NEW CUMBERLAND, Pennsylvania –
On Aug. 19, employees and residents of the Defense Distribution Center, Susquehanna attended the inaugural DLA Distribution Organizational Day & Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Family Summerfest.
The day was kicked off with the posting of the colors by the Susquehanna Honor Guard, made up of Army Airborne Riggers assigned to DLA. DLA Distribution commander Army Brig. Gen. Richard Dix spoke to the crowd – employees, along with their families – saying that “This day is about you! There is no way that we could get our mission done without you.”
Dix then invited Hollywood actor, stunt man, and producer Tierre Turner to address the crowd. Turner, who came straight from shooting a film in California, thanked the crowd for all their hard work, calling DLA the “backbone of the military.” Turner then made a comparison in that “before a movie is shot, we need support, such as ordering sets and props. This installation gives me insight into how the support needed by the military is acquired – it’s amazing!”
Before concluding the ceremony, Dix honored some of the installation’s Vietnam War veterans, awarding them with a DLA Certificate of Special Recognition and a commemorative pin, thanking them for service to their country. This ceremony was part of the ongoing DLA Distribution partnership with the Department of Defense’s Vietnam 50th Anniversary War Commemoration program. In total, four attendees were honored – Rodney Brown, Louis Frank, James Jackson, and Walter White.
As the event continued into full swing, many attendees rushed to the various food and drink vendors and children’s games and activities, which included a bounce house and a dunk tank. The Army Riggers also brought their ever-popular obstacle course, challenging both kids and adults. Vickie and Lizzie Jendrysik, daughters of Navy Cmdr. Stephen Jendrysik, said that “our favorite things to do were the games.” Some attendees asked for autographs from stunt man Turner, getting “selfies” taken with him.
The event included a variety of vendors, demonstrations and information booths. One information booth, dedicated to teaching various self-defense methods was manned by instructor Mike Andrus. He gave hands-on demonstrations that covered dangerous situations in which one could be faced.
As part of a friendly competition, a softball game was played between Team J3 - coached by Nate Morgan, and Team J4 - coached by Mandy Brechbill. At the end of the game, J3 won seven to six.
One particular piece of equipment on display from the DLA Distribution Expeditionary Team that caught the eye of many visitors was the mobile command unit. Hank Morrow, who was there to give guided tours, said that “It lets other organizations see what expeditionary units look like when they’re deployed.”
DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pa., supply technician Shawn Strawn attended and was happy to be at the event. “I liked bringing my family and I liked all the vendors.” Debbie Smith, a volunteer at the “cooling tent,” was glad to see that attendance was good, nearly 2,000 individuals. “It’s a good time to mingle with co-workers,” Smith said.