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News | April 22, 2016

DLA Distribution Korea’s So retires after 43 years of federal service

By Brianne M. Bender DLA Distribution Public Affairs

Sang-Hwan So, a supply technician inspector at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Korea, retired after 43 years of federal service, eight of which have been with DLA Distribution Korea in March 2016.

In 1963, at a young age, So joined the Republic of Korea Army. He served the military service requirement of three years, leaving active duty at the rank of corporal.

Several years later, government service beckoned for So’s service again. In March 1973, he began working as a heavy equipment division mechanic at the United States Army Material Support Center Korea, Camp Carroll. The USAMSC-Korea provides theater sustainment maintenance, supply, ammunition, distribution, transportation coordination support, movement control and Korean Service Corps support for forces operating in Korea.

Over the years, So moved up the career ladder, eventually becoming the supply and transportation division supply inspector in September 1998.

In November 2008, So made the decision to join the DLA Distribution family as the transportation branch receiving section supply inspector, and has not looked back.

“DLA Distribution does the important tasks, for the warfighter,” said So. “These tasks cannot be duplicated by other agencies.”

As DLA Distribution Korea’s first supply quality control inspector, So has worked hard to provide the best skills and knowledge in order to complete his tasked missions on time. He credits health, honesty and diligence as the keys to his career successes.

“I have learned many things during the past almost 43 years I have served the Korean-U.S. Military alliance,” So said.

His career has afforded him the opportunity to travel around the Army areas, meeting great people around all of Korea. So mentioned a highlight was the opportunity to meet the DLA Distribution commander, at which time he was presented with a coin for outstanding service.

“It has been my honor to work for team DLA and all of the people I have met during my career. The men and women of DLA are a diligent and well trained work force. DLA is not just a work place, it is family,” concluded So.