PHILADELPHIA –
Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Commander Army Brig. Gen. Shirley hosted a town hall event for Troop Support employees in Philadelphia on June 6.
Shirley highlighted the importance of employee development, ensuring employees utilize their leave and the importance of treating each member of the team with dignity and respect.
This event is slated to be the last town hall during Shirley’s tenure at Troop Support which began on June 22, 2021.
“My goal is to make DLA Troop Support a preferred federal employment opportunity,” said Shirley. “This should be a place that people are aware of and strive to come to work for.”
Shirley continued to stress that employees should take the time to spend with friends, family and personal reflection. Recently, Shirley took leave to visit his 18-year-old daughter to celebrate her graduation from high school.
“All I thought about was: were there other opportunities where I could have spent more time helping her for the next step?” said Shirley. “Some of that could have been leave that I lost because I didn’t take it. I don’t want you all to have the same thoughts down the road.”
Furthermore, Shirly stressed the importance of the programs undertaken by Troop Support’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office. Throughout the year, the Troop Support EEO office works with the Naval Supply Systems Command’s Weapons Systems Support EEO office—co-located on Naval Support Activity Philadelphia—on a series of observances throughout the year.
“If we take time to understand where people are coming from—and treat everyone with dignity and respect—we're going to be in a much better place in the organization,” said Shirley.
At closing, Shirley shared some parting words for the Troop Support audience.
“From the bottom of my heart thank you for the last two years because it's been absolutely a graduate-level education,” said Shirley. “I would just ask that you continue to do what you do because it is indispensable to the support of the joint force. Every soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, Coast Guardsman, and Guardian that's out there benefits from what you do on a daily basis.”
The following 2023 DLA Troop Support awards were also presented at the event:
Strategic Goals Awards DLA Support Team Middle East: Tanya Lawrence (C&T)
Employee of the Month: Kimberly Sabo (C&T), February; Leah Alman (Subsistence), March; Joseph Zanolle (Subsistence), April
Innovation Award Winning Team: Product Test Center – Analytical Team
Innovation Award Winning Individual: Marko Graham (C&E)
As well as various FEB awards