An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Dec. 9, 2016

Richmond’s Branch retires after 36 years of federal service

By Brianne M. Bender DLA Distribution Public Affairs

Charita Branch, a supervisory general supply specialist with DLA Distribution Richmond, Va., will retire on Jan. 2, after 36 years of federal service.

Branch began her government career in 1980 at the Defense Supply Center Richmond as a secretary and steadily worked her way up the GS ladder over the years from a data transcriber to a supply specialist before finally in 2002 becoming a supervisory general supply specialist and accountable officer at DLA Distribution Richmond.

During her 36-year career, Branch has been witness to constant system upgrades, which have allowed her the ability to resolve any issues and interact with customers in real time.

“I have been fortunate to have had great supervisors and managers who have mentored me and allowed me to grow my strengths,” said Branch, when asked about what she considers the key to success during her extensive career. “they also provided me opportunities to learn and interact with other distribution centers and headquarters. I have always been acknowledged for my contributions to the organization.”

Branch has been afforded numerous experiences during to her 36-year career with the Department of Defense, including being a part of a team in the early 1990’s, before Distribution Standard System was in existence, that developed a cross functional training manual and training system. “I had the opportunity to present it to DLA Distribution Jacksonville, Fla., as well as travel to other distribution centers to assist during special projects.”

When asked if she could pinpoint the highlight of her career with the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, Branch said “the ability to resolve issues and problems presented to me by internal, as well as external customers. Customer service is my goal.”

The DLA organization means many things to many different people. For Branch it has provided opportunities she never dreamed of, “and a career I love. The DLA organization is a family!”

Branch has much knowledge to pass on to current and future DLA employees. She recommends everyone “do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. It is okay to disagree without being disagreeable. Treat everyone with respect.”