As 2016 comes to close, I’d like to take a moment and reflect on this year of intense focus on leadership, innovation, velocity, and excellence or L.I.V.E., the four pillars of the Logistics Officer Association.

This was a very successful year for LOA. Your executive board cut operating costs and distributed $4,000 as Chapter Awards to LOA and AOA chapters. The September LOA/AOA Membership Drive, led by Maj Dara Hobbs, generated a 7% overall growth in LOA and AOA membership and our New Graduate program for AT&L professionals has created an 18% growth over the past year. LOA also awarded $11,000 in scholarships to civilian and enlisted professionals pursuing advanced academic degrees.

In October, we held the 2016 Logistics Symposium in National Harbor, Maryland. I would like to personally thank the Symposium Director, Col Scott Fike, your LOA Executive Board, EventPower staff, countless volunteers and a very distinguished array of speakers, panelist and presenters in executing a world-class event. Please continue to send feedback as next year marks the 35th Anniversary of our founding organization, the Maintenance Officer Association. The Symposium is the premier forum for shaping future acquisition, technology and logistics leaders through professional development, education, and strategic engagement with industry and academia. The 2017 Logistics Symposium will be the centerpiece event to commemorate this important milestone with other events to be announced.

During the Symposium, the LOA Executive Board launched the LOA Heritage Program. Our first project is the placement of the iconic Air Force Maintenance Technician statue at the main gate to Sheppard Air Force Base, the home of the Air Force Logistics Officers School. This statue will be the first effort to preserve the distinguished history of Air Force logisticians and will coincide with the naming of a street in honor of Lt Gen Leo Marquez. Donations for the statue can be made on the LOA website, where you will find more info on sponsorship levels and recognition.

In closing, thanks to all of you for the support, mentorship and guidance you provide throughout the year. Your engagement at all levels fosters leadership, encourages innovation, enables velocity and promotes excellence that is the foundation of the Logistics Officer Association.

Looking Forward,

Dennis P. Dabney
President
Logistics Officer Association
www.atloa.membeesites.net
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