PHILADELPHIA –
Employees of the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support gathered virtually and in-person to get updates on a number of topics during a Commander’s Town Hall meeting January 18 in Philadelphia.
Army Brig. Gen. Eric P. Shirley gave updates on DLA Troop Support’s COVID-19 support, vaccine mandates, reconstitution and accomplishments during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022.
“It’s great to be here today,” Shirley said. “We’re off to another exciting year, and I am very proud to be a part of this team."
Among the individuals recognized was DLA Troop Support Indo-Pacific Deputy Commander Earnest Evans, who received a Meritorious Civilian Service award for his leadership and management of employees in four different countries, two states and one U.S. territory. His leadership was instrumental in the realignment of the organization’s logistics operations team in the region, according to the award citation.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized for the outstanding work that’s being done on a daily basis by my Troop Support Indo-Pacific teammates as well as the folks back at headquarters,” Evans said.
Shirley also gave an update on the organization’s ongoing support to global COVID-19 relief efforts which totaled more than $6 billion in obligations.
“For over 18 months, going on two years, this organization has done an extraordinary job,” Shirley said. “The achievements, the accomplishments, the awards and recognition have been very hard won, very well earned … When your time in government service is done, everyone should be able to look back and take great pride in what you’ve done here at DLA Troop Support in supporting this nation’s response to the pandemic. You all should be very proud of your role in this”
Tara Fatzinger, human resources specialist, reiterated DLA’s COVID-19 vaccine policies and reconstitution efforts.
Shirley said Troop Support is ready when the time comes to reenter the workforce.
“What you’ve done as a team at DLA Troop Support, a 94% vaccination for employees, shows your commitment, not only to do great work at your job, but also being good teammates; taking care of yourself, your family and loved ones.
“We’re vaccinated, so when the time comes that we can be reintegrated into the workplace, we will meet it with absolute success because we’ve sustained the highest levels of force protection and been adherent to the guidance from the Department of Defense and DLA,” Shirley said.
Shirley also highlighted accomplishments such as support of the Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in N.J., the acquisition of more than 500 million over-the-counter COVID rapid test kits, and contracts with small businesses totaling over $1.8 billion so far this fiscal year.
“When you think about everything that Troop Support does - yes we take care of the warfighter, making them more ready and more lethal - but we also provide humanitarian assistance around the world,” Shirley said. “You all should take great pride in the achievements that you have accomplished over the past couple of months.”