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Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz visited the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support in Philadelphia on April 27, receiving briefings and touring production areas as part of an effort to deepen understanding of the agency’s role in sustaining forces.
Ruiz, the Marine Corps’ highest-ranking enlisted leader, met with 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 the organization’s supply chains during a command overview. The stop gave the Marine Corps a firsthand look at daily operations and an opportunity to engage with the civilian and military workforce that delivers critical supplies to warfighters.
As part of the visit, customer support liaison Antwaan Speights and Clothing & Textiles employee Cynthia Merceron were presented the sergeant major’s coin for excellence. “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 observed how presidential flags are crafted, praising the workmanship and noting details that stood out. “These flags look a lot better than mine,” Ruiz remarked. He highlighted the double-sided stitching as a distinguishing feature. “The flags are stitched on both sides, not just one.” He also learned about the specialized lighting used in the flag room, the workflow of the flag makers, and handled a spool of the raw material used in production.
