TRACY, Calif. –
TRACY, Calif. – Members of the Unitized Group Ration mission at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Joaquin, California, celebrated 100 months of meeting war reserve requirements set by DLA Troop Support.
Matthew Wadleigh, the Distribution and Specialized Missions Group Chief for DDJC, oversees the UGR mission, and mentioned how proud he is of the teamwork and effort that has allowed DDJC to meet mission requirements and more importantly support the warfighter.
“We’ve met these requirements without failure for over 8 years,” Wadleigh said. “That’s a huge accomplishment.”
During the ceremony, UGR leadership recognized the employees that have been a part of the UGR team for the duration of the 100 months of meeting mission.
One employee, Thomas Giron, has worked for the UGR mission since October of 2006. Giron stated that he’s stayed with UGR for so long because he loves the difference he’s made through supporting the warfighter and humanitarian efforts.
“I love the humanitarian aspect to my work,” Giron said. “Being part of ensuring warfighters have food and also making a difference at the local level is why I’ve stayed with the UGR mission for so long.”
Marine Corps Col. Kevin Chunn, Commander for DDJC, was also present during the celebration.
Chunn described how he had been a long consumer of UGR meals and spoke about one specific experience. In 2005, Chunn was deployed overseas as a part of a humanitarian aid mission that was working to help communities who were impacted by an earthquake.
“We weren’t able to get our trucks with the UGRs to our area for over a month,” Chunn said. “Once we got the UGRs unloaded and our mess men started cooking them up, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a happier bunch in my life. What you guys do truly matter, and I’ve seen how it can improve the lives of our warfighters overseas.”
At the end of the ceremony, Chunn and Giron cut a cake in celebratory fashion.
“I look forward to 100 more months of meeting our mission and supporting the warfighter,” Chunn said.