bradley was an Army petroleum officer who served 

as Commander, Defense Energy Support Center Europe/Africa, 

headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany, from July 1996 to September 1998.

Photo courtesy of the Bradley family

convert Jet-A1 into JP-8. The 505th was responsible for six 

hardened fuel terminals, 100 miles of pipeline, a mono-buoy 

discharge system and an area petroleum laboratory. The 

battalion directly supported DLA Energy by providing inland 

distribution of more than 56 million gallons of DLA-owned 

peacetime operating stock and petroleum war reserves. 

 In 1995, Bradley was assigned to Headquarters, Defense 

Fuel Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as the Business 

Enterprise Office director, optimizing his extensive training 

and vast technical expertise.

 In July 1996, Bradley’s aspiring career peaked as 

the Defense Energy Support Center Europe & Africa 

Commander responsible for all DLA fuel support to the 

U.S. European Command. He supported the NATOled Bosnia peacekeeping campaign (Operation Joint 

Endeavor) and later the Kosovo peacekeeping missions. 

Under Bradley’s leadership, DLA Energy established the 

NATO fuel support mission in Split, Croatia, successfully 

supporting coalition forces with volunteers from DLA 

Energy. These efforts provided unparalleled support to all 

NATO partners, eliminated redundancy and inefficiency 

and resulted in millions of dollars in cost savings.

 “Throughout Gary’s career, he tirelessly focused on 

sustaining combat readiness and enhancing mission 

Army Col. 

Gary 

Bradley
Energy Source l WINTER 2018 7

operations while providing efficient and effective fuel 

support to the warfighter,” Wright said.

 Mark Iden, a former DLA Energy Supplier Operations 

director, served under Bradley when he was the Business 

Enterprise Office director at Defense Fuel Supply Center, 

Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and later became his deputy at 

Defense Energy Support Center Region Europe & Africa.

 “His expectation of people was (for them) to have a positive 

winning attitude, demonstrate professional expertise and 

show dedication, responsibility and loyalty,” Iden said. “As 

the DESC regional commander, Bradley’s top priorities were 

providing fuel at the right place and time needed and taking 

care of command personnel and their families.”

 Retired Army Colonel Ivan Bolden and his wife attended 

the Hall of Fame ceremony in memory of Bradley.

 “I met Gary in 1994 when I was the Carlisle Barracks 

garrison commander, and he was attending the Army War 

College,” Bolden said. “He was a tremendous athlete who 

could do anything and do it well, and one of the kindesthearted people I knew. I believed he was on track to be the 

DLA commander one day.”

 As Bradley’s seminar adviser, Bolden witnessed Bradley’s 

leadership propel his seminar class to a high level.

 “Gary excelled academically and athletically, and was the 

team leader responsible for the Army winning the coveted 

annual Jim Thorpe All-Service Athletic Competition,” 

Bolden said. “His seminar class won everything that year, 

from chili cook-offs to athletic events.”

 Bolden and his wife established close bonds with 

Bradley and his family.

 - Chad Bradley

On behalf of the Bradley family I want to thank everyone for attending, especially colleagues 

and friends. As I was flying to the ceremony with my brother and sister, we shared a lot of 

memories of vacations, skiing trips and playing cards. Those are the memories I still cherish. 

I know my dad worked hard. Many of you who worked with him know how hard he could be. 

(Laugh) But he wasn’t a leader that yelled. He just got the job done. 

When he was nominated for the Hall of Fame, I thought long and hard and talked with my 

sons about it ... the Hall of Fame is pretty cool. I knew he had earned it because you can’t write the 

history of the Defense Logistics Agency or military logistics without my dad in it. 

My dad used to tell my brother Josh that ‘Imitation is the height of flattery.’ We try to imitate 

my dad every day. 

Dad, we all love you. We miss you. And we’re proud of you.

 “We were friends of the family,” Bolden said. “When the 

tragic accident occurred, we were stationed in Europe and 

were among the first people to comfort his family.”

 In an emotional speech, Bradley’s oldest son, Chad, 

talked about his father and family memories during the 

Hall of Fame ceremony (read his words below). 

 

Chad and Yusuk Bradley are warmly greeted by friends and acquaintances 

in the receiving line following the 2017 DLA Energy Hall of Fame ceremony 

which included Army Col. Gary Bradley’s posthumous induction.

Photo by Tanekwa Bournes
Defense Logistics Agency Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin presents Col. Gary Bradley’s wife Yusuk and his eldest son Chad with 

a certificate honoring Bradley’s posthumous induction into the DLA Energy Hall of Fame, Oct. 24. Photo by Tanekwa Bournes

Traveling from Land O’Lakes, Florida, and Hampton, Virginia, Col. Gary Bradley’s family gathered for a group photo following the DLA Energy Hall of 

Fame ceremony Oct. 24. From left: son Matthew Bradley and his wife Rachel, Col Bradley’s son Josh Bradley, Chad Bradley, Col Bradley’s mother Ruth 

Girson, Col. Bradley’s brother Herbert Bradley and his spouse Margret Bradley, Col Bradley’s daughter Jillian Ammons, Col. Bradley’s wife Yusuk Bradley 

and family friend, Ronald Levine. Photo by Tanekwa Bournes

8 www.dla.mil/Energy
Energy Source l WINTER 2018 9

I nspired by John Wayne on a Navy recruitment poster, Mike Hooth joined the Navy and soon realized he was 

about to open the door to a life-long career as a Navy fuel 

logistics officer. 

 Retired Navy Captain and civilian leader Michael Hooth 

was among four inductees honored during the 2017 annual 

Defense Logistics Agency Energy Hall of Fame ceremony.

 Hooth served in a dual role as the director of both 

the Facilities Management directorate and the Supply 

Operations directorate for the Defense Fuel Supply Center 

from 1990 to 1993.

 “I’m honored to be part of this group and extend my 

thanks to everyone involved in this process and ceremony,” 

Hooth said during his remarks. “I’m very pleased and proud 

to see new and older people here today.”

 Hooth’s military career in the fuels community allowed him 

the opportunity to be a part of the evolution of DLA Energy.

 As the director of Facilities Management, Hooth was 

responsible for the transfer of funding for Service Owned 

Bulk Petroleum Infrastructure Maintenance, Repair and 

Environmental from the military services to DFSC. 

 Hooth said this was important for the military services 

to know that DLA Energy would manage and fund all 

distribution and sale of fuel, removing the responsibility 

from the service installations. In the end, DLA Energy 

By Elizabeth Stoeckmann

Navy Capt. 

Mike 

Hooth

would own all bulk petroleum products from the point of 

purchase until their final point of issue to power aircraft, 

ships and ground equipment.

 During this transfer, he initiated a comprehensive 

supply chain study to optimize the bulk fuel supply chain, 

which resulted in the closure or consolidation of more 

than 40 Defense Fuel Support Points. This also meant 

DFSC assumed funding responsibility for an additional 

319 bulk and retail DFSPs.

 As the director of Supplier Operations, Hooth directed 

petroleum support during military operations including 

Operation Restore Hope (Somalia), Operation Provide 

Promise (Bosnia) and Operation Southern Watch (Iraq) as 

well as military support to civilian authorities in response 

to Hurricanes Andrew (Florida) and Iniki (Hawaii).

 He said he was fortunate to work with great people, 

especially his two deputies, John Bartenhagen (1981 to 

2007) and Bill Robinson (1971 to 2001), also DLA Energy 

Hall of Fame members.

 “Any success I had here (Energy) was certainly due in 

large part to them,” Hooth said.

 During his distinguished career, Hooth was a leader in the 

Department of Defense worldwide conversion of JP-4 aviation 

fuel to JP-8 aviation fuel. While the overall conversion took a 

number of years to accomplish, he was responsible for laying 

out the road map and moving the project forward.

 His tireless efforts led to a flawless conversion in what’s 

Hooth talks with 2017 DLA Energy Hall of Fame inductee Calvin Martin, 

right, and 2016 DLA Energy Hall of Fame inductee Donald Peschka 

following the ceremony Oct. 24. Photo by Tanekwa Bournes
accepted as one of the largest and most far-reaching 

modifications to the DOD bulk fuel supply chain, 

according to his nomination letter.

 Hooth was instrumental in expanding the MRE program 

– the precursor of today’s Sustainment, Restoration and 

Modernization program, which provides maintenance and 

repair support to the DOD’s fixed fuel infrastructure. 

 The MRE program initially focused on DLA-operated bulk 

fuel facilities, but it significantly expanded under Phase IIB 

of the Integrated Material Management Plan. This expansion 

added maintenance funding responsibility for more than 

300 additional service-operated DFSPs to DFSC’s portfolio.

 Through process improvements and developments in 

support of the warfighter, the SRM program expanded from a 

$100 million budget in 1992 to a $600 million budget today.

 “Hooth’s innate ability to anticipate logistical challenges 

allowed him to implement initiatives that greatly 

enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of the program,” 

said DLA Energy Supply Chain Deputy Director and 

nominating official Dan Jennings.

 “I worked as a staff engineer for Mike when he was the 

commander of the Navy Petroleum office in the mid-1990s,” 

said DLA Energy Installation Operations General Engineer 

Dave Tourtellott. “He was a man of integrity, fairness, an 

excellent communicator and worthy of common sense and 

respect ... as good as they come.”

 After retiring as the commander of the Navy Petroleum 

Office in 1995, Hooth established his own company, 

Petroleum Management Consultants, at the urging of Calvin 

Martin, a fellow 2017 DLA Energy Hall of Fame inductee. 

 “This is what I am most proud of in my career,” he 

said. “I always felt that PMC was part of DLA Energy, 

and I’d like to thank all (DLA Energy) former employees, 

subcontractors and organizations that we supported. It 

was such a special time, working with these people.”

 His company provided training and consulting services 

to the Defense Energy Support Center and military service 

Energy offices for more than 18 years.

10 www.dla.mil/Energy

 “I worked for him for 15 years until he decided to 

close the company, and I then became a DLA Energy 

employee,” said DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce 

Development & Intern Center Trainer David Herrick.

 One of the first PMC employees, Herrick said he never 

worked for anyone who had higher integrity and concern 

for their employees than Hooth.

 “I have great memories of working with Mike, consider 

myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to do 

so, and probably wouldn’t be where I am today had I not,” 

Herrick said.

 Other colleagues said he is a man of unquestioned 

integrity whose dedication to excellence was 

demonstrated by the initiatives he implemented that 

continue to have a positive impact on the fuels and 

logistics communities to this day.

 “His ability to react to short-term or long-term requirements 

as needed made his PMC team an indispensable part of what 

is now DLA Energy,” Jennings said.

 The Navy veteran credits his wife and his family for their 

support through the years.

 “It’s not easy being a military family,” he said to his 

family in attendance. 

 His wife, Lourdes Hooth, attended the ceremony with 

the rest of the family. 

 “We met in Guam 29 years ago,” she said. “I’m so 

proud of him; he’s worked so hard for Energy. We 

support him, he supports us.”

 His daughter, Shana Conley, and sons, Chris and John, 

said they were very proud of their father. They echoed 

sentiments of passion, dedication to the military and the 

hard work of their dad. 

 “He valued relationships,” Conley said. “That’s why he 

was good with clients; he was a people person.”

 A respected leader, Hooth’s legacy endures and 

represents the standard for fuel support to the warfighter.

 “All in all, life around DLA Energy has been a great run 

... thanks again for everyone involved,” Hooth said.

Retired Navy Capt. Mike Hooth is all smiles among former colleagues during a reception before the ceremony, Oct. 24. Photo by Tanekwa Bournes
Energy Source l FALL 2017 11

Retired Navy Capt. Mike Hooth receives his DLA Energy Hall of Fame induction certificate from Brig. Gen. Chapin during the ceremony, Oct. 24.

Photo by Tanekwa Bournes

Hooth stands with his family for a photo following the 2017 DLA Energy Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Oct. 24. Photo by Tanekwa Bournes

Energy Source l WINTER 2018 11
12 www.dla.mil/Energy

to ensure that we complied with federal laws when 

transporting fuel to the customer. We conducted longterm planning for our storage facilities to ensure we 

mitigated harm to the environment.”

 In 1981, Martin was selected as the Quality Assurance 

and Technical Operations director and from 1981 to 1995, 

he led an initiative to convert military-specification jet 

fuel to the commercial equivalent product to increase cost 

savings for the government and reduce the reliance on 

military specification fuel.

 “He assisted in establishing a technical staff to engage 

with service engineering staff in moving specifications 

and standards to more closely align with industry,” said 

Quality Technical Support Directorate Deputy Director 

Lee Oppenheim.

 The team worked with industry to ensure the military 

would be able to purchase fuel at commercial airports 

within the continental U.S. The fuel had to meet military 

equipment requirements without the price being driven 

up, Martin explained.

 “We may have not started off knowing a lot, but we 

learned along the way. We ensured that we procured 

fuel within the customer’s requirements and got it to the 

customer. I did nothing on my own, it was all because of 

them — my team.”

 Lynda Turner at Naval Supply Command Energy worked 

with Martin and also knew him when she was a customer 

working for U.S. Navy Air Systems Command.

 “This early work set the focus for the later success of the 

Jet A conversion,” Turner said.

 Jet A conversion came in 2014, after Martin had 

Calvin Martin’s career centered on fuel, and to this day fuel remains his passion. 

 “In 1961, President John F. Kennedy wanted to put a man 

on the moon,” Martin said. “He wanted trained engineers 

and scientists that were black to be part of the group and 

I was glad to be chosen. I was part of a team of military 

engineers stationed at Air Force Research and Development 

Command, Edwards Air Force Base, California.”

 The team tested variations of fuels in order to find the right 

combustion that would get U.S. astronauts to the moon.

 Being part of that team fueled his long career in fuel.

 After serving in the Air Force for four years, Martin 

began his civilian career at Middleton Area Materiel 

Command at Olmsted Air Force Base, Pennsylvania. A 

year later, he relocated to Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, and 

eventually made his way to the nation’s capital.

 “I wanted to get back to working in fuels and decided to 

make a huge change,” he said. “I accepted a job with Defense 

Fuel Supply Center as an environmental control officer in the 

D.C. area. My goal was to advance in the field I love.”

 As the environmental control officer, Martin developed 

and managed an oil spill prevention program for more 

than 50 bulk petroleum and distribution terminals.

 “When I accepted the job in 1973, I was the only one in 

the program,” he added. “I added two employees under 

me, a water specialist and an air pollutant specialist, 

By Tanekwa Bournes

Calvin Martin presents Lynda Turner with a DLA Performance Award in 1995.

Photo courtesy of Calvin Martin

By Tanekwa Bournes

Calvin 

Martin
During a team meeting in 1990 Martin, at the chalkboard, works with his team to address F-96 problems and possible actions. From left to right: Jack 

Fabre, Calvin Martin, Lee Oppenheim, and Bill Carley. Photo courtesy of Calvin Martin

Energy Source l WINTER 2018 13

retired, when the U.S. Air Force required all of its bases 

to transition from using military-specific grade jet fuel to 

a civilian grade.

 Martin understood the importance of a close 

relationship with industry. He ensured DLA Energy was 

active in standardization governance bodies including 

membership in the American Society for Testing 

and Materials, American Petroleum Institute, Air 

Transportation Association Energy Committee Task Force 

on U.S. Conversion to Jet A, International ATA Fuel Task 

Force and North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

 “I was chairman of ASTM for several years,” Martin said. 

“Our working group focused on burner fuels and kerosene.”

 He led several investigations of off-specification products 

as well as petroleum, oils and lubricants policy decisions.

 “Martin worked with the Environmental Protection 

Agency to change the dye authorized by EPA for use in 

off-highway (high sulfur) distillate fuels from blue to 

red. Blue was used in aviation gasoline and could cause 

confusion within the supply chain and disrupt aircraft 

fueling practices,” Turner said.

 Based on this work, Martin published the professional 

paper, “The Effects of Dyeing Diesel Fuel Blue, 

Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on 

Stability and Handling of Liquid Fuels, Rotterdam, the 

Netherlands, October 1994.” 

 Many who knew Martin refer to him as “Cal” and said 

he was a leader who took interest in their professional 

growth. He not only guided their direction but ensured 

they had the tools necessary to succeed. 

 Martin also managed and developed specialized 

commodity training and certification programs for the 

quality assurance staff and defense fuel region employees.

 Despite his goal-oriented attitude, he understood the 

importance of work-life balance and showed interest in 

his employees’ personal lives.

 “Cal went to my wedding and my daughter’s,” said 

Strategic Policy and Programs Director Regina Gray. “He 

cared about each and every one of his employees. I met 

him in 1984 and he was always a great sounding board 

and pushed those under him to take on more challenging 

tasks to grow in experience.”

 Thanks to Martin, Gray joined DLA Energy after 

working in the private sector in Houston, Texas, as a 

chemist. She was seeking more stability and wanted to 

expand her fuels knowledge.

 “He saw my resume and believed in me. I was a 

naïve 25-year old and knew nothing about the federal 

government,” Gray said. “Through his leadership style, I 

learned patience and integrity.”

 DLA Energy Executive Agent Office Chief Cindy Smith 

explained that Martin’s approachable demeanor added to 

his leadership style.

 “You could come to him if you had a problem and he 

would offer good advice and solutions based on his wealth 

of experience as a fuel chemist,” she said.

 Martin continued to serve the Quality/Tech division even 

after his retirement in 1996.

 “After retiring, he became a contractor developing tutorials 

and guides for newly emerging alternative fuels products 

to assist both DLA and customers in adapting to new 

requirements,” said DLA Energy Chemist Lindsey Hicks.

 While reflecting on his career, Martin explained that he 

received impressive support over the years, ranging from 

bosses and peers to his family and friends.

 “I’m really humbled by this honor,” he said. “I know that 

there are numerous other people who could be standing 

here ... based on their great contributions to DLA Energy 

and worldwide support of the mission. I thank you for 

deeming me worthy of being inducted... I’ve been blessed.”
Calvin Martin is congratulated and receives his DLA Energy Hall of Fame induction certificate from Brig. Gen. Chapin during the ceremony. 

Photo by Tanekwa Bournes

Martin talks with Quality Technical Support Directorate Deputy Director Lee Oppenheim, left, before the beginning of the Hall of Fame ceremony. 

Photo by Tanekwa Bournes

14 www.dla.mil/Energy
Energy Source l WINTER 2018 15

One of the most award-winning civilian employees in Defense Logistics Agency history, Sharon Murphy has 

earned high praise and recognition for both her professional 

accomplishments and leadership. As a newly-inducted 

Defense Logistics Agency Energy Hall of Fame member, she is 

profoundly proud of her 28-year DLA Energy career.

 “I felt every day that we made a difference, that we 

contributed, and what we did had real meaning and value 

to the warfighter,” Murphy said of her various leadership 

positions in DLA Energy from 1985 - 2013, culminating in 

her role as DLA Energy Aerospace Energy director.

 Murphy said she never considered working anywhere else.

 “I always felt my work was appreciated,” she said. “When 

you get that kind of gratification, why go somewhere else?”

 Murphy began her federal career in 1982 at the 

U.S. Army Korea Contracting Agency. In 1985, she 

moved to the Defense Fuel Supply Center as a contract 

administrator. She progressed quickly through the ranks, 

serving as director of both DLA Energy’s Alternative Fuels 

business unit and its Energy Enterprise Office.

 She established several DLA Energy programs including 

Natural Gas, Electricity, Utility Privatization and Energy 

Savings Performance Contracting, which were recognized 

with the Department of Defense Productivity Excellence 

Award in 1994 and Superior Management Award in 1995, 

the David Packard Acquisition Excellence Award in 1996 

and the DLA Scissors Award (for leading government 

reinvention) in 1997.

By Ronald Inman

Murphy is honored in 1990 by the National Contract Management Association and her coworkers for 

achieving a 4.0 GPA while earning her Masters in Contract and Acquisition Management from the Florida 

Institute of Technology. Left to right: DLA Energy’s Air Force Capt. Denean Rivera, Murphy, Don Peschka, 

Pat Hatcher and a FIT representative. Photo courtesy of Sharon Murphy

Sharon 

Murphy

 “(Former DLA Energy Facilities Management director and 

Energy Hall of Fame member) John Bartenhagen kidded me 

that the only reason my teams won awards and accolades, 

was because I was such a good writer,” Murphy laughed.

 All kidding aside, her teams continued to win awards for 

their innovative warfighter support.

 After contributing to the success of key DLA Energy 

programs including Bulk Fuels, Into-Plane, Posts, Camps 

and Stations and Ships’ Bunkers and serving as the 

Center Senior Procurement Official, Murphy accepted 

her next challenge. She moved to San Antonio, Texas, to 

serve as the director of DLA Energy Aerospace Energy. 

There, her team won two Packard Awards, the DLA Small 

Team Award and the DLA Green 

Products and Services Award 

during 2006 – 2007.

 Murphy said one of her 

proudest achievements during 

her career with DLA Energy 

was creating a new supply chain 

to provide helium support 

for aerostat balloons used for 

surveillance by ground forces in 

Iraq and Afghanistan – which 

earned one of two Aerospace 

Packard awards.

 “When you visit the Army’s 

testing sites for their aerostats, 

and you see the technology 

that’s in the belly of the aerostat 

balloons and the incredible 

intelligence that those cameras 

and that technology transmit 
16 www.dla.mil/Energy

back down to the ground – that actually saves our 

warfighters’ lives,” Murphy explained. “It can pick up 

cell phones, which can be used to detonate improvised 

explosive devices. It makes it all worthwhile.”

 “When we started helium support to Iraq, it was 

developing a whole new supply chain from the ground up 

for a commodity that was not organic to that country and 

had never been brought in before,” she said.

 Another accomplishment she is proud of is being an 

integral part of DLA Energy’s transition from a petroleumbased to an energy-based organization. As the leader 

of a team tapped to do 

demonstrations of total 

integrated energy management, 

Murphy was instrumental 

in starting DLA Energy on a 

clear path to our electricity 

mission, our energy savings 

performance contract program, 

our privatization program and 

expanding our natural gas 

program.

 Murphy’s legacy is not only 

in the programs she initiated, 

but also in the employees she 

mentored who are now leaders 

in DLA Energy.

 “Sharon Murphy is one 

of the most respected and 

knowledgeable contracting 

leaders I’ve met,” said DLA 

Energy Aerospace Energy 

Director Doug Smith, who 

worked for Murphy when she 

was Aerospace Energy director, 

before succeeding her in 2013. 

“She was an expert in her craft, 

and you could always count on 

her – if it was Sharon’s mission, 

you knew it would get done, and 

done right.”

 Smith wasn’t the only one 

impressed with Murphy’s 

outstanding work ethic.

 “I’ve been in the government 

petroleum and cryogenics 

business for 50 years, and 

Sharon Murphy has to be the 

brightest person I’ve ever worked 

for,” said DLA Energy Aerospace 

Energy Quality Program 

Manager James E. Young.

 Young said Murphy taught 

him to see the big picture, and 

not be satisfied with the status 

quo.

 “Study and learn everything 

you can about the entire 

business unit, be it requirements, contracting or finance,” 

Young said. “Get involved and prove that you are the 

person who can be counted on to get the job done.”

 DLA Energy Aerospace Energy Contracting Officer 

Barbara Peterson said she learned from Murphy’s 

leadership by example.

 “What made her exceptional was that she would be right 

there with you. She would never ask you to do something 

that she herself wouldn’t do,” Peterson said. “You couldn’t 

help but follow and respect someone with that kind of 

dedication to the mission. When an emergent requirement 

Murphy with fellow Aerospace Energy Helium team members during a Persistent Threat Detection System 

demonstration at Avon Park Bombing Range, Florida, in 2007. Photo courtesy of Sharon Murphy
Energy Source l WINTER 2018 17

came in, she would call all the players to her office and 

map out the plan to the goal. When we left, everyone knew 

what was expected of them.”

 DLA Energy Aerospace Energy Deputy Director Damon 

Moore gained insight from Murphy that still serves him well.

 “The biggest thing I took from working with Sharon 

that I use today is her ability to think strategically to solve 

complex issues to support the warfighter,” Moore said. “I 

watched how she analyzed challenging contracting and 

logistical issues to come up with sound solutions.

 “I just can’t thank her enough for the opportunities she 

gave me, the knowledge she shared and the confidence she 

showed in me; and when I made mistakes, turning those 

into teaching/mentoring moments,” he said.

 Murphy acknowledged her own mentors: former DLA 

Energy Contracting and Production deputy director and 

Energy Hall of Fame member Ed Biddle and former DLA 

Energy Bulk Fuels deputy director and DLA Energy and 

DLA Hall of Fame member, Don Peschka.

 “Any time I had challenges – and there’s nobody in 

the government or DLA Energy that doesn’t have them 

– I would use Ed as a sounding board. He is one of my 

favorite people in the world and I think I ended up where 

I did at DLA Energy largely because of his faith and 

confidence in me,” Murphy said.

 “Don and I had a special relationship and we were 

always able to mentor each other when we were CBU 

directors. I’m so very proud of his recent induction into 

the DLA Hall of Fame; he’s so deserving,” she added.

 After a long and successful career, Murphy still faced 

one more challenge – the transition to retirement.

 “When I retired, it was the hardest decision I think I’ve 

ever made because I knew I would miss the mission, the 

people and feeling good about what I did at the DOD,” 

Murphy said. “It is an incredible honor that my years at 

DLA Energy are being honored in such a way.”

 Since retiring in 2013, Murphy has continued to 

contribute to her community.

 “I decided that I was going to volunteer, stay active 

and give back,” she said. “We moved to my hometown of 

Temple, Texas, and I became involved with the church I 

grew up in and where my husband and I were married. 

 “I also served on the local school board and in August, 

was asked to be the interim head of school,” Murphy 

said. “I volunteer and don’t receive a salary. So I’m back 

to working. The children are wonderful. To see them 

learn and grow in a caring environment is something I’m 

committed to, and I’m passionate about it. Just like my 

time at DLA Energy, I feel like I’m making a difference, 

and that’s always been important to me.” 

Sharon Murphy receives her DLA Energy Hall of Fame induction certificate from Brig. Gen. Chapin during the ceremony Oct. 24. Photo by Tanekwa Bournes

Energy Source l WINTER 2018 17
 Defense Logistics Agency Energy Americas and Task 

Force Americas rapidly responded to not one, but three 

major hurricanes that struck within a 30-day time span. 

Deploying with only 13 to 18 people, TFA planned, 

coordinated and executed more than 

800 Federal Emergency Management 

Agency priority fuel missions providing 

nearly two million gallons of fuel to 

support response and recovery efforts 

in the wake of three consecutive 

storms. Each major hurricane made 

landfall within 10 to 15 days of 

one another, challenging response 

efforts in unique and substantial ways. Harvey brought 

massive flooding, Irma deadly storm surges and Maria 

catastrophic high winds.

 While DLA Energy employees were in place across the 

nation to support response efforts, TFA was on the ground 

in the impacted areas. As response efforts shifted from 

Texas to Florida and then to Puerto Rico, so did the fuel, 

supplies and personnel. 

Aug. 25: Category 4 Hurricane Harvey 

hits Texas with 130-mph winds

 In preparation for hurricane relief efforts, TFA 

Commander Army Lt. Col. Josielyn Carrasquillo and her 

team deployed to Fort Hood, Texas, on Aug. 24. Using 

3 Hurricanes, 

30 Days

By Connie Braesch

mobile command vehicle capability, they established a 

command and control post to set conditions for the arrival 

of FEMA contingency fuels contractor, Foster Fuels.

 “Task Force Americas communication systems were 

immediately up and running and 

in contact with all critical players,” 

Carrasquillo said. “In just two days, 

we staged 165 fuel trucks with diesel 

and gasoline at Hood Army Airfield, 

which was used as a FEMA fuel 

staging area in support of disaster 

relief efforts.” 

 Harvey devastated Houston, 

leaving a wake that the whole nation would feel.

 “From an energy perspective, Hurricane Harvey was 

very challenging because it struck at the heart of the 

petroleum production capacity of the United States,” 

said DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. 

Martin Chapin. “Nonetheless, it was a big challenge for 

our nation and Energy was able to provide sources of 

supply.”

 DLA Energy Americas Commander Army Col. Craig 

Simonsgaard explained how the DLA Energy Americas 

East team distributed critical fuel to the right place, at 

the right time, despite challenging conditions.

 “Americas East sent their deputy director, Tracy Keenan, to 

lead their Emergency Relocation Group to Fort Hood. Nine 

people handled all the short notice – really, no-notice – fuel 

A look at DLA Energy 

Americas’ rapid response

“In just two days, we 

staged 165 fuel trucks 

with diesel and gasoline 

at Hood Army Airfield.” 

18 www.dla.mil/Energy
missions that DLA was expected to perform under difficult 

circumstances,” he said. “Our normal jet fuel provider 

in Houston was offline so in less than 24 hours the ERG 

coordinated commercial trucks to pick up jet fuel at Dyess 

Air Force Base, move it to the outskirts of Houston, link 

those trucks up with local law enforcement and get the fuel to 

Ellington Field in the heart of a devastated Houston.”

 Ellington Field was the main hub for active U.S. Coast 

Guard search and rescue operations at the time – a high 

priority post-hurricane mission.

 In support of Hurricane Harvey, Carrasquillo said her 

team managed a fuel inventory of more than 600,000 

gallons and supported 66 missions and six forward 

staging areas. DLA Energy delivered 77,000 gallons 

of fuel to Department of Homeland Security agencies 

including the Transportation Security Administration, 

Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Sept. 10: Category 4 Hurricane Irma 

hits Florida with 185-mph winds

 As the next major hurricane, Irma, approached the 

coastline, FEMA began to redirect fuel, personnel and 

generators toward Florida. On Sept. 6, TFA deployed 

straight from Fort Hood to Warner Robins Air Force 

Base, Georgia, to facilitate arrival of contracted fuel 

and the staging of approximately 140 fuel trucks in 

preparation for post-storm response efforts.

 “Of course, our missions in support of Hurricane 

Harvey recovery weren’t completely done when we 

realized Hurricane Irma was going 

to be another major event,” Chapin 

said. “Because of Florida’s geographic 

layout, Hurricane Irma posed a 

bigger problem for DLA Energy ... 

we needed to move fuel through the 

Florida peninsula using barges and 

ports that weren’t available to us 

... it wasn’t a supply problem, but a 

distribution problem.”

 To move the fuel where it was 

needed most, TFA relocated to Camp 

Blanding Joint Training Center 

in Starke, Florida, bringing 215 fuel trucks and other 

support to the response area.

 “Our team closed down operations at Warner Robins 

and became 100 percent operational at Camp Blanding 

in less than 48 hours without degrading fuel operations 

inside the joint operations area,” Carrasquillo said.

 Twelve states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands 

declared emergencies due to hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

 In support of Hurricane Irma, Carrasquillo said TFA 

supported 57 missions across impacted areas including 

the U.S. southernmost point, Key West, and 22 forward 

and critical power plant staging areas. The team facilitated 

the delivery for FEMA mission assignment requests 

totaling approximately 767,000 gallons of fuel.

 The team’s impressive work had a direct impact on all of 

the relief efforts, Chapin said.

 “Every time a utility trucks goes out and power is back on 

for citizens, it’s because we provided them fuel and everyone 

who is supporting this effort should be proud,” he said.

Sept. 20: Category 4 Hurricane Maria 

hits Puerto Rico and the Caribbean 

with 175-mph winds

 Realizing the significant obstacles to transport fuel to 

the Caribbean islands following Hurricane Maria, DLA 

Energy and TFA began developing a concept of operation 

well ahead of the storm. They prepared to move fuel to 

Puerto Rico and other surrounding areas via barge as 

soon as ports were reopened.

 As they had previously done for hurricanes Harvey and 

Irma in Texas and Florida, TFA deployed to the region to 

provide command and control for the FEMA contingency 

fuels contract. However this time, they weren’t able to 

establish their post on the outskirts of 

impacted areas.

 “TFA arrived in Puerto Rico 

encountering a different concept of 

support,” Carrasquillo said. “This 

time TFA was operating within 

the affected areas. TFA needed to 

overcome the challenges of terrain, 

road conditions, zero communication, 

logistics nodes and language 

barriers.”

 DLA Energy Contracting Officer 

Daisy Williams, who was in Puerto 

Rico supporting TFA, had to overcome unique challenges 

to get fuel where it was needed. Williams even had to 

find a way to accept manual transactions since electronic 

processing methods weren’t possible.

“Our team closed down 

operations at Warner 

Robins and became 100 

percent operational at 

Camp Blanding in less 

than 48 hours...”

Energy Source l WINTER 2018 19
20 www.dla.mil/Energy

 “As I arrived on the island, I was not prepared to see the 

devastation these two hurricanes left,” she said, referring 

to Irma and Maria, which both impacted Puerto Rico and 

other Caribbean islands. “One hundred percent of the 

island was without power, no landlines or cell phones, and 

internet communications were almost non-existent.”

 Knowing the fuel storage facilities were likely to be 

severely damaged during the major hurricane, DLA 

Energy sent quality assurance representatives to Puerto 

Rico to provide assessments of the fuel infrastructure 

and bulk petroleum expertise to the U.S. Army 3rd 

Expeditionary Sustainment Command and FEMA.

 “The island-wide electrical grid and communication 

failures immediately hindered timely evaluations of 

capabilities and requirements support across the island,” 

TFA Quality Assurance Representative Terry Russell said. 

“Face-to-face meetings were required with customers to 

determine detailed requirements, supply shortfalls and 

arrange a variety of fuel sourcing options to eliminate 

mission shortfalls or failures.”

 Early in October, 120 DLA Energy-contracted fuel trucks 

carrying 433,000 gallons of fuel 

arrived at the Port of San Juan 

via barge. TFA immediately 

began supplying much-needed 

fuel to critical locations such 

as hospitals, kidney centers, 

elderly homes, orphanages, 

schools and shelters as well as 

federal responders and other 

Department of Defense forces.

 Realizing local fuel vendors 

could not support citizens’ needs, Carrasquillo and her team 

set up 10 regional staging areas to distribute gasoline and 

propane throughout Puerto Rico. Each area maintained 

5,000 gallons of diesel and 

3,000 gallons of gasoline on 

site to support federal first 

responders and generators 

throughout the island.

 Despite efforts to plan for 

all contingencies, they still 

faced challenges.

 “We loaded two fuel trucks 

on watercraft to respond 

to emergency requirements in Culebra and Vieques 

(two municipality islands),” Carrasquillo said. “We 

demonstrated that there are no impossible missions when 

we have a common objective: saving lives.”

 Through their daily travels and meetings, the team 

learned of a hospital, dialysis unit and orphanage in 

need of diesel support for emergency generators to keep 

critical systems operating. After clearing the request 

with FEMA, TFA delivered fuel to these locations.

 “This operation touched the hearts of our deployed 

volunteers and barely scratched the surface of those 

who assisted in the ongoing relief efforts,” Russell 

said. “There are a lot of success stories as we helped 

arrange and get fuel to hospitals, orphanages, elderly 

and out-of-the-way villages in the mountains, that 

make us feel good about what we are doing.”

 While Hurricanes Harvey and Irma challenged response 

efforts, Hurricane Maria’s impact on remote islands put 

coordination and teamwork to the ultimate test.

 “The collaboration and synchronization among all the 

key players such as FEMA, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment 

Command, 4th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 

Puerto Rico National Guard and the Puerto Rico Police 

Department have been fundamental in providing the right 

fuel despite the logistical challenges,” Carrasquillo said.

DLA Energy Rapid Deployment Team Liaison Officer Matt Moshier, left, 

and DLA Energy Americas East Quality Assurance Representative Terry 

Russell, right, check the fuel inventory log at the Aguadilla Regional Staging 

Area in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy of Task Force Americas

“Task Force Americas needed 

to overcome the challenges of 

terrain, road conditions, zero 

communication, logistics nodes 

and language barriers.”

Task Force Americas Commander Army Lt. Col. Josielyn Carrasquillo and 

Air Force Capt. Alexander Yee receive fuel trucks at Port of San Juan, Puerto 

Rico, Oct. 2. Photo courtesy of Task Force Americas
Teamwork

 While TFA directly influenced recovery operations in the 

impacted areas, other components of the DLA Energy team 

were also engaged in hurricane relief efforts. The DLA Energy 

Operations Center, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is the crisis 

management focal point during natural disasters, exercises and 

contingencies. The operations center would notify the DLA Joint 

Logistics Operation Center that FEMA had issued an activation 

fuel delivery order and became aware of any and all issues affecting 

DLA Energy’s ability to support FEMA’s fuel requirements. 

 Additionally, the DLA Energy Operations Center coordinates 

fuel support within the DOD joint fuel community (including U.S. 

Northern Command, DLA Energy regional offices, DLA Energy liaison 

officers and FEMA) to support Class III requirements.

 The DLA Energy Operations Center held daily synchronization briefings 

during hurricane response efforts, collecting mission assignments for fuel 

support, requests for information and requirements.

 “It is truly an enterprise effort requiring the DLA enterprise, FEMA, 

U.S. Northern Command and Foster Fuels to make this happen,” said 

DLA Energy Americas Operations Support Director David Ray.

 DLA Energy Contracting Officer Georgia Dotson oversaw all fuel 

contracting efforts for FEMA throughout the three hurricanes. 

 As the executive agent for Class III products, petroleum, oil and 

lubricants, DLA Energy provides support to FEMA through its multipurpose fuel contingency contact with a designated fuel contractor. 

Since March 2006, DLA Energy has provided ground fuel support to 

meet FEMA’s fuel requirements during presidentially-declared national 

emergencies and disasters.

 “There are a lot of moving parts and incredible people involved in 

making the support a success,” Dotson said. “Fuel is the feeding line 

of an entire area to recover from a disaster. Between relief efforts in 

Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, DLA Energy has provided more than 

1.3 million gallons of diesel and 380,000 gallons of gasoline.”

 DLA Energy Aerospace Energy also provided the Puerto Rico Air 

National Guard with 1,000 gallons of Aviator Breathing Oxygen from offisland sources after their local supplier exhausted all supplies. 

 DLA Energy quality managers and quality assurance specialists worked 

to bring the contractor’s liquid oxygen plant, which supplies aviator 

oxygen and medical oxygen for hospital use, back online.

Energy Source l WINTER 2018 21

 For Task Force Americas, this hurricane 

season has been historic. Although 

you were equally personally affected 

by the storms, you worked countless 

hours conducting 24/7 operations and 

displaying a commitment to provide 

the best fuel support. You meticulously 

reviewed FEMA-set priorities to integrate, 

synchronize and prioritize fuel capabilities 

toward operational objectives.

 From day one, you understood that 

the best way to achieve success was to 

establish a solid common operating 

picture outlining a complete concept 

of support while maintaining strong 

accountability procedures. Your 

collaboration and synchronization with 

key players like FEMA, DLA Energy, 

Northern Command, DOD, National 

Guard and other organizations helped to 

identify and address capability gaps, risks 

and mitigations in a hectic environment. 

You adapted to evolving mission 

requirements and operated effectively 

across a range of changing environmental 

factors despite the complexity of the 

mission. 

 I believe our effectiveness is not only 

because of your professionalism and 

focus, but also the extensive planning 

and participation in joint exercises that 

validated our readiness and adaptability 

during a time of crisis. We were prepared 

to handle interruptions in the supply 

chain, urgent activation of contingency 

contracts and extensive logistical 

challenges. 

 I do not know if we will have another 

hurricane season like 2017 – I hope not 

– but I cannot be more proud of all of 

you. You truly represent DLA’s values of 

integrity, resiliency and diversity, and 

innovation, accountability and excellence. 

Thank you for providing world-class 

support on time and on target.

A Letter to the Task 

Force Americas Team

JOB WELL DONE! 

Your Commander, 

Lt. Col. Carrasquillo

Foster Fuels team members conduct a safety briefing at Roosevelt Roads in 

Ceiba, Puerto Rico, before departing to distribute fuel to impacted areas Oct. 10.

Photo courtesy of Task Force Americas
22 www.dla.mil/Energy

Defense Logistics Agency Americas East team members (left to right) Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Mouzon, Maria Rodriguez, Nathan Nichols, Lt. Col. Josielyn 

Carrasquillo, Chris Sheppard, Terry Poole, Sean Mace, Charlie James, Raymond Jure and Lt. Cmdr. Jose Vargas stand in front of the DLA mobile command 

vehicle in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, Oct. 10. The mobile command vehicle serves as a command and control center for Federal Emergency Management Agency 

fueling operations. Photo by Army Sgt. Michael Eaddy

Returning to normal 

 As day-to-day operations evolved from responding 

to immediate requirements to assisting with long-term 

sustainment requirements, DLA Energy fuel specialists 

worked to transition from FEMA-provided fuel to a DLA 

Energy-contracted solution and eventual return to prehurricane operations.

 Carrasquillo compared the teamwork required at DLA 

Energy Americas East to a baseball game.

 “Everybody is an important player in our DLA Energy 

Americas East team,” she said. “We will play hard in order 

to win every game; however, in the event of having a bad 

day, we will regroup and find out what we need to improve 

or adjust in order to come back stronger for the next game.”

 Chapin applauded the efforts of Task Force Americas in 

“Our entire DLA Energy team did amazing things to help people in 

need, and I continue to be amazed every time I see seemingly impossible 

things getting accomplished on a daily basis.”

their response to back-to-back-to-back storms.

 “Task Force Americas has demonstrated the importance 

– and value – of a trained and resilient DLA Energy 

workforce,” he said. “Whether it is a task force execution 

or forward deployed teams, the response has been 

phenomenal. Our entire DLA Energy team did amazing 

things to help people in need, and I continue to be amazed 

every time I see seemingly impossible things getting 

accomplished on a daily basis.”

- DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin

Hover over the QR code with your smart 

phone camera to auto-play a YouTube 

video on how DLA Energy Task Force 

Americas supported victims of Hurricane 

Maria in Puerto Rico.
Energy Source l WINTER 2018 23

Roger Hylton

Deputy, Current Operations

A Conversation with ...

 Roger Hylton, Deputy, Current Operations for DLA Energy’s 

Directorate of Customer Operations. Photo by Ronald Inman

Describe your position and responsibilities:

 As Deputy, Current Operations for Defense Logistics Agency 

Energy’s Directorate of Customer Operations, I view my 

responsibilities as falling within two primary areas: providing 

DLA Energy leadership with a global common operating 

picture for DLA Energy partners and customers, and being 

one of several key initial entry points for all customer inquiries 

related to DLA Energy logistics support.

 I oversee the Operations Center’s collection, assessment and 

dissemination of information that gives DLA Energy leadership 

the joint operational picture and logistics management tools 

to assess and support combatant commands, functional 

commands and the military services in the execution of 

current operations (missions and exercises) to include logistics 

command and control for all energy commodities, services, 

and equipment; and partnering with internal and external 

government and commercial energy partners.

 As one of DLA Energy’s initial entry points for all customer 

inquiries and requirements related to energy logistics 

support, the Operations Team and I have the unique 

opportunity to collect, review or validate customer inquiries, 

then coordinate with the Directorate of Supplier Operations, 

Quality Technical Support and appropriate business process 

areas for timely resolution.

How long have you worked at DLA Energy?

 Since 2003. I developed a strong connection in serving 

our nation upon entry into the U.S. Air Force and was 

privileged to continue my service as a member of DLA 

Energy. As an Air Force Fuel Specialist from 1979 - 2003, I 

served in base flight line operations, combatant commands 

and participated in deployments.

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?

 Over the last year, being part of the Plans and Operations 

Division in support of the warfighter and disaster relief and 

humanitarian assistance operations. Of most recent note is 

DLA Energy’s support to the Federal Emergency Management 

Agency for Hurricane Harvey, Irma and Maria operations.

 What is your role in supporting the warfighter?

 I conduct current operational planning and execution 

activities for standard reccurring, contingency, exercise 

and disaster relief operations, plus reporting. This involves 

logistics operations command and control for all DLA Energy 

commodities, services, and equipment partnering with the 

military seervices, DLA Energy regional offices, Directorate of 

Supplier Operations, Quality Technical Support and business 

process areas.

What are some of the challenges and rewards 

of your job? 

 The challenges can be many and varied. Most recently is 

translation and coordination of initial fuel requirements for 

Hurricane Maria in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico 

joint operations area and a common operating picture. When 

you work with and help bring together an excellent group 

of individuals, the process is made simpler. The rewards 

can be plentiful, such as bringing together information and 

providing leadership a complete operational picture to meet the 

warfighter’s needs. Of course, the best reward is seeing the DLA 

Energy team coming together to provide our customers’ and 

partners’ requests and requirements in a responsive and timely 

manner. 

How do you make a difference? 

 By being able to leverage and add my military and 37-plus 

years of petroleum and energy experience with others to 

provide the Department of Defense and other government 

agencies with comprehensive energy solutions, effectively 

and efficiently.
DLA Energy

2017 Factbook

available at

www.energy.dla.mil