Philadelphia –
Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support honored former servicemembers with a Veteran’s Day observance November 7.
The event consisted of a panel of veterans currently serving in civilian or military roles at DLA Troop Support.
“At Troop support, approximately 38% of our workforce is made up of veterans [and] we will hear from some of our great teammates today, both those who have worn and are currently wearing the uniform,” said DLA Troop Support Deputy Commander Kishayra J. Lambert.
“This important event [gives] us the opportunity to come together to honor and recognize the sacrifices of those men and women who have fought for our country’s freedom, [and] we are grateful for their protection,” Lambert continued.
Questions about service to the nation varied by each panelist and addressed how deployments impact family life, and military experiences that benefit their civilian life.
Dennis Dones, Clothing and Textiles lead material planner and a 20-year active-duty retired airman, served as the master of ceremonies.
“[This] celebration is to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” Dones said. “Each branch is very different from the other and we will have the chance to hear firsthand accounts of those differences.”
When Dones asked Air Force Lt. Col. Francisco Boral, Medical Customer Pharmacy Operations Center chief, to clarify what civilians should understand more about the life of military personnel, he answered:
“Military life is a lot similar to a civilian life, with all the challenges we run into on a daily basis in life,” Boral said.
“What makes it unique [for those in] uniform is that we're on call 24/7,” Boral said. “Whenever we're called upon to deploy, [servicemembers] raise their hand to do that. This month is also family appreciation month honoring the sacrifices families also make times when they're separated from their [deployed] loved one.”
President Joe Biden echoed these sentiments in his Veteran’s Day proclamation.
“Military-connected families sacrifice for our country, answering the call to duty over and over again,” he wrote. “Many military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors struggle to achieve their desired career goals due to unique challenges military-connected families face.”
The event ended with a wreath laying ceremony, symbolizing the remembrance and gratitude of fallen soldiers.