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# Distribution’s Current Operations Director receives Exceptional Civilian Service Award in honor of nearly 40 years of service

By Brianne M. BenderDLA Distribution Command Affairs

                NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa.  –              
Joseph D. Cassel, Jr., director of DLA Distribution Current Operations, retired from federal service March 28, after nearly 40 years of military and federal service.

During a retirement ceremony in his honor, Distribution Commanding Officer Navy Rear Adm. Kevin M. Jones and Deputy Commander Twila C. Gonzales, Senior Executive Service, applauded Cassel’s professional accomplishments, both civilian and military. Additionally, they presented him with several awards, including the DLA Exceptional Civilian Service Award.

“During his years as [Current Operations] director, Joe expertly managed more than 150 employees and a global network of 24 distribution centers, which employed more than 7,000 people – to include members from all four service branches,” said Gonzales.

She also praised Cassel’s leadership during Distribution’s efforts to increase its total volume in the Scheduled Truck program. “Joe’s push for the use of the Scheduled Truck program has resulted in enormous savings to the customer by optimizing redundant routes.”

In support of Distribution’s Whole of Government customer Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cassel executed a monumental relief effort to aid victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017.  

Again, during the 2018 hurricane season, Cassel deployed two Expeditionary Teams in response to Hurricane Florence recovery efforts. Expeditionary assets deployed to Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia, and Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, including 37 civilian and 11 military personnel.  

“Under Joe’s guidance, Distribution executed a herculean relief effort in support of the FEMA and the victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Florence,” Gonzales said.

“Joe’s proven performance in times of great uncertainty and shrinking markets is a true hallmark of his leadership and visionary abilities,” Gonzales added. “His individual efforts and key accomplishments in the Current Operations arena attest to the awesome impact one individual can make in a diverse and challenging environment and he will be sorely missed.”  

Previously, Cassel served as director of Stakeholder Integration Services, DLA Information Operations. There he led more than 1,400 personnel with a budget of approximately $500 million, supporting over 35,000 global information technology customers. He was responsible for numerous key organizations including Document Services, Logistics Information Services and enterprise IT services such as deployed contingency operations and strategic communications. He also served as a liaison to the Defense Information Systems Agency. 

During the ceremony, Cassel reminisced on time served with DLA and Distribution. “It takes decades to make a powerhouse like Distribution. It has been an honor and pleasure to be part of this organization.”

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