Civilian retirees celebrate conclusion of long careers at DLA Troop Support

Photo By Edward J Maldonado | James McCloskey, left, and Stephanie Fuss, both of the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support’s Procurement Process Support office, retired this week after 54 and 40 years of federal service, respectively. They were celebrated during a civilian retirement ceremony held Oct. 30, 2019 at DLA Troop Support Headquarters in Philadelphia. (Photo by Edward Maldonado)  

PHILADELPHIA, PA, UNITED STATES

10.31.2019

Story by Nancy Benecki 

Defense Logistics Agency   

The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support said goodbye to two civilian employees during a retirement ceremony October 30 in Philadelphia.

James McCloskey and Stephanie Fuss, both from the Procurement Process Support office, retired after 54 and 40 years of service, respectively.

DLA Troop Support Commander Army Brig. Gen. Gavin Lawrence presided over the ceremony and congratulated the new retirees on their combined 94 years of service to the federal government.

“Please accept my gratitude for all that you have done in service to our nation, the Defense Logistics Agency, and most importantly, the men and women of our military,” Lawrence said. “On behalf of myself and the entire workforce, I wish you all the best in your retirement.”

Lawrence presented McCloskey and Fuss with certificates of retirement, DLA Troop Support mementos, and commander’s coins. Fuss’ husband, Frank, also received the commander’s spouse certificate of appreciation.

McCloskey’s career began in January 1965 in the Clothing and Textiles supply chain as a contract administrator before moving to the Medical supply chain, where he spent 10 years as a procurement agent. He worked in various other roles throughout his career, retiring as a procurement analyst in Procurement Process Support. One of his career highlights was serving on the base realignment and closure committee during the agency’s transition from South to Northeast Philadelphia.
“I know a lot of people helped me over the years, and I want to thank everybody,” McCloskey said, adding that there was not enough time to individually thank everyone who he worked with over the years.
Fuss started her career as a voucher examiner for commercial accounts in the Accounting and Finance Division at the Defense Personnel Support Center. For the last 13 years, she worked in Procurement in the Contract Review Division. She is retiring as a procurement analyst. She counts one of her career highlights working on a review team for the first Medical supply chain procurement and acquisition policy, which was valued at more than $1 billion.

“It’s been a long journey,” Fuss said. “I’m going to miss the people [who I work with] so much, it’s really a second family, but I think it’s time for me to spend more time with my own family. I won’t ever forget anyone, and each of you have touched my heart and my soul.”

• Date Taken: 10.31.2019
• Date Posted: 10.31.2019 13:48
• Story ID: 350067
• Location: PHILADELPHIA, PA, US