FORT BELVOIR, Va., FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Since 2018, employees of Defense Logistics Agency participate in a weekly bible study group, yet the Praise and Worship Event on Aug. 4 marked an occasion that many hope will become a recurring tradition.
The Bible study group hosted the Praise and Worship Event at the Kabeisman Conference Room in the McNamara Headquarters Complex, allowing participants to gather and worship in their faith tradition. As attendees entered the room, they were greeted warmly and were able to meet and fellowship with a varied group of people from all over the agency.
“The DLA mission is demanding, and we all pour so much of ourselves into our work. I felt a strong calling to create a dedicated space where believers within the McNamara building could come together, pause from the mission's high tempo and encourage one another,” said Felicia Johnson, event coordinator and inventory management specialist at DLA Energy. “My goal was to stop waiting for that space to appear and start building it, trusting that if I felt the need, others did too.”
Johnson has been a member of the Bible study group since its inception. She said the group has been invaluable to her, highlighting the support, mentorship and genuine friendship she has found in the community.
“It has personally given me a stronger sense of belonging and purpose within my career,” Johnson said. “Knowing I have a community that understands the unique challenges of our work and supports me through a shared faith has made me a more grounded person and, I believe, a more resilient and dedicated employee.”
Johnson received approval to host the event from the DLA Office of the Chaplain, which provides comprehensive religious support, pastoral care and spiritual readiness services to the global DLA workforce which includes civilians, service members and their families. The office also advises DLA senior leadership on matters of religion, ethics and morale.
DLA employees should note that religious compensatory time is available if any religious meeting extends beyond the lunch hour. For this past Praise and Worship Event, supervisory approval was required for leave to cover time beyond the standard 30-minute lunch period. The Bible study group holds weekly meetings, open to all employees, every Thursday at noon.
“I want people to know one simple thing: you are welcome here. This is an open invitation to everyone, regardless of your background or where you are in your personal faith journey,” Johnson said. “It is a 'come as you are' environment built on encouragement, not expectation. Whether you can join for five minutes or the full hour, for a single event or every week, this is your time to recharge, connect with colleagues and find a moment of peace in a busy day.”
Those interested in more information about religious support can reach out to the DLA Chaplain at DLAChaplain@dla.mil.