COLUMBUS, Ohio –
The Defense Supply Center Columbus marked 100 years of continuous military logistics support during a May 4 ceremony at the Central Ohio installation.
The day’s events started with a morning ceremony inside the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime operations center auditorium that featured a historical video and remarks from Army Brig. Gen. Steve Stivers, director of the Ohio National Guard Joint Staff.
“With nearly 8,000 people working on this installation, you have a major economic impact on the community and this entire region,” Stivers said. “And the two largest tenant agencies here, DLA and DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) work each day to ensure Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines around the world get the support they need to accomplish their missions.”
DLA Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic presented Stivers with a framed program from the ceremony along with a special commemorative coin marking the 100-year milestone.
The ceremony also included a video showing historic footage from the installation’s history and significant events from DSCC representing each of the past decades.
Skubic told the crowd of more than 400 attendees, which included many current and former installation employees, that DSCC has played an integral role in national defense since its inception on May 4, 1918.
“Throughout our century of commitment, this installation and its workforce have contributed to every significant military and humanitarian event affecting our national security,” Skubic said. “Today, our energies are more focused on supporting our Warfighters than ever before.”
Following the ceremony, a reception took place in the building’s Buckeye Room, featuring cake and punch and displays of proclamations issued by nearby legislative organizations and municipalities. The proclamations recognized the anniversary for its significance and what it represented to local communities.
A special historical exhibit was on display inside one of the installation’s oldest buildings throughout the day, showcasing blueprints and archival photographs from DSCC’s past. Formerly the installation officer’s club, The Bunker now serves as a meeting place and facility for installation functions.
Outside The Bunker, military vehicles from various historic periods served as reminders of the major global conflicts the base provided logistics support for in the past century. Motts Military Museum from Groveport, Ohio, provided the vehicles, along with mementos from WWI, WWII, and the wars in Korea and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, events organized by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office provided activities throughout the day to commemorate the installation’s Fitness Day in honor of the centennial. The events included a 5K run/walk, a golf tournament and cardio competitions inside the base gym.
Skubic credited the thousands of associates who comprised DSCC’s workforce over the years with its long-term impact and success.
“The unwavering focus and dedication of our world-class workforce has generated positive results – both economically for our surrounding communities and professionally when carrying out their mission and is what has kept this installation humming like the fine-tuned logistics machine that it is.”