DLA civilian employee killed in line of duty in Afghanistan

Courtesy Photo | Stephen Byus, 39, of DLA Land and Maritime, was killed in Afghanistan Sept. 16.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

09.17.2014

Story by DLA Public Affairs 

Defense Logistics Agency   

KABUL, Afghanistan - Stephen Byus, 39, was a resolution specialist supervisor with Maritime Supplier Operations and a Navy Reserve Supply Corps officer. He had volunteered to assist the Afghan National Army in improving its logistics capabilities.

“We have lost a dedicated member of our team,” DLA Director Navy Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek wrote in a blog post for agency employees. “Those of you who were fortunate enough to know him lost a friend and colleague.

“His loss is a terrible reminder of the danger that DLA military and civilian team members face every day in support of America’s warfighters around the globe,” Harnitchek continued.

According to a Defense Department news release, Army Maj. Michael J. Donahue, 41, also of Columbus, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 18th Airborne Corps, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed in the same attack.

Byus joined DLA through the DLA Intern Program in 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in August.

A memorial service for DLA employees is being planned, and grief counselors have been made available to DLA Land and Maritime employees in Columbus.

• Date Taken: 09.17.2014
• Date Posted: 09.18.2014 13:28
• Story ID: 142554
• Location: KABUL, AF