NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Public Affairs Officer Dawn Bonsell was awarded the DLA Civilian Meritorious Service Medal Oct. 27. DLA Distribution Deputy Commander, Perry Knight, pinned the medal to Bonsell’s lapel during a ceremony held in the command conference room at the organization’s headquarters.
Bonsell served as the public affairs officer for DLA Distribution from March 2015 through October 2023. During her tenure, she provided timely and informative communication to DLA Distribution's external customers as well as a workforce of over 10,000 employees across 55 locations. Her dedication to duty and technical expertise increased communication and awareness across the total DLA Distribution network.
Knight lauded Bonsell’s many accomplishments in his remarks noting her expertise at keeping the organization, workforce and customers informed at all levels.
“Bonsell's leadership was evident in communication of DLA Distribution's most critical strategic initiatives. Most recently she ensured the agency's Warehouse Management System deployment initiative was communicated internally and externally. Because of her efforts, the organization's workforce and its military customers understood the significance of this revolutionary modernization advancement. This thorough communication proved key to inspiring and motivating the workforce, by thoroughly defining the role they play in global distribution excellence,” said Knight.
Bonsell became a key member of the organization's COVID 19 pandemic response team. Her effective communications were transmitted to essential employees reporting to work daily. Bonsell' s careful concern and attention ensured the workforce remained abreast of the latest mandates and restrictions and were thoroughly prepared for expectations upon arriving at their duty locations. In this time of uncertainty, she provided the much-needed confidence and guidance to keep operations running smoothly.
Bonsell built and maintained strong relationships with customers and higher echelons of public affairs. She partnered with DLA Public Affairs to develop visual communications, including video productions. She ensured the DLA Distribution story was communicated to employees and customers around the globe through a network of shared information.
Additionally, Bonsell's expertise and tutelage inspired emerging leaders to expand their communication skills by participating in public speaking organizations. She was a strong advocate for DLA's Workforce Recruitment Program and mentored program participants. This ultimately resulted in permanent hirings and flourishing careers. Her guidance and leadership ensured the future of DLA Distribution's public affairs office will maintain the standard of excellence she set for years to come.
“When you look at the countless articles that were written, the media inquiries, the media engagements that took place, the photo ops, the video productions, change of command ceremonies, the speeches and remarks – when you look at that body of work over your time here, it is absolutely quite impressive. And through it all, you've done an absolutely outstanding job. I would say you clearly understood the impact of what you’ve done for the organization,” Knight said.
Bonsell will report to her new position at the Defense Information Systems Agency as their chief of internal communications Nov. 6. She shared that she’ll miss a lot of her teammates and those she’s worked with over her nearly nine years at DLA Distribution.
“It has been an incredible journey. I've enjoyed working here and I’ve learned a lot. I am going to a larger organization with a much larger public affairs staff, so it'll definitely be a new challenge. But, when the offer was made, I decided it was just too good of an opportunity to pass up,” she said.
Knight agreed with that sentiment, adding, “You know what George Patton said, 'When an opportunity presents itself, just drive through it.' Drive through it, and you did. Congratulations, and best of luck!”