# DLA Distribution Puget Sound, Washington’s Everett site director retires after 40 years of federal service 

/ Published Sept. 28, 2022
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
 The director of Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Puget Sound, Washington’s Everett site, Rufino “Raffy” Delacruz, also known as “Mr. D” is retiring Sept. 30, after 40 years of federal service.

Delacruz served in the Navy for 30 years, retiring as a master chief petty officer. His Navy service included detail with the Expeditionary Force Detainee Operations, Guantanamo, Cuba, Global War on Terrorism, Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Ulchi-Focus Lens, Eastern Exposure.  

Additionally, Delacruz served 10 years and three months with DLA. During his government service, Delacruz saw many changes in the military and support to military. 

“In addition to technological advances in the system and equipment we use, we have adopted leading industrial best business practices that made our job a bit easier and results to higher customer satisfaction,” he said.

Delacruz attributes resilience, persistence, patience and passion for doing things right the first time and following the motto of “leaving things and places better than when I first found it” as the determining factor of his career success.

He parted this advice for those coming into federal service, “Always do the right thing, anything worth doing needs to be done right the first time and for the right reason. Take ownership of your words and actions and give credit to where credit is due.”

He is thankful for many who have helped and mentored him during his tenure.

“My first DLA Distribution [Puget Sound] commander placed his full trust and belief in me that I can do the job ... and the Navy Supply Corps officers I have worked for and worked with, taught me to be a better logistician, while listening and heeding my advice to them on how to be a better Naval officer and leader.”

                Pictured left to right - Navy Supply Corps Cmdr. Mark Peace, retired, former Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Puget Sound, Washington deputy commander, Ray Martin, Army Brig. Gen. John Laskodi, retired, former commanding general of DLA Distribution and DDPW’s Everett site director, Rufino “Raffy” Delacruz, who is retiring Sept. 30, after 40 years of federal service. Photo provided.                            DLA Distribution Puget Sound, Washington’s Everett site director retires after 40 years of federal service                            Pictured left to right - Navy Supply Corps Cmdr. Mark Peace, retired, former Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Puget Sound, Washington deputy commander, Ray Martin, Army Brig. Gen. John Laskodi, retired, former commanding general of DLA Distribution and DDPW’s Everett site director, Rufino “Raffy” Delacruz, who is retiring Sept. 30, after 40 years of federal service. Photo provided.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DLA Distribution Public AffairsVIRIN: 220927-D-D0441-0101

“My career in the combined federal service has not only taken me to places I never imagined I could go, but also allowed me to experience the full reward of reaching my full potential and sense of accomplishment through the people I’ve met, worked with and whose lives I have touched and made a difference.”

Delacruz considers his time with DLA as the epitome of his service career.

“DLA served me while I wore the uniform and doing the mission, and now I was privileged to become one of their own, giving back the same service to our warfighters.”Delacruz considers the last three years as the highlight of his career at DLA.

“During and after the pandemic, and thru other challenges that hit our nation, DLA and DDPW continued to remain at the forefront supporting our frontliners with little or no regard for own welfare to ensure uninterrupted support to all who needed our services.”

Delacruz is proud to have worked beside the men and women of DLA, stating, “They take their job to heart first and foremost and that we are an organization, forged by history and tested by time ... always ready to respond to the call of duty – that the customer and warfighter always receives the right Item at the right time and at the right place. I am grateful for the great opportunity given to me to serve my country and the nation’s finest logistics organization – the Defense Logistics Agency.”