COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. Kristen Fabry recognized 11 Ohio Army National Guard members for their support to the Defense Supply Center Columbus’ recently concluded vaccination effort during a June 29 appreciation event. The OHARNG also provided the medical facility and staff required to administer the vaccine. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and DLA partnered in the effort.
Volunteers from DLA and DSCC tenant organization workforces assisted with some of the administrative functions needed to support the vaccination effort.
The group volunteered their services after DLA leadership reached out for assistance to help address emerging challenges with providing additional COVID-19 vaccination opportunities for their workforce. While assisting DSCC members of the group were also traveling around Ohio to deliver vaccinations to their other units, sometimes under austere conditions.
As public vaccine demand increased, DSCC associates were confronted with the challenging task of navigating available public vaccination options for those deciding to receive them. The DSCC vaccination site opened March 30, 2021 and completed its final day of operations May 25. Moderna and Pfizer vaccinations were held weekly in the Building 11 auditorium, ultimately vaccinating 1,148 members of the workforce. Fabry commended them for lending their professionalism and expertise to help meet the needs of the entire DSCC workforce.
Fabry joked with the guard members during the event that she couldn’t give them extra days off or pay raises, but she did want to present each of them with commander’s coins as a personal acknowledgement of her appreciation.
Fabry shared some of the internal discussions that led to how DLA and DSCC reached the decision to solicit support. “We really want to thank you for saying yes to our overture for assistance – you certainly had your hands full taking care of your own folks during this pandemic,” Fabry said.
Fabry continued to praise the volunteers for going above and beyond to make sure the DSCC military and civilian workforces were inoculated. She said that workforce’s mission is critical and everyone on the installation has a huge role in supporting our nation’s warfighter.
After the final coin presentation, Fabry mingled with team members while exchanging more personal and professional information about families and assignments before gathering for the group photo.
She bragged on the Building 20 cafeteria and extended an open invitation to drop by and sample the fare, referring to it as some of the best on DSCC.