DLA Weapons Support operations directors awarded DLA’s highest honor

The Defense Logistics Agency recently bestowed its highest honor to two leaders who were instrumental in the integration of DLA Aviation and DLA Land and Maritime into the agency's new major subordinate command, DLA Weapons Support.

Chrissy Schall, director of operations for DLA Weapons Support (Columbus) and Chris Collins, director of operations for DLA Weapons Support (Richmond), earned the Lt. Gen. Andrew T. McNamara Award for Distinguished Logistics Leadership July 23-24 ahead of transition ceremonies in Richmond, Virginia and Columbus, Ohio, respectively.

Named after the first director of the Defense Supply - DLA's predecessor - the award recognizes employees, civilian or military, who have made a strategic impact on the agency's operations. Both leaders helped spearhead the unification of the two former MSCs, working closely together to synthesize two historic commands into a single organization.

This integration directly supports the Secretary of War's priority to build a more resilient and ready Joint Force. Creating a single point of contact for weapon systems support eliminates redundancies, standardizes processes, and enhances overall operational readiness for the military services.

The award citations noted Schall's and Collins' leadership ensured mission continuity and fostered a collaborative environment. Both leaders emphasized at their respective awards ceremonies that an integration of this magnitude is a team sport. "It took the whole village for this to happen," Collins said.

Collins began his career as a Marine Corps logistician, bringing that warfighter perspective to DLA Aviation, where he served as director of operations under 10 commanders. A favorite quote that sums up his career comes from Marine Corps Gen. Robert H. Barrow, who said: "Amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics." Collins said he stays grounded with this anonymous guiding principle, "If you can't handle criticism, you're not fit to lead."

Schall's career was shaped by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, which served as a catalyst for joining the DLA internship program as a way to give back while studying for her actuarial exams. Schall worked her way up DLA Land and Maritime, gaining deep institutional knowledge that proved indispensable to the integration effort. An Albert Einstein quote has guided her throughout her career: "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new."

Collins and Schall were credited for their efforts in navigating one of DLA's most significant reorganizations to ensure the agency is better postured to provide seamless and efficient logistics to the warfighter for years to come.

Soon after the integration process began last summer, both Collins and Schall found their different strengths and backgrounds were complementary. Collins praised Schall as a "common sense leader" who drives "process excellence," while Schall noted Collins' dedication as a problem solver. Their shared focus on process improvement, accountability, and collaboration proved key to navigating the complexities of the integration.

The McNamara Award honors their individual leadership, but their collective achievement is the establishment of a more agile and resilient organization postured to meet the challenges of tomorrow.