PHILADELPHIA –
The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support held a Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 20 to honor and thank those who served, and to acknowledge their contributions to the nation.
Keynote speaker, DLA Troop Support Commander Army Col. Landis C. Maddox, who was on temporary duty overseas during the federally observed holiday, said it was still important to recognize the men and women who served.
“Although the official holiday was observed a little over a week ago,” he said, “it is always the right time to show appreciation for those who wore the uniform and have defended this great nation.”
Maddox spoke about the impact that veterans have made on the nation, as well as the impact they made on his life.
“I have met so many phenomenal members of the military and veterans that have influenced me as a soldier, as a leader and as a person,” he said. “Today I am going to talk about two of them.”
Maddox spoke about Pat Tillman, who walked away from a multi-million-dollar contract, after playing four seasons in the NFL, to join the Army in 2022. As an Army Ranger he made multiple deployments. He lost his life in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Maddox also spoke of his own stepfather, a Marine Corps veteran, who was injured in combat.
“I met him when he was dating my mom, about 20 years ago, and he said that he was a Marine and had received two medals of valor,” Maddox said. “And I was like, ‘medals of valor, what are you talking about?’”
His stepfather was talking about two purple hearts he received for his actions in combat, where he was shot in the head and took on shrapnel.
“He showed them to me, and I was astonished,” Maddox said. “I think the world of him. I call him ‘stepdad.’ Actually, the other day I called him ‘dad’ because I hold him in such high esteem for the things, he has done for our country.”
As commander of DLA Troop Support, where about 43% of the workforce are veterans, Maddox said he could see the difference veterans make in the organization’s mission every day.
“To have so many employees who, at one time, benefitted from the support we provide, to now be on the other end, providing the support is definitely a positive,” he said. “Their viewpoint of being in the shoes of our customers is extremely valuable and an asset to the success of our mission as an organization.”
Maddox ended his speech by thanking veterans all over the world for their service.
“The love of country that our veterans have, keep our systems moving and they encourage those of us who still wear the uniform to do our very best as we carry out their great legacy,” Maddox said. “Today, and every day, we live in freedom because of our veterans.”
The event concluded with a ceremonial laying of a wreath.