COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer and three other Ohio military commanders participated in the 2019 Ohio Defense Forum Oct. 7. The forum focused on highlighting national military readiness and incorporating Ohio’s resources into the readiness strategy.
As part of a two-day event, the forum featured congressional participation, regional and local military leadership, policy makers, advisors and defense industry experts; all lending their collective voices to help increase awareness of the local and national challenges associated with ensuring the nation’s military readiness.
Palmer’s involvement included participation in a panel discussion where he shared information on the capabilities and readiness posture of DLA and the Defense Supply Center Columbus. Joining Palmer on the panel were Col. Joseph Janik, commander of the 910th Air Wing at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Col. Gregg Hesterman, commander of the Springfield Air National Guard’s 178th Wing, and Col. Tom Sherman, commander of the 88th Air Base Wing based at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
They provided status briefings and readiness assessments to the approximately 200 people attending the panel discussion portion of the forum. Their presentations included history of local military organizations and their structure, missions and how their daily operations contribute to national readiness initiatives. The panel discussion also included time for follow-up questions from the audience and was moderated by U.S. Congressman Brad Wenstrup, of Ohio’s 2nd District.