FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Writers, photographers and videographers from across the Defense Logistics Agency earned seven Defense Media Merit Awards recognizing journalism produced in 2022.
The Defense Media Merit Awards program recognizes excellence among the Defense Department's print and broadcast journalists, graphic artists, photographers, public affairs specialists and videographers assigned to combatant commands, joint task forces, defense agencies and field activities.
"It’s a great honor for DLA’s public affairs workforce to have so many of their submissions receive awards," said DLA Public Affairs Director Joe Yoswa. "I know our teams are telling our story, showcasing our efforts and communicating for the agency. It’s a pleasure working with the public affairs professionals in the agency, and it’s a real highlight to see them recognized."
The following articles, photos and videos earned DMMA recognition.
Commentary, first place
My family was having dinner on a Monday night when my phone rang. It was my best friend Shelly’s dad. Shelly was in the hospital. She was struggling through a treacherous alcohol detox. Her skin and eyes were a deep yellow. She was severely bloated, weak, confused and barely able to speak.
Tipping back: A commentary on alcoholism, by Connie Braesch, DLA Energy
Information Story, third place
The Department of Navy is extending its partnership with DLA Energy to privatize more government-owned utility systems on Navy installations nationwide. DLA Energy Utility Services provides pre- and post-award contracting and technical expertise for service partners who want to transfer ownership, operations and maintenance of installation utility systems to a contracted system owner.
DLA Energy extends utility services partnership with U.S. Navy, by Connie Braesch, DLA Energy
Portrait, second place
To celebrate Flag Day, June 14, The DLA Troop Support Flag Room team demonstrated the making of the presidential flag to visitors at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia. The Flag Room is the sole producer of the presidential and vice presidential flags, and its staff are considered the “Betsy Ross of the 21st century,” for their patriotic flag making.
DLA Troop Support flag room staff celebrates Flag Day at Betsy Ross House, by Mikia Muhammad, DLA Troop Support
News Photo, first place
Brian Davidson, an instructor with the DLA Disposition Services Expeditionary Site Support Team in Battle Creek, Michigan, demonstrates the proper use of a plasma cutter for his students, a mix of military reservist and DLA civilians. The plasma cutter that the students learn on is the same model that the agency has used for almost 10 years when deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. It is also part of the expeditionary site set that allows the agency to deploy a team or reverse logistics professionals to assist forward deployed military units around the world.
Plasma cutter in action, by Jeffrey Landenberger, DLA Disposition Services
Photojournalism, first place
Humble offerings individually, but together they represent the kind of freebie assortment communities around the nation offer local homeless and at-risk veteran populations during annual “stand down” events. Veteran stand downs – a term lifted from military jargon meaning a temporary break in high-readiness operational posture – are usually one-day events promoted primarily by a mix of community groups and non-profits, local government, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
DLA surplus helps vets, by Jake Joy, DLA Disposition Services
Short-Form Production Video, third place
DLA Document Services, More Than Printing... Solutions, by Nutan Chada, DLA Headquarters
Long-Form Production Video, third place
Disposition Services' Longest Tenured Employees, by Peter Gentry, Jeffrey Landenberger, Jason Shamberger and Dana Thornbury, DLA Disposition Services