# DLA Installation Management Susquehanna sign painter retires after 40 years of federal service

/ Published July 29, 2022
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa., 
Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Susquehanna Sign Painter, Stan B. Hemler, is retiring after 40 years of federal service.

Hemler has served with DLA for 11 years and before that, he served with the U.S. Postal Service for 29 years. 

“I began my federal service with the U.S. Postal Service in July 1982 at the Harrisburg Mail Processing Plant, where I started in mailing processing in conjunction with other duties such as data technician, postal employee development technician and mail transportation equipment technician. When the plant was relocated to a much larger new facility in 1992 on Crooked Hill Road in Harrisburg, I was detailed into the illustration/sign painter position and tasked with creating signage under In-Plant Support in assisting mail processing within the plant. My duties later expanded to marketing and sales where I was called upon to assist in events with signs, banners and stamp framings,” said Hemler.                 Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Susquehanna Sign Painter, Stan Hemler, reviews a workorder for a sign design. Hemler is retiring at the end of July 2022 after serving 40 years in federal service. Photo by Diana Dawa, DLA Distribution Public Affairs.                            DLA Installation Management Susquehanna sign painter retires after 40 years of federal service                            Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Susquehanna Sign Painter, Stan Hemler, reviews a workorder for a sign design. Hemler is retiring at the end of July 2022 after serving 40 years in federal service. Photo by Diana Dawa, DLA Distribution Public Affairs.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Diana Dawa, DLA Distribution Public AffairsVIRIN: 220712-D-WD427-0128

In July 2011 Hemler was awarded the position here as the sign painter for DLA Installation Management Susquehanna, where he continued creating various signage for the warehouses, administration areas, change of command ceremonies and other events.

Now, after 11 rewarding years at DLA Installation Management Susquehanna, Hemler will be retiring the end of July this year. 

He has seen a few changes during his time with DLA.

“Mostly the changes I witnessed while working here within maintenance were the construction and remodeling of new and existing structures throughout all in the support to the warfighter, as well as the expansion of Morale Welfare and Recreation, the Police and Fire Department, and the Clinic in order to meet the services required of them.”

Hemler believes the key to his rewarding career is having a sense of pride and communicating with customers on their needs.

“I was also very fortunate to have the support of my supervisors and co-workers. Any advice I can have for someone starting their federal career is that, “ You have been awarded a position based on you as a person and past skills with one of the best organizations around and given every opportunity to succeed,” he said, adding, “Your work will be a reflection of you, so if you give it your all with respect to others, and when it comes time to retire you can look in the mirror and say ‘Well Done.’”                Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Susquehanna Sign Painter, Stan B. Hemler, works on one of his sign designs. Hemler is retiring at the end of July 2022 after serving 40 years in federal service. Photo by Diana Dawa, DLA Distribution Public Affairs.                            DLA Installation Management Susquehanna sign painter retires after 40 years of federal service                            Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Susquehanna Sign Painter, Stan B. Hemler, works on one of his sign designs. Hemler is retiring at the end of July 2022 after serving 40 years in federal service. Photo by Diana Dawa, DLA Distribution Public Affairs.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Diana Dawa, DLA Distribution Public AffairsVIRIN: 220712-D-WD427-0133

“I truly feel my father was my first and greatest mentor. He taught me so many skills and traits throughout my youth. ‘Have pride in your work and remember that it is just as easy to do a good job as a bad job’ were some of his favorite sayings, also witnessing his humility with whatever he completed stuck with me.”

After starting with DLA, Hemler was impressed with his co-worker’s knowledge, talents and skills which drove him to take his work to the next level.

“My co-workers most likely are unaware that they have been my mentors as well,” said Hemler.

Hemler very much appreciated having the opportunity to be part of DLA for the past 11 years, which gave him a sense of patriotic accomplishment since he did not serve in the military. 

“My highlights here were mostly the projects I was tasked with such as the 100th Anniversary Celebration, all warehouse signage, the historical artifacts display at building 750, the display in the lobby at building 2001, the restoration of both the Susquehanna Club building exterior signs together with the change of command and summerfest events,” Hemler stated.

“Meeting and working with the people here at DLA Susquehanna was really the greatest highlight for myself above all, for they are some of the finest men and women I have ever got to know! I feel blessed to have met them and very impressed with their talents and professionalism. I wish them all the best and I will never forget my time here, it’s been the most fulfilling 11 years of my 40 years in federal service.”