BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Property Disposal Specialist Sandra Young spent decades directly supporting national security as a part of Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services, from May 1, 1977, until her unexpected passing on April 15, 2021.
Husband Peter Young, son Brandon Earls and his wife Annie, and grandson Eli Earls gathered alongside Young’s close DLA friends and colleagues during a ceremony at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, August 2 to commemorate her contributions and receive the DLA Disposition Services Distinguished Alumni Award on her behalf.
Young was just the 11th recipient of the honor, dedicated to those whose impact on Defense Department reverse logistics went above and beyond the normal expectations for a career in civil service. While Young served in a variety of roles for the agency over the decades, she was known best as the DLA Small Arms/Light Weapons Program Manager, a responsibility that directly affects the safety and well-being of American warfighters and civilians alike.
“We have about 150 to 200 employees who leave per year,” said DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon. “There’s only one or two names a year that go on that [Distinguished Alumni] list. Based on her exemplary work performance and the positive impact she had on this organization, her name’s obviously a no-brainer to put on that board. … She always did the right thing. If she saw something that wasn’t right, you knew about it, because she wanted it fixed, and she made sure everything was done right all the time.”
Peter Young spoke on behalf of the family, agreeing with the recollections of her attitude and personality and thanking command leadership for recognizing her lifelong contributions.
“She was a no-nonsense girl,” said Young. “There was no gray area with Sandy. It was either right or wrong, and she would not deviate between the two.”
Operations Director Arthur Welsh said that when he first met Young, one thing he immediately learned about her was how passionately she cared about her program.
“She did so much work with so many different people that had such an impact on us,” Welsh said. “Sandy always found a solution to help support our customers, she took a lot of pride in making sure the job was done well and done correctly. We’ll miss her candor, sense of humor and disposal expertise.”
Young’s award citation reads:
“Throughout her nearly 44 years with the Department of Defense, Ms. Young’s career reflects exceptional devotion to duty. She was an outstanding professional who served as a role model for others. Ms. Young’s experience and mentorship were frequently sought and relied upon by all levels within DLA Disposition Services. Her contributions to the agency drove accountability in the Small Arms Serialization Program, superior customer service, and innovative solutions that supported delivery of world-class disposal to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. She consistently earned recognition and appreciation for solving complicated customer requirements and her ability to effectively work with all customers across the DoD. Ms. Young’s efforts significantly contributed to the success of DLA Disposition Services in supporting America’s warfighters and reflect great credit upon herself, DLA, and the Department of Defense.”