Defense Logistics Agency Energy Middle East bid farewell to Air Force Lt. Col. Amanda Shumaker and welcomed the incoming commander, Air Force Lt. Col. Jennifer Neris, during a virtual Change of Command ceremony July 13.
Due to COVID-19, the ceremony was held over video conference with Shumaker in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Neris in Bahrain. Commander of DLA U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, Col. Hattie L. Richardson, presided over the ceremony from CENTCOM headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be a part of marking this significant milestone in the careers of two outstanding officers,” Richardson said. “We not only embrace a change of command but, more importantly, encircle family, friends and teammates who are participating virtually.”
Shumaker received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for her efforts to bring peace and stability to the Middle East region while ensuring the United States military and coalition forces were provided energy resources necessary for mission success.
“Throughout her command, Amanda led a cohesive and multi-functional workforce of logistical professionals across multiple locations,” Richardson said. “Her leadership ensured outstanding support of 14 countries managing 56 contracts worth $4 billion. Additionally, she signed 29 Acquisition Cross Servicing Agreements worth $100 million solidifying fuel support between United States and nine countries.”
In her remarks, Shumaker emphasized the significant role DLA Energy Middle East has serving warfighters and the trust customers place in them to provide the fuel needed to execute their missions
“I learned a lot about fuel, contracts, acquisitions, international agreements and so many other items that I will take with me in to my next job and in to the rest of my Air Force career,” she said.
As one great leader departs, another arrives to take the helm, Richardson said. The officers exchanged salutes with Richardson to signify the passing of command and the responsibility of the organization’s mission and people.
Neris enlisted in the Air Force in 1988 as an Avionics Communications and Navigation Systems Specialist. In 2001, she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and has held a variety of assignments in supply, fuels, logistics plans, and air transportation at the unit and major command levels.
“It is truly an honor for me to take command here,” Neris said. “I am very excited to be a part of the team and serving with you as we execute this critical mission supporting the warfighter.”
The DLA Energy Middle East mission is to provide comprehensive fuel management support to Central Command and other government activities operating in the Middle East and Central Asia. Operating from Bahrain, the region provides comprehensive energy solutions to the warfighter in real-time, focusing on wartime effectiveness and peacetime efficiency.
Employees with a Common Access Card can watch the Change of Command video in the DLA Media Room.