RICHMOND, Va. - Army Col. Francis Flanagan, Defense Contract Management Agency International, recently presented Army Capt. John A. Topper III with the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his accomplishments as the agency’s liaison officer for deploying personnel.
Prior to awarding the medal to Topper, Flanagan said, “You have my appreciation. It’s a tough job and I’m glad we’re going to be able to recognize you for the work you did.”
Topper received the award for his efforts in facilitating the ability of the agency’s personnel to deploy to the Combined Joint Operations Area while he served as the DCMA Continental U.S. Replacement Center liaison officer from May 2011 to June 2012.
“I think DCMA is a great agency. I did enjoy the job,” Topper said.
As the CRC liaison officer, Topper was responsible for the coordinated processing of the entire agency’s deploying personnel, ensuring 100 percent deployed with the requisite theater-specific training, equipment, and essential medical and personal readiness.
“He saved the agency significant cost and precluded deployment delays and subsequent in-theater mission gaps,” Charlie Sullivan, DCMA Combat Support Center acting director, said. “He also bolstered the process by which the agency’s deploying personnel circumvented numerous hours of ‘wait time’ CRC personnel are typically subjected to while processing.”
Sullivan, who presented Topper with a letter of appreciation, said, “Over the course of your assignment, CSC has received constant positive feedback regarding your stellar performance in supporting DCMA civilian and military personnel. You’ve been an integral part of the CSC team and you’ll be greatly missed.”
At the end of the ceremony, several CSC employees, who worked with Topper or who were deployed through the CRC while he served as the DCMA liaison officer, said:
“You have to be a people person, and Capt. Topper is definitely a people person. Processes you have established have helped us out tremendously. You’re going to be missed.” – Tim Roseberry
“You had it [the processing] fully wrapped. It was wonderful.” – Craig “Mel” Hamner
“What I saw John doing and how he worked with people was unbelievable. You can't top Topper.” – Joe Saladino