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News | June 9, 2016

Clayton receives Defense Meritorious Service Medal for service to DLA

By DLA Distribution Public Affairs DLA Distribution Public Affairs

Prior to departing DLA Distribution following one year with the organization, Army Master Sgt. Michael J. Clayton received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service from July 2015 to June 2016.

Clayton will next head to Ft. Bliss, Texas, where he will attend the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.  After completing the 9-month long program, he will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major.

During his time with DLA Distribution, he served as support operations Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge and executive officer in the Current Operations directorate.

According to Current Operations deputy director Army Col. Michael Lopez, Clayton “demonstrated exceptional leadership ability, sound judgement and devotion to duty” during his time with the organization.

He assisted the Current Operations director by providing oversight and leadership of the administrative section, 24 distribution centers, the First Destination Transportation mission and the Command Control Center.

He encouraged professional growth for all military and civilian employees by tracking all Learning Management System training program requirements with a completion rate of over 95 percent.    Additionally, through his attention to detail and sense of responsibility, he improved the overall health, safety and work environment for all employees by implementing strict Voluntary Protection Program standards which led to zero accidents or injuries within the headquarters.

According to Lopez, Clayton’s superior knowledge of the many facets of the logistics field supported the Army’s reorganization, realignment, and drawdown plan.  Clayton co-wrote disposition instructions for excess materiel turn-ins between the Army and DLA Distribution’s Expeditionary Team.  He assisted the Current Operation director’s partnership with Army Material Command to reduce Army secondary item open disposals at co-located maintenance depots from $378 million to $225 million, a 41 percent decrease.

“Master Sergeant Clayton fostered a climate of dignity and respect throughout the directorate and the entire DLA Distribution headquarters.  He treated all military, civilian, and contracted personnel with the utmost dignity and respect.  He assumed all heavy responsibility upon his shoulders and completed every task regardless of difficulty.  His commitment to supporting the joint warfighter is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service,” concluded Lopez.