NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Two employees and one Defense Logistics Agency Distribution team received 2026 awards from the National Institute of Packaging, Handling, and Logistics Engineers for their contributions to the logistics field at a banquet during the NIPHLE National Training Event in Oak Ridge, New Jersey, May 6.
Marek Rebisz, a hazardous material identifier and examiner at DLA Distribution Europe, received the Lifetime Achievement award. Rebisz was recognized for adapting to new guidelines for Class I Meals, Ready-to-Eat and creating an innovative cargo planning and staging system that prioritized delivery dates, shipment methods and destinations.
"He is one of our most technical hazmat processors, which he developed over his 17 years of experience at DLA Distribution Europe, while also being a big contributor to our Class I order fulfillment in theater," said Army Lt. Col. Michael Zdrojesky, commander, DLA Distribution Europe. “He was awarded the DLA Global Distribution Excellence Award Vehicle/Material Handling Equipment Operator of the Year for 2024, and it is great to see his 2026 NIPHLE recognition."
Ismael Vera, a packer supervisor at DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas, was presented with the Packaging Lifetime Achievement award. Vera guided his team in packing according to special instructions and initiated a container remediation program. He also designed and executed an electrostatic discharge packing station, resulting in the processing of 142 items valued at more than $5 million.
“He is a true professional that has dedicated his time to serving the warfighter by ensuring everyone he works with is properly trained to provide world-class support,” said Army Lt. Col. Joshua Meador, commander, DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, Texas. “He continues to show his support by always being proactive to improving the supply chain, and I am proud to have him as a member of the team.”
The DLA Distribution Europe Theater Consolidation Shipping Point Europe team was named Corporate/Agency of the Year. The TCSP-E team was recognized for operational achievements and support to the warfighter in 2025. The team managed a dynamic mission set, increasing productivity and initiating new processes to elevate quality and speed in packing, handling and logistics.
Zdrojesky noted that the TCSP-E team has a history of high performance, including earning the DLA Global Distribution Excellence Award for Henry T. Flint Shipping Point of the Year in 2021, 2023 and 2024, as well as the Team Performance of the Year Award in 2024.
"They have answered the call every year, with support to NATO’s eastern flank, support to operations, and other emerging requirements across three combatant commands," Zdrojesky said. "I am proud of the TCSP team and glad to see NIPHLE recognize the TCSP as the 2026 Corporate/Agency of the Year."