FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
After nearly two years in command, Defense Logistics Agency Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Martin Chapin held his final all hands in the McNamara Headquarters Complex auditorium, April 24.
Chapin said the one goal he had prior to his departure was to gather as many DLA Energy team members as he could and say thank you.
“This has been a really special organization,” he said. “The part that really made it special are all the people. When you are in an organization, you hopefully appreciate the mission, but it’s really the people who make the difference.”
He said he may get his name on the door, the good parking spot and sit at the head of the table, but that didn’t change his perspective.
“I work for you,” Chapin said. “I showed up every day keeping that in mind. My whole goal has been to make your lives just a little bit easier. To that extent, I hope I have been successful.”
A day like today is bittersweet, he said.
“There have been two organizations I‘ve been in my 28 years of military service that I would put a special qualifier on … and this is one of those two groups,” he said. “It’s a group where everyone understands why they are here. They are proud of what they do, and they know that is makes a difference. It creates a real sense of family, and one of the many things I am very thankful for is that you allowed me to be a part of your special family.”
“I would love to personally walk up to each and every person at DLA Energy, look you in the eye, and say thank you,” he said. “Thank you for doing what you do every day.”
As he concluded his remarks, Chapin acknowledged that he won’t forget the people or the DLA Energy mission.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am going to miss you, but I will be looking in from a long way away … and, occasionally, even send you a new requirement when I need fuel,” he said as the crowd laughed.
Chapin’s relinquishment of command ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on May 1 in the HQC auditorium. DLA Energy Deputy Commander Guy Beougher will assume the role as acting commander until the new commander, Air Force Brig. Gen. Albert G. Miller, arrives in the fall.