NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Army Staff Sgt. William Fernandez has been named DLA Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter for fourth quarter, fiscal year 2017. Fernandez was selected for his performance, professional skill, commitment and leadership as DLA Distribution Senior Human Resources NCO.
As DLA Distribution's lead military instructor, Fernandez facilitated NCO Professional Development sessions for military personnel spread across six geographically removed distribution centers. Utilizing the NCO 2020 strategy, Fernandez developed self-sufficient leaders, better capable of leading soldiers on any battlefield both home and abroad.
Mentoring three NCOs and two soldiers during this quarter, his efforts and direct influence resulted in 25 semester hours completed at the college level and two NCOs winning NCO of the Quarter.
Fernandez created a Distribution-wide drug testing program that enabled more than 25 Distribution locations to support independent programs. “His efforts have had a significant impact to overall readiness and the program is being considered for DLA-wide implementation,” said DLA Distribution Organizational Management director Ed Visker.
Additionally, Fernandez coordinated with the Army Logistics University to systematize a training approval process that resulted in five O5’s and one 06 completing the Joint Logistics Course, increasing Distribution’s training metric by 35 percent.
In his personal time, Fernandez has volunteered at the Bridge Food Pantry, the result of which was an estimated 1500 lbs. of perishables being delivered and distributed to the local community, the most food delivered in recent history.
He also completed 12 semester hours towards his Associates Degree in Business Administration, maintaining a 3.5 grade point average.
“Staff Sergeant Fernandez consistently provides innovative ideas to accomplish HR goals and demonstrates an innate talent for communicating effectively within a diverse workforce. He possesses those rare qualities most sought in today's military professional: integrity, commitment and a burning desire to excel,” said Visker.
Fernandez will also be honored as the DLA NCO of the Year at the DLA 50th Annual Employee Recognition Program ceremony later this month.