NEW CUMBERLAND, Pennsylvania –
Edward Kopsick, logistics management specialist with Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, has received the United States Africa Command Interagency Partner of the Year award for his work in supporting distribution operations in the area of responsibility.
During the Zika outbreak in early 2016, Kopsick facilitated the distribution of a disinfectant spray in support of airlift operations, ensuring support to troops in the fight.
He was a key DLA planner in the concept development of DLA Distribution Djibouti. The site represents the first DLA Distribution enduring presence on the continent of Africa and a shift in USAFRICOM’s logistics priorities from solely expeditionary logistics to an enduring commitment at the national, strategic level.
Optimizing surface movement, lowering airlift demand, and saving dollars, Kopsick mentored units to develop concepts of logistics operations and articulated DLA’s capabilities to component leaders, enhancing decision cycles and leadership awareness. “He is the voice of DLA,” said Army Col. Eric Hefner, USAFRICOM commandant. “He enabled candid discussion on distribution issues, helping us make strategic inroads.”
Kopsick directly supported several annual operations, including Flintlock and African Lion. During Flintlock, he orchestrated subsistence procurement, ensuring food for more than 2,000 participants. For African Lion, he coordinated with Marine Corps Forces Africa to forecast supply for the annual field exercise in Morocco and Tunisia.
In support of humanitarian efforts in the region, he led the aggregation of humanitarian aid to Libya, including organizing the procurement and storage of life-saving assets.
“Ed is a true professional team player,” said Hefner. “He gains knowledge and applies it immediately, and is an absolutely inspired contributor.”