News

DLA welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Angela Woolen
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  At a Defense Logistics Agency Aviation Warner Robins change of command ceremony Monday at the Heritage Club, Col. Daniel Hicks passed the flag to Col. Rod Bloker.

Brig. Gen. Allan Day, DLA Aviation, Richmond, Va., thanked Hicks for his years of service and his commitment to the Air Force during his 30-year tenure. 

"This week you'll step into a new chapter of your life. The Air Force is losing a valuable airman," said Day. 

Hicks, who is retiring, was responsible for 750 DLA personnel and $2 billion worth of parts and equipment for the warfighter. 

But more importantly, said Day, under Hicks' leadership, DLA Warner Robins has reduced backorders and down time for maintenance.

Hicks attributed the improvement to training and instilling a sense of pride in his employees. "I'm proud to have been a part of that," he said.

Traditionally, the outgoing commander will give flowers to his spouse. But instead Hicks told his wife, "I'm giving you back your husband. After I pass these colors, I'm all yours, Jeanne," he said to applause from the crowd.

During the ceremony, Day said the incoming commander's background in missiles and logistics makes him a good fit here.  

"It's neat to see how we can transition leadership without losing quality," said Day. "He (Blocker) has an extremely diverse background."

Previously, Bloker was the 848th Supply Chain Management Group commander at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., in charge of four squadrons with over 700 civilian, military and contractor personnel. He managed a $2.9 billion annual buy and repair budget, and was responsible for maintenance and distribution sustainment for nearly 24,000 national stock numbers worth $12.8 billion. 

Bloker's numerous assignments have spread from Montana to New Mexico to South Carolina as well as several contributions to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, including leading multiple convoys from Kuwait City to bases in Iraq. 

In Bloker's speech, which was only a bit longer than three minutes, he told the audience, "Let's get me trained, and let's get to work."