Battle Creek DLA employees receive awards

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -

Four Defense Logistics Agency employees recently earned Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center Service Awards at the 68th Armed Forces Appreciation Luncheon Nov. 7 in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan.

The annual event is coordinated by the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce and the region's Military Affairs Committee to honor local military members from all branches of the armed services and select civil servants who directly impact the mission of our nation's warfighters.

Local officials, military commanders from area reserve and National Guard units, DLA representatives and Department of Veterans Affairs personnel, service organization leaders, and members of the community all attended the event held at the newly renovated DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Former DLA employee and retired Air Force Col. Frank Walker served as the master of ceremonies. The Cereal City Brass Band performed the National Anthem, the Armed Forces Medley, and provided musical entertainment.

"This is the 68th year that our community has gathered to reflect on the common purposes of the United States Armed Forces, and to honor those dedicated American men and women who serve," Walker said.

This year's agency awardees, selected from each of the four major DLA activities in Battle Creek, were Robert Baker, Jameson Ford, Suzanne Rohrs, and Melissa Waites.

Baker serves as DLA Installation Management's emergency management specialist and oversees the Fire Warden and Medical Response Team programs at the HDIFC, ensuring the safety and security of over 1,000 civilian, military, and contract personnel across 24 acres of historic facilities. His commitment to excellence in emergency management not only protects personnel and facilities but also sets a benchmark for best practices in the field.

Ford is a supervisory logistics systems analyst for DLA Logistics Operations. He distinguished himself through exceptionally service while assigned as administrative staff officer for the DLA Europe and Africa Regional Synchronization Operation Center in support of EUCOM and AFRICOM contingency mission sets from July 2023 to March 2024.

Ford provided a crucial link between DLA headquarters, agency major subordinate commands, the Europe and Africa region, and the agency's strategic partners by effectively synchronizing critical information flow in the Regional Command Team in support of Ukraine and in day-to-day combatant command operations throughout Europe and Africa.

Rohrs was selected as a 2024 HDIFC Service Award recipient for DLA Disposition Services due to her exceptional dedication to the agency's disposal mission and service to her customers, subordinates, peers, and leadership. Suzanne is the Environmental Support Branch Chief and serves as overall process owner for DLA's hazardous waste disposal mission supporting U.S. forces worldwide.

Waites has been an integral member of the Enterprise Service Delivery Program Management Office team of DLA Information Operations, consistently demonstrating exceptional dedication and expertise in managing the day-to-day operations and oversight of Tier 1 and Tier 2 contracts. Waites was also instrumental in onboarding three new HDIFC ESD PMO team members this past year. Her ability to balance multiple responsibilities while fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment has exemplified Waites' commitment to excellence.

DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon congratulated the honorees and presented award plaques to winners accompanied by their supervisors on stage.

The annual Armed Forces Luncheon creates awareness in the community about the scope, mission, and positive economic and social contributions of local military installations and federal civilian employees. The next annual Armed Forces Appreciation Luncheon will be held November 6, 2025.

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