Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna visited the Dan Daniel Distribution Center (DDDC) last month, where he saw firsthand how the warehouse’s technological capabilities support readiness and strengthen the force.
Bentivegna, who also serves on the Exchange Board of Directors, was joined by Exchange Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez; Fred Hannah, SVP supply chain; Sandi Lute, SVP brand marketing; David Hill, DDDC manager; Ron Willis, DDDC assistant manager; and David Young, chief of ecommerce fulfillment operations.
The team shared an overview of the critical role the Exchange’s largest distribution center plays in supporting service members and families around the world and highlighted recent technology upgrades. The tour focused on goods-to-person; e-commerce fulfillment and robots; military clothing; drone and transportation technology; shipping efficiencies; and shipments to contingency locations.
“The Space Force is built on high-tech innovation, and it’s great to see our AAFES partners doing the same,” Bentivegna said. “What I saw at Dan Daniel is a great example of the tactical modernization that ensures our Guardians and families worldwide have access to and timely delivery of Exchange benefits.”
Beyond warehouse modernization, Bentivegna received a demonstration of the goods-to-person automation system that was implemented late last year. With goods-to-person, shuttles and conveyor systems bring merchandise to associates, saving the time needed to physically move throughout the Exchange’s 1.4 million-square-foot warehouse to gather items for orders. This results in less physical strain and a more optimized workflow.
Bentivegna recognized eight DDDC associates with his challenge coin for their efforts in implementing goods-to-person.
The coin recipients were:
- DaShaun Brockett, maintenance worker
- Alesha Harper, logistics ops manager III
- Ryan Laking, maintenance worker
- Paul Merlo-Colon, warehouse worker foreman
- Jamar Nelson, maintenance worker
- Kyle Smith, logistics ops manager I
- Jaleesa Stevenson, warehouse worker foreman
- David Young, chief of e-comm fulfillment ops
“Cutting-edge technology is useless without the skilled teammates who operate it,” Bentivegna said. “By mastering these automated systems, adopting the changes, and training your teammates, you’re accelerating the support loop for our service members across our installations and deployed far away from home. Your daily hustle directly sustains our joint force operations. That is a mission of service, and your impact is felt globally.”
Share your thoughts!