ANNISTON, Ala. –
Defense Logistics Agency Distribution General Supply Specialist, Orlando Duran, has a combined military and government service of over 45 years – seven with DLA – is retiring.
Duran served in the U.S. Army for over 23 years, where he served in Vietnam, and “Operation Just Cause,” Panama. He retired from the Army as a Command Sergeant Major/E-9.
Over the course of his career, Duran noted the changes in the military and the support to military.
“From the Vietnam era throughout the present, I have seen a great improvement in military war vehicles, weaponry, aircraft, combat personnel clothing, and safety equipment that provide our warriors with more safety and tools to do their expected duty,” said Duran.
A quality assurance evaluator, Duran believes the key to his success is knowledge of a job well done.
“I believe in what I am doing, and understand the reason why I am doing it, also knowing that I can help others when needed,” he said.
Duran credits his wife with much of his success. “She has always been waiting for me and happy to see me come back home safely.”
Duran has also mentored a few people just coming into the federal service. He offered the following advice, “Do your job, give at least 110 percent and you will be do fine. Talk to other people and you will find that you will learn something new every day.”
During his DLA tenure, he found the work to be very meaningful and he believes the majority of our workforce is dedicated 100 percent to serving our military warriors when they most need our support. He said the highlight of working with DLA was while he was deployed with the agency.
“The time that I spent serving with DLA Distribution in Kandahar, Afghanistan providing security service to those who work very hard every day risking their own lives to support our troops was the most fulfilling for me,” said Duran.
“I will like to say that it has been a great pleasure and honor serving not only the Defense Logistics Agency but other US Government agencies as well for over 45 years (military/civilian) of my life. It is hard to depart but I have reached that time of my life when I will dedicate my undivided attention to my wife, children and grandchildren,” he said.