Greetings LOGNATION,

It is with deep gratitude that I write my first letter to you as President of the Logistics Officer Association. Serving this incredible community—our LogNation—is both an honor and a responsibility I do not take lightly. The opportunity to lead the organization that has shaped generations of logisticians is profoundly humbling, and I am thankful for the trust you’ve placed in me.

Our recent in‑person events in Oklahoma City and Washington, DC, were nothing short of extraordinary! More than 1,400 logisticians gathered from around the globe to hear from senior leaders across the enterprise, including the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Wilsbach, who reminded us that effectiveness—not just efficiency—must be our new goal…and as Lt Gen Hurry told us, he has a need for speed. Our senior leaders challenged us to integrate for optimum operational impact and emphasized that sustainment and logistics is not just an enabler—it is deterrence in today’s dynamic global environment. This message should resonate deeply with each of us: Fix is the most important task upon which everything else rests. That truth captures the essence of our profession.

I am profoundly grateful that LogNation continues to rally behind our professional organization. But these gatherings of logisticians are only the beginning. It is now time to get to work. The energy and excitement we witnessed at the symposium must now ripple outward—fueling engagement at every chapter across our global membership. The monthly LOA chapter breakfasts, brown bag lunches with senior logisticians, cross-functional job shadowing, and industry tours are just some small samplings of what local LOA chapters are doing every day to stay connected. Our strength lies not only in our national gatherings but in the daily connections, mentorship, and innovation happening in chapters worldwide.

This year’s symposium theme, built around our four‑part WISE model—Warfighter, Innovation, Sustainment, and Education—embodies the holistic approach our profession demands. It reminds us that logistics excellence is not a single act but a continuous cycle of learning, adapting, and leading. As we advance LOA’s organizational goals—developing leaders, fostering collaboration, and driving professional growth—we reaffirm that logistics is the heartbeat of readiness.

Thank you for your commitment, your passion, and your belief in what we do. Together, we will continue to elevate the profession and ensure that LogNation remains the driving force behind the Air Force’s operational success.

Jerry Ottinger
President
Logistics Officer Association