PHILADELPHIA — Members of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support recently visited veterans at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, reinforcing the vital connection between those currently serving and those who have served before. The visit, part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, highlighted the collaborative relationship between DLA Troop Support and the VA, and underscored a commitment to supporting veterans long after their active duty concludes.
“Our support begins the moment a warrior puts on the uniform, and it never ends,” stated U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Sean Kelly, DLA Troop Support commanding general. “By ensuring the VA has the medical supplies they need, we are upholding our promise to those who have served. This is part of our sacred obligation. At DLA Troop Support, we are American warriors defending our country, and that includes caring for our veterans.”
The Logistical Backbone of Veteran Care
DLA Troop Support plays a critical, often unseen, role in ensuring veterans receive the care they deserve. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the agency manages over $25 billion in annual sales across four key supply chains: Subsistence, Clothing and Textiles, Construction and Equipment, and Medical. This global reach, extending across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific, is essential for maintaining military readiness worldwide, and crucially, for supporting the VA’s healthcare system.
A cornerstone of this support is the Prime Vendor program. This program utilizes a “just-in-time” commercial distribution model, streamlining the delivery of medical supplies to VA facilities. Instead of the VA directly managing numerous supplier relationships, a single prime vendor purchases from a variety of sources and maintains its own inventory. When a VA hospital requires supplies, it places an order electronically, and the vendor ships directly to the facility. This approach reduces costs for taxpayers and ensures a consistent, uninterrupted flow of essential medical resources.
Beyond Logistics: Human Connection
While the logistical efficiency of the DLA Troop Support and VA partnership delivers significant financial and operational benefits, the recent visit emphasized the importance of the human connection. The day wasn’t solely focused on quantifiable metrics; it was about fostering a sense of camaraderie, and gratitude.
The delegation’s interactions spanned various areas of the medical center. In the hospice wing, service members offered companionship to veterans nearing the end of their lives, providing a quiet presence and a listening ear. The atmosphere shifted in the physical therapy room, where encouragement was offered to veterans engaged in the challenging work of recovery. The visit culminated in a wellness event, where a game of BINGO provided an opportunity for shared laughter and connection, bridging the generational gap between active-duty personnel and the veterans they honored.
The impact of these interactions resonated deeply with those involved. Army Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Payton, a DLA Troop Support customer account specialist, articulated the sentiment shared by many: “The uniform we wear today connects us directly to the legacy of every veteran in the VA. Our duty to one another is a sacred trust that spans generations of service. We wanted to express our gratitude for the path they paved.”
Expanding Support for Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs actively seeks partnerships to enhance the services it provides. The Veterans Experience Office (VEO) coordinates these efforts, establishing connections with public and private organizations to address gaps in care, facilitate knowledge sharing, and reach underserved veteran communities. These partnerships are driven by a commitment to building trust, ensuring ease of access, delivering effective care, and fostering positive emotional experiences for veterans.
Several organizations are currently collaborating with the VA to support veterans and their families. Blue Star Families provides support to over 1.5 million military family members globally. The Bob Woodruff Foundation focuses on addressing the evolving needs of veterans and their families. The Code of Support Foundation and Patriot Link offer an online platform connecting veterans with vital resources. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation empowers the 5.5 million caregivers who support veterans, and the American Red Cross’s Military and Veteran Caregiver Network provides peer-based support to those providing care.
organizations like We Honor Veterans are dedicated to improving end-of-life care for veterans, focusing on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and acknowledging their service. This holistic approach to veteran care extends beyond medical treatment to encompass emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
The DLA Troop Support visit to the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center serves as a powerful reminder that supporting veterans is a continuous commitment, encompassing both logistical support and genuine human connection. It highlights the enduring bond between generations of service members and the collaborative efforts underway to ensure veterans receive the care and recognition they deserve.
