PHILADELPHIA –
The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support celebrated the career of a civilian employee during a retirement ceremony Oct. 24, in Philadelphia.
Barbara P. Miller, a tailored vendor logistics specialist with the Subsistence supply chain, retired after 41 years of service.
DLA Troop Support’s new Deputy Commander Kishayra Lambert presided over the ceremony, and said it was an honor and a privilege for her to officiate Miller’s retirement.
“This is my first time, as deputy commander, officiating a civilian retirement ceremony here at Troop Support,” she said. “And I must say, it is truly a privilege to be able to recognize someone who has had such an extensive career.”
Miller began her career in 1981, in the Medical Emergency Supply Operations Center, where she was responsible for supplying emergency medical items to military personnel in the United States and overseas.
After 19 years in the ESOC, she was promoted to the Industrial Hardware supply chain’s integrated prime vendor section, where she supplied aircraft repair parts to the military, before transitioning to supply planning and managing stock levels of the parts.
In Subsistence, Miller was responsible for garrison feeding in the U.S. Southeast region, which also supported schools and Native American tribes in southern California.
“Your service is indelibly marked in our record of success,” Lambert said. “Those years are characterized by the excellence embodied in the reputation of DLA Troop Support. For that, I am truly grateful.
“And I am not alone in my appreciation,” she continued. “Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, coast guardsmen and guardians get what they need when they need it because of the work you have done. Barbara, 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.”
During the ceremony Miller was presented a certificate of retirement, a retirement memento, a pin of recognition, as well as a star note and commander’s coin from DLA Troop Support Commander Army Brig. Gen. Eric Shirley. Miller’s husband Brian was also presented with a commander’s spouse certificate of appreciation.
“I enjoyed and am proud of my 40-plus years of DoD service,” Miller said. “I took pride in supporting the warfighter, as my father and father-in-law were veterans and I knew they would be proud of me and my dedication to my responsibilities.
“Along the way I met and cultivated lifelong friendships, which was a wonderful perk of this career. I could have never done my work without the support of my husband and mom, who cared for my son’s during contingency efforts.”
Miller said after retiring, she plans on spending more time with her two grandsons, travelling to Europe with her husband, volunteering and relaxing.