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News | Dec. 11, 2015

McNamara Headquarters Complex Continues Annual Tree Lighting Tradition

By Chris Erbe

More than 300 employees gathered in the atrium of the McNamara Headquarters Complex Dec. 9 for the annual HQC Tree Lighting and Holiday Social Event.

The annual tradition was hosted by Air Force Lt. Gen. Andy Busch, director, Defense Logistics Agency; Army Col. James Overbye, deputy chief of staff, Defense Threat Reduction Agency; Terry Schneider, deputy assistant director quality, Defense Contract Audit Agency; and Christopher Thomas, administrator, Defense Technical Information Center.

HQC Morale, Welfare and Recreation organized the event with the theme, “There’s No Place Like the ‘Presents.’”

The Metropolitan School of the Arts Academy Jazz Chorus, under the direction of Heather Gifford, performed contemporary choral arrangements of music to ring in the holiday season. Children from the HQC Child Development Center’s kindergarten class performed spirited versions of holiday tunes. The U.S. Naval Academy Electric Brigade, led by Chief Petty Officer Rory Cherry, entertained the crowd during the social with classic and contemporary rock favorites.

The MWR planning committee dedicated the event to Capt. Lonza Dozier of the DLA Police Force, who passed away Nov. 12. Dozier was a steadfast supporter of the MWR major events at the HQC.

Mistress of Ceremonies Kathleen Rhem reminded attendees that there are only a few days left of the Adopt-a-Family program sponsored by the DLA chaplain’s office. The initiative encourages donors to provide gifts to families in need of assistance. The program concludes Dec. 18.

After thanking program participants, Busch reminded the audience to remember those serving our country overseas who won’t be with their families during the holiday season.

Rhem also announced the winners of the door decorating contest for the headquarters complex. They are:

  • ·         1st place: DLA Human Resources Injury Compensation, Room 1232.
  • ·         2nd place: Defense Technical Information Center, Room 1948.
  • ·         3rd place: DLA Installation Support, MWR Financial Management, Room 1145.

The high point of the ceremony came when the senior leaders, along with selected members of the HQC Child Development Center’s kindergarten class, moved to the light switch and with a dramatic “one, two, three…” illuminated the tree. Santa and his elves then made their appearance and, with Santa’s merry “Ho, Ho, Ho,” distributed gifts to the children.