Commentary: Understanding the impact DLA’s Voluntary Leave Transfer Program can have

DLA has many programs to support their employees; from the Employee Assistance Program, Family and Medical Leave Act, advance sick leave and more. One of those programs ­- the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program - allows other employees that have extra leave time to donate it to others who are in need. In many cases, the emails sent out on behalf of employees requesting leave donations are deleted without so much as a second glance. I want everyone to hear the story of an employee I work with and how this program supported her through her toughest times.

Jessica Moss started her career here at the Defense Logistics Agency on August 14, 2023. With her bubbly attitude, she was always smiling and laughing and was a delight to be around. She learned her processes and quickly became an asset to the team. She took on a role as one of the culture representatives for our site and helped improve comradery amongst our employees.

In September of 2023 she was diagnosed with a highly aggressive breast cancer, triple-negative ductal carcinoma, stage II. I asked her, "What was going through your mind when you found out?" She replied, "My world was flipped upside down. How was I going to get through this? I had just started a new job with DLA. I had no sick leave and didn't have enough time in for FMLA. I had no idea how to navigate this and thought for sure I would lose my job."

When management at the Anniston Disposition Services site found out about her situation, we looked at our options and put Jessica in for VLTP. It was approved and we put the word out and before you knew it, she had enough time donated to help cover for all her treatments.

Jessica's response to the donations of leave and support from DLA employees, "I was and still am so overwhelmed by the outpouring of support that I have received from everyone here. Management, supervisors, leads, and co-workers who have donated their hard-earned time to see me succeed. Because of their support I have been able to continue working through all of it."

Jessica's great work ethic and dedication to the team had her coming in even after treatments. She never complained and always arrived with the same bubbly attitude and smile. Even though there were times she was weak, she didn't show it. The team supported her in every way and did not let her fail.

I asked our Area Manager, Blake Singleton, "While Jessica was going through this storm, what stood out to you about her character?" His face lit up as he replied to the question, "Her resiliency and positive attitude from day one! We all hear of people having their faith tested, but watching someone who was living it firsthand not only walk tall through it but did it with a smile. Any time I asked her how she was doing, she would always reply, "I'm good. God is good." The response to her VLTP request was overwhelming. She could have taken more time off than she did in the initial stages. But her work ethic kept her coming in every week, only missing time for appointments and the occasional recovery day. She's a trooper and I am proud to have her on our team."

On June 12^th, 2024, Jessica told me with excitement, "I got the 'all clear', I am cancer free! I am going to ring the hell out of that bell! I still have a long way to go. There's surgery and immunotherapy left to do, but because of the love, support and kindness that this site and my fellow coworkers have shown me, I know that I can get through it. There are no words to express the gratitude I have in my heart. I am thankful for every one of you!"

When you get that email for a request for Voluntary Leave Transfer Program , and you see someone in need; please take your time and see if you are able to donate. Donating leave - whether it's 4 hours or 100 hours - can help someone because you don't know the storm they are facing.

I personally want to thank DLA for putting in place programs that look out for all their employees. It is a joy to know while we support the Warfighter, DLA finds way to supports us.

For any questions you may have about this or any other Defense Logistics Agency program, you should contact your supervisor or local human resources office for more information.