DLA Distribution Europe welcomes new commander, honors outgoing leader's legacy

Leadership at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Europe officially changed hands from Army Lt. Col. Michael Zdrojesky to Army Lt. Col. Joseph Bower in a ceremony presided over by Army Col. Tracy Yates, commander, DLA Europe and Africa, June 8.

During the ceremony, Yates praised the DLA Distribution Europe team for their crucial role in global military operations.

"Today is also about recognizing the incredible DLA Distribution Europe team. Every single day, this team ensures the readiness of the joint force," Yates said. "At any given moment, this distribution center is contributing to operations taking place thousands of miles away from Germersheim."

Yates also commended the workforce for their vital support to the warfighter on a daily basis.

"The material moving through these facilities supports forward-deployed forces, enables critical combatant command requirements, and ensures our service members have what they need, when and where they need it," Yates said. "I cherish these opportunities to look you in the eye and say thank you."

In her remarks, Yates reflected on Zdrojesky's time as commander and the profound impact of his leadership during a critical period.

"Mike, as you relinquish command today, I can say without hesitation you leave behind a legacy of absolute excellence. Your time here included major challenges. You guided this organization through a period of massive transformation," Yates said. "Your leadership was instrumental during DLA Distribution's complex transition to the new Warehouse Management System. As our largest overseas site to transition, the risk was enormous. But under your guidance, the team executed it flawlessly. Most importantly, Mike, you lived the ethos of 'Warfighter Always.'

Zdrojesky closed out his time in command by reflecting on the shared accomplishments of his team during his tenure.

"We've seen a lot of change in our organization of the last two years, whether it's workload changes, navigating our way through the construction of our annex and implementing a new operating system called the Warehouse Management System," Zdrojesky said. "When looking back through the years, the mission and workload may have changed, but what is consistent is that this team, the employees of DLA Distribution Europe, will always respond to the challenge. I'm blown away by their creativity and desire to always work to improve."

In welcoming the incoming commander, Yates expressed her full confidence in Bower's ability to lead the organization forward.

"The hallmark of a great organization is a culture of excellence that endures through transitions," Yates said. "Today, we are fortunate to welcome a leader fully prepared to build on that foundation."

Yates highlighted Bower's extensive background as a key indicator of his readiness to take on the new role.

"Throughout your career, Joe, you have built a reputation for forging tight-knit teams and delivering results," she said. "Your logistics experience has prepared you perfectly for this command."

Bower expressed his appreciation for the DLA Distribution Europe team and his gratitude for the opportunity to command the organization.

"It's a privilege of a lifetime to take this responsibility and I am incredibly humbled by the opportunity to continue to support of warfighters across this critical theater," Bower said. "To the civilian professionals that make up DLA Distribution Europe, I've been nothing but impressed by your work ethic and the dedication you put in every day. Whether you know it or not, you are the strategic link and the backbone of operations in this theater and enable the readiness for warfighters every single day."

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Bower was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps upon his graduation from the University of Toledo in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. His extensive career includes a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, and he has served in various roles supporting exercises and operations in the U.S. Africa, Pacific, and Southern Command areas of responsibility.

Prior to his current command, Bower served as an Operations Officer and the Strategic Engagements Division Chief for U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, which was later redesignated as the U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command. His previous assignments also include serving as Commander of the Delta Forward Support Company, 5-4 Cavalry Squadron, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division; Battalion Executive Officer for the 25th Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion; and Deputy G4 for the 25th Infantry Division.

Bower is a graduate of the Quartermaster Officer Basic Course, the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course, and the Army Command and General Staff Officer College. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Silver).