FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency Energy started the new year with an All Hands to update employees on team awards and recognition, key leadership moves, recent and upcoming events, and other important reminders.
More than 520 joined virtually and over 180 people attended in person to hear DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy Canlas and Deputy Commander David Kless speak in the McNamara Headquarters Complex auditorium Jan. 12.
As the senior leader for the DLA Energy Team, Canlas encouraged his team players to focus on the upcoming year referencing a football playoffs analogy.
“Sometimes, we have to pick up our talent and play an away game,” Canlas said. “Often times, our military picks up and fights an away game. What are we doing here at DLA Energy to ensure our Warfighters are well equipped, have the best training and are ready to go when the whistle blows at kickoff?”
Encouraging the audience to dedicate their energies in thinking and visualizing their 2023 goals, Canlas emphasize the importance of being focused on ways to stay agile and adaptable and maintaining an environment of dignity and respect.
Lauding the achievements of Energy personnel, Canlas highlighted the 4th quarter FY22 military, civilian and strategic goals employees of the quarter and DLA Energy’s winners for the DLA 55th Annual Employee Recognition Awards Program. The annual awards ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 26 in the HQC auditorium.
Kless praised the DLA Energy Installation Energy team for earning Federal Energy and Water Management Awards for the seventh year in a row. Since 2016, the Department of Energy has recognized DLA Energy and multiple employees for their significant contributions to energy and water efficiency within the federal government.
The leaders wished Regina Grey all the best in retirement. She was the first African American woman to hold a GS-15 position at DLA Energy and worked her way up to director of DLA Energy Strategic Policy & Programs serving 40 years on the DLA Energy team. They also said goodbye to nearly 30 other departing members and welcomed more than 30 new ones.
“With more than 1,200 employees spanning 29 locations worldwide, DLA Energy experiences a significant amount of employee turnover every year,” Kless said. “We would like to welcome all our newcomers to the team and bid farewell to those departing and thank you for lending us your talents and dedication.”
Canlas recapped recent team accomplishments including a DLA Energy senior leader strategic offsite; Aerospace Energy’s support of NASA’s Artemis I mission; DLA Energy Korea’s 30th Anniversary; Combined Federal Campaign fundraising and community support efforts; the DLA Energy holiday party; and more.
He discussed several ongoing efforts that will continue throughout 2023 including close cooperation with Joint Task Force Red Hill and the closure of the Defense Fuel Support Point on Oahu, Hawaii, and the continued work with U.S. Transportation Command to meet the Congressionally mandated timelines outlined in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act section 352 to make TRANSCOM the single manager for Global Bulk Fuel Management and Delivery.
Canlas praised DLA Energy’s efforts on carbon pollution-free electricity initiatives to transform how the U.S. government buys and manages electricity. These efforts are helping to put Department of Defense installations and federal agencies on a path to achieving a carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 in line with the Biden Administration goals.
Canlas and Kless wrapped up the All Hands reminding employees of scheduled upcoming events, taking questions from the audience, and thanking everyone for taking time to join them.
“I know we are getting back into routine after the holidays, so my challenge to you is balance,” Kless said. “You recharged yourselves so don’t drain your battery right away.”