Shuler selected for Secretary of Defense Sustainment Fellowship Program

By Johnathon OrrellJune 10, 2021

Gary Shuler, a logistics management specialist with the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Logistics Division, was recently selected to participate in the Office of the Secretary of Defense Sustainment Fellowship Program. (U.S. Army photo by John Orrell)
Gary Shuler, a logistics management specialist with the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Logistics Division, was recently selected to participate in the Office of the Secretary of Defense Sustainment Fellowship Program. (U.S. Army photo by John Orrell) (Photo Credit: Johnathon Orrell) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – Gary Shuler, a logistics management specialist with the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Logistics Division, was recently selected to participate in the Office of the Secretary of Defense Sustainment Fellowship Program.

According to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment, the fellowship program is a year-long, hands-on, broadening and leadership program designed to enhance the career development of selected mid-level logistics professionals by providing them with significant headquarters-level experience and opportunities. Shuler was one of seven selected to participate in this year's iteration of the fellowship.

In his endorsement of Shuler's nomination, Michael Hutchison, the SDDC Headquarters deputy to the commander, clearly stated his support for Shuler applying for the fellowship.

"He possesses the qualities required to be successful in this program. His contributions to the command are exemplified by his staunch leadership, mission accomplishments, and personal strive for professional development. It is without a doubt that Mr. Shuler will be an outstanding asset to the program throughout his year-long training," said Hutchison.

During the year, Fellows are expected to fully immerse themselves in their work placement, which lies at the heart of the program. Assignments can offer unparalleled experience working with Department of Defense officials on a variety of challenging issues.

This is something Shuler's immediate supervisor, Dan Hershkowitz, said he would be able to tackle with ease.

"Gary is an excellent employee who is still highly motivated to advance his career. His vast logistics knowledge has been a strength on our team. (While) he was the interim G4 Logistics Division Chief…from December 2019 through September 2020…he did an excellent job especially considering it was during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Hershkowitz.

Fellows are exposed to other unique developmental and educational experiences, including visits to locations like Capitol Hill, Defense Logistics Agency headquarters, U.S. Transportation Command headquarters, and other commercial and DOD logistics operations and activities.

Shuler says he is looking forward to these broadening experiences during his 12 months in Washington D.C.

"To be selected for the OSD Sustainment Fellow Program is an honor because it means I will work with a multi-disciplinary team to enhance my teambuilding abilities, leadership skills, and logistics knowledge," said Shuler.

"It will allow me to share this knowledge and experience with my SDDC peers, as well as the logistics community, which is priceless," he added.

By the end of his tour, Shuler hopes to continue his career progression while making a difference in his career field.