DLA celebrates latest Pathways to Career Excellence graduates

More than 80 Defense Logistics Agency employees completed the Pathways to Career Excellence program and were honored at an April 22 ceremony in Philadelphia, capping a two-year training pipeline for early‑career hires across weapons support, finance, contracting services and Troop Support.

Known within the agency as PaCER, the program is structured to help entry-level personnel advance in professional, administrative and technology roles. Participants typically log thousands of hours of on‑the‑job and cross-training alongside formal classroom and online instruction.

“Two years ago, you embarked on a journey with DLA, and today we celebrate the culmination of your hard work and dedication,” said keynote speaker U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Sean P. Kelly, who commands DLA Troop Support. “In the military, we don’t title this ceremony a graduation, but a commissioning – a welcoming into the ranks of our essential team. During your time in the PaCER program, I hope that you have been actively contributing, learning from your mentors and colleagues and bringing fresh perspectives on how we support our customers.”

Fontez “Bo” Wilkerson, the program’s branch chief, praised graduates and the staff who guided them. “You pushed yourselves because you understood something essential: excellence is not an accident,” he said. “It is a choice. And today, that choice has brought you here. To the PaCE program managers across Troop Support, finance, Weapon Support, and contracting services — your guidance and leadership have shaped every success we celebrate today. To the supervisors and trainers who invested their time, their expertise, and their belief in these graduates — thank you for lighting the path.”

Representatives from PaCER classes 46 and 47 selected “pacesetters” to speak on their behalf. One of them, Emoni Coney, described a last‑minute change that kept her stateside. “When the graduation announcement came out, I was certain I wouldn’t be here,” she said. “My bags were packed for a six-month deployment to Kuwait. But life has a funny way of redirecting us. In a strange twist of fate, my path changed, and here I am, not just attending, but speaking at our graduation.”

Another speaker, James Greene, said the human resources team and program administrators set a supportive tone from the outset. “They offered sound advice which calmed my fears, put me at ease, and ensured I felt accepted,” he said. “They shared a wealth of personal experiences tethered with understanding, which further helped guide my transition, as I navigated my way through the program.”

On average, PaCER participants complete about 3,590 hours of rotational and cross-training assignments, 495 hours of formal instruction and more than 70 hours of online coursework.

Some graduates are already moving into new roles or locations. “I am headed to DCSO and will work near my sister,” said Joshua Carson, who added that finishing the intense training brought both pride and relief. Ariel Martinez, a financial supply liaison, said adapting to federal regulations was the toughest adjustment. “I’m looking forward to getting my career started.”

Kelly closed by urging graduates to keep stretching. “There are many roads to leadership in this great organization. In fact, many of your mentors and current leaders began right where you are today,” he said. “Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”