Top Marine enlisted leader visits DLA Troop Support

The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support welcomed Sergeant Major of the United States Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz to Philadelphia on April 27.

Ruiz, who holds the Marine Corps' highest rank for enlistees, received a command overview briefing that included DLA's senior enlisted leader, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Petra Casarez, DLA Troop Support Commander U.S Army Brig. Gen. Sean P. Kelly and representatives from DLA Troop Support's supply chains.

The visit provided the Marine Corps with an opportunity to see the daily operations and interact with the civilian and military personnel from DLA responsible for getting critical supplies to the warfighter.

Troop Support's Customer support liaison Antwaan Speights and Cynthia Merceron from Clothing & Textiles received the sergeant major's coin for excellence as part of their employee recognition.

"These coins are made of wood," said Ruiz. "I like to think of the tree this wood originally came from. They are unique, just like everyone here."

During a guided tour, Ruiz was shown the process of crafting the presidential flags and was impressed by the quality of the stitching.

"These flags look a lot better than mine," Ruiz remarked.

He pointed out the double-sided stitching as a feature that stood out.

"The flags are stitched on both sides, not just one."

He noted the new information he had learned, ranging from the purpose of the specialized lighting in the flag room to the daily workflow of the flag makers, and even had the chance to hold a spool of the raw material used in the flags.