# DLA Troop Support recognizes four centuries of service during retirement ceremony

/ Published Dec. 20, 2018
PHILADELPHIA, 
As the year comes to close, so do the careers for 11 Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support employees who were recognized for a combined 408 years of federal service during a retirement ceremony Dec. 17.

Army Brig. Gen. Mark Simerly, DLA Troop Support commander, thanked the civilian employees for their service to the country, and thanked their families in attendance for supporting them along the way.

“You have my personal thanks, on behalf of Troop Support and especially those serving in uniform, for your unwavering support throughout the years,” Simerly said. “It is always an honor for me to have the opportunity to celebrate those employees who have given so much of themselves to the mission of this organization and to our warfighters, like me, serving around the world.”

Simerly noted DLA Troop Support has been through changes over the years, and thanked the employees for their commitment to the organization. 

“Your years of service have made you a part of the rich history and exceptional reputation of DLA Troop Support and its legacy organizations,” Simerly said. “You have all experienced numerous changes over the course of your careers, but you’ve remained constant and unwavering in your dedication to our mission. For that, I thank you.”

Each employee provided a few words to their families, friends and co-workers in attendance.

Gina Vasquez, the Subsistence supply chain Supplier Operations director, thanked the organization for all of its support.

“This has been a great organization to work for, and I’ve only worked for DLA my entire career,” Vasquez said. “[My career’s success] was due to the support of the organization and the magnificent people here that mentored me and took their time to learn about me. I know you all will continue that tradition and continue to make this a great organization.”

Albert Meloni, an Industrial Hardware acquisition specialist, said he will miss his friends, but he is ready for retirement.

“It’s really an honor just to be here,” Meloni said. “I’ve spent 35 years at DLA and it has been amazing. Now it is time to hand off [the responsibility] to others. We have so many great young talented people that are here, it is time for them to take over the work that we’ve been doing.”

The retirees were:

◾Barbara Hopkins, an Industrial Hardware material planner, 45 years of service

◾Judith Henry, a Construction and Equipment acquisition specialist, 44 years of service

◾Dawn Karpiak, an IH supervisory supply specialist, 42 years of service

◾Dallas Bucher, an IH supply chain point of contact, 41 years of service

◾Gina Vasquez, the Subsistence Supplier Operations director, 41 years of service

◾Mindy Guida, an IH contract specialist, 39 years of service

◾Darrah Wilson, a J3/5 marketing analyst, 37 years of service 

◾Paula Quinones, a Subsistence tailored vendor logistics specialist, 35 years of service

◾Albert Meloni, an IH acquisition specialist, 35 years of service

◾James Wilmoth, a Subsistence supervisory customer relationship specialist, 28 years of service

◾Rowena Lee, a Flag Room hand embroidery fabric worker, 21 years of service