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DLA News Archive

News | May 25, 2017

Land and Maritime honors its 2017 Hall of Fame class

By Michael L. Jones DLA Land and Maritime Public Affairs

Seven associates representing 153 years of service to the nation’s warfighters were honored with Land and Maritime’s highest tribute with their induction into the Land and Maritime 2017 Hall of Fame Class.

The inductees included retired Navy Rear Adm. Linda Bird, Laurie Lipscomb, Donald Lushbaugh, Susan McKee, Donna Shepheard, Regina Westbrook and Barbara Souders (posthumously). These inductees represented the 13th Hall of Fame class that Land and Maritime has honored.

Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic officiated the highly anticipated event which was also video streamed to Land and Maritime’s detachment units. “This is a Day of Days indeed – because today we etch the names of these achievers into the permanent history here with their official induction into the DLA Land and Maritime Hall of Fame,” Skubic said.

A personalized historical video for each inductee was played to familiarize those in attendance with individual inductees. Skubic spent time explaining the importance of the Hall of Fame induction and the distinctive considerations that influence both nomination and selection.

The program’s master of ceremony read an abbreviated account of each inductee’s contribution to the Land and Maritime mission prior to their medal presentation. More detailed biographies were included in the program to help highlight the full scope of contributions provided by the new Hall of Fame members. 

After receiving their medal during the ceremony each inductee used the opportunity to say a few words about their experience. On a more personal note Skubic shared a career altering encounter with Bird during her assignment in Sicily, Italy.

“Our visit lasted about 30 minutes and greatly influenced me because I was at a decisional point early in my career, said Skubic. “To me, she (Bird) embodied the ‘art of the possible’ and here I am 20 plus years later…I’m humbled to have followed in her footsteps in the Supply Corps and am forever grateful for her mentoring session.”

Several inductees weren’t able to attend and had representatives relay their appreciation. Michael Souders accepted the induction tribute for his wife Barbara and expressed his gratitude to Land and Maritime for memorializing her. Comptroller Oscar Mitchell represented Laurie Lipscomb and relayed her appreciation for being honored, Don Schulze, Land and Maritime deputy chief of staff represented Donna Shepheard and shared her gratitude and a few individual thanks to associates who were particularly instrumental throughout her career.

The Hall of Fame induction concluded with an additional video presentation that culminated by highlighting the Class of 2017. After gathering for a group photo to capture the moment the Class of 2017 transitioned to a congratulatory reception held immediately after the induction ceremony.

Land and Maritime and DSCC associates filed through to share remembrances and well wishes to the new inductees. Refreshments were served as many in attendance mingled and reminisced with the new Hall of Famers and their families.