# Family and friends – the theme of a 25-year Navy career

/ Published July 2, 2018
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
Navy Captain Justin D. Debord celebrated 25 years of military service during a retirement ceremony in the Operations Center Auditorium June 29 at the Defense Supply Center Columbus.

                Navy Capt. Justin D. Debord departs DLA Land and Maritime for his final time during a June 29 retirement ceremony celebrating his 25 years of military service.                            Debord Retirement Ceremony                            Navy Capt. Justin D. Debord departs DLA Land and Maritime for his final time during a June 29 retirement ceremony celebrating his 25 years of military service.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Charles MorrisVIRIN: 180629-D-LC637-0001In his final assignment, Debord served as the director of Strategic Acquisition Programs for the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime.

Debord is a native of Waynesfield, Ohio, and alumnus of The Ohio State University, Michigan State University Eli Broad School of Management and the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education Program.

DSCC former commander and retired Navy Rear Adm. John King presided over the ceremony and noted that the event was a true family affair. 

Everyone who participated in the program held a special place in Debord’s life. 

King has presided over the majority of Debord’s significant military accomplishments. Chaplain Paul Jacob, who gave the invocation and benediction, is Debord’s uncle. Larry Dunn, his nephew, performed the national anthem. The Master of Ceremonies Navy Capt. Daniel Hodgson is a close family friend. Additionally, the side boys and ushers are friends of Debord.

                Navy Captain Justin D. Debord celebrated 25 years of military service during a retirement ceremony in the Operations Center Auditorium June 29 at the Defense Supply Center Columbus. Larry Dunn, his nephew, performed the national anthem.                            Debord retirement ceremony                            Navy Captain Justin D. Debord celebrated 25 years of military service during a retirement ceremony in the Operations Center Auditorium June 29 at the Defense Supply Center Columbus. Larry Dunn, his nephew, performed the national anthem.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Charles MorrisVIRIN: 180629-D-LC637-0128“This is a time-honored tradition where we’re able to say goodbye to one of our own and thank him for his dedication and sacrifices that he and his family have made over the years,” Hodgson said.

Debord comes from a military family with relatives who actively served in major conflicts including the Civil War, both World Wars and Vietnam.

During the ceremony, a slideshow of Debord’s career assignments marked various milestones and highlighted instrumental people in his life – many of whom were in the audience to show their support for the family’s next chapter as they close out their life of military service.

“Not very often does a career start and finish in the same place,” King said.

Debord commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy Supply Corps in Columbus, Ohio, in 1993. A career later, he is retiring in Columbus where it all started.

In addition to receiving awards, medals and letters of appreciation; King presented him with a traditional Naval Shadow Box that displays mementos of his accomplishments on behalf of his directorate. 

                DSCC former commander and retired Navy Rear Adm. John King presented Navy Captain Justin D. Debord with a traditional Naval Shadow Box that displays mementos of his accomplishments on behalf of his directorate.                            Debord receives retirement shadow box                            DSCC former commander and retired Navy Rear Adm. John King presented Navy Captain Justin D. Debord with a traditional Naval Shadow Box that displays mementos of his accomplishments on behalf of his directorate.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Charles MorrisVIRIN: 180629-D-LC637-0156“Twenty-five years later, what I know is that my true heroes and the memories that I’m going to take away from the Navy is of my dear friends and family,” Debord said. 

Debord’s assignments ashore include Fleet and Industrial Supply Center in Norfolk, Virginia; Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia; U.S. Pacific Fleet Staff at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Director of the F/A-18 & EA-18G Division, Naval Inventory Control Point in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Deputy Force Supply Officer for Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet in San Diego, California.His operational tours include the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS L. Mendel Rivers (SSN 686), USS Trepang (SSN 674) and the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

Debord’s military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), the Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal, and various other unit decorations.