NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution leaders and employees provided their perspectives on contested logistics and were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the recent National Institute of Packaging, Handling and Logistics Engineers training conference at Picatinny, New Jersey, May 6-9.
Perry Knight, deputy commander, DLA Distribution, was one of the guest speakers during the three-day event, discussing distribution in a contested environment.
“This discussion is important because the complexities and challenges faced in modern logistics require innovative and adaptive strategies,” said Knight. “This forum provided an ideal platform to share insights and best practices, ensuring that industry and military professionals are prepared to maintain operational effectiveness under increasingly difficult conditions.”
During his presentation Knight provided an overview of DLA and DLA Distribution, defined contested logistics and the challenges and planning considerations facing the organization.
“We have to leverage advanced technologies, enhance supply chain visibility and foster robust partnerships with industry and military stakeholders,” he said. He pointed to the utilization of the organization’s expeditionary workforce, warehouse modernizations and workforce development as keys for continued success.
Three DLA Distribution teams and employees were also recognized for excellence during the conference. DLA Distribution Corpus Christi Preservation, Packaging, Packing and Marking Team received the 2023 Corporate/Agency of the Year Award, Jeremy Beckwith, deputy commander, DLA Distribution Corpus Christi, received a Logistics Lifetime Achievement Award and Antonio Neal, materials examiner and identifier, DLA Distribution Europe, received a Packaging Lifetime Achievement Award.
The DLA Distribution Corpus Christi PPP&M team processed 35,844 projects to protect aviation assets valued over $1.9 billion during this nomination period and de-packaged more than 7,000, valued over $210 million in support of Material Release Orders to provision industrial operations at the Corpus Christi Army Depot. The exceptional efforts of the PPP&M Team positively impacted cost, quality, and customer support to the Global Warfighter and our allies.
“Even though DLA Distribution Corpus Christi is a small center we make a large impact to the DoD sustainment enterprise,” said Army Lt. Col. Timothy Owens, commander, DLA Distribution Corpus Christi. “The Packaging Innovation Excellence Award and the Agency of the Year award demonstrate the employee’s commitment to providing first class service to the Warfighter."
Beckwith was recognized for his contributions to the DoD logistics enterprise via his technical expertise and selfless leadership during his 28-year military and civilian career. He has established and maintained outstanding relationships and earned the absolute trust of the DLA, Army, and Joint Service command teams.
“Jeremy Beckwith is just one example of the dedicated workforce here at DLA Distribution Corpus Christi,” said Owens. “His lifetime of service in the Army and now with DLA demonstrates a commitment to serving our nation and always striving for excellence.”
Neal received his award for his sustained superior performance and dedicated support to hazardous material packing and certification operations through several challenging operations, including support to COVID-19 and U.S. and NATO efforts in Ukraine. Through all missions, he has exceeded expectations and set new standards for production and quality.
“We are so incredibly proud of Antonio and his achievement,” said Lt. Col. Kimberly Rembert, commander, DLA Distribution, Europe. “It’s a wonderful thing to see our employees getting the recognition they deserve on such a level.”
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment partners with NIPHLE to sponsor the DoD Packaging Innovation Excellence Award and Packaging Production Achievement Award. These annual awards highlight DoD’s packaging accomplishments and recognize outstanding contributions to packaging innovation, productivity, and performance.
“Recognizing the exceptional contributions of our award winners at the conference is a testament to their dedication and hard work,” said Knight. “These achievements, especially in these challenging times, highlight the critical role they play in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of our logistics operations and ensure we continue to execute our mission of supporting the warfighter.”