BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon addressed the workforce during his Director’s Call event at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center August 10.
This was the first scheduled in-person town hall since the pandemic but was scaled down last minute due changes in DOD mask wearing guidance and to ensure the safety of participants.
Cannon started the town hall recognizing DLA Disposition Services’ quarterly award recipients and urged employees to submit nominations for their teammates who are going above and beyond at work.
“You can have the best employee in Disposition Services, and they will never get recognized if the supervisor or colleague doesn’t take the time to submit the nomination,” Cannon said.
Another highlighted award was the Disposition Services’ recipients for the DLA Large Team of the Year Award. In response to COVID, teams throughout DLA coordinated and synchronized efforts to procure critical medical and personal protective equipment like medical grade face masks and gloves.
DLA Disposition Services’ employees David Fliestra, Jennifer Lobello and Pete Gavrilovich were recognized for their contributions to the large-scale DLA COVID response mission.
In addition to recognizing the workforce, Cannon highlighted site improvements throughout the agency, provided a status update on the Field Office Realignment, Disposition Services’ Strategic Plan and reflected on our current and past deployments highlighting the drawdown in Afghanistan.
Following the overview, Cannon showcased some unique items the sites received.
Submissions included a Nathan’s Hot Dog stand, a flag with 46 stars, enough musical instruments for a full band, lifeguard stand, and more, Cannon commented.
Several sites submitted photos of boats they received but to DLA Disposition Services, boats are not necessarily a unique commodity; although, one boat caught Cannon’s attention.
“An Air Force boat is unique,” Cannon said. “I was in the Air Force for 33 years and I never rode on an Air Force boat,” he said.
In closing, Cannon asked the workforce to pay particular attention to safety.
“As we try to squeeze the last few weeks out of summer, let’s do it safely – don’t take any unnecessary risk, use good risk management, prep your vehicles, don’t drive while tired, etcetera,” Cannon said. “Do all of the necessary things to keep yourself safe so when you come back to work, you are healthy safe, and ready to work.
He also reminded personnel to be cognizant of the ever-changing COVID safety guidance.
“As you travel make sure you adhere to the guidance for the location you are at,” Cannon said. “Make sure we are following guidance, be careful and give yourself some distance,” he said.