PHILADELPHIA –
Two employees were honored for their combined 71 years of federal service with the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support at a retirement ceremony Oct. 26.
Diane Di Silvestro, contract specialist with the Medical supply chain, is retiring after 41 years of service. Diana Brown, supply technician with Installation Operations, is retiring after 30 years.
Army Col. Mark Simerly, DLA Troop Support commander, presided over the ceremony and said the Di Silvestro and Brown years of service have made a lasting impact on the reputation and excellence of DLA Troop Support.
“Our service members around the world don’t have time to think twice about where their supplies come from,” Simerly said. “They know there are folks as dedicated as service members, like you two, who ensure they are being equipped on time with the best stuff to complete their mission.”
Di Silvestro began her career with the Defense Personnel Support Center in 1976 as a clerk. She worked in the secretarial pool before earning a permanent position as a procurement clerk with Medical. She also worked in Subsistence before finishing her career with Medical, which included an assignment resolving more than $1 million in outstanding invoices.
“DLA Troop Support has been the best place to work at and raise a family,” Di Silvestro said, “I want to thank my family for their support and the friends that I’ve made over the years. I loved my time with the federal service and I would highly recommend it to anybody.”
Di Silvestro plans to spend time with her family and friends, travel with her husband, and adopt a rescue dog.
Brown began her career with the Medical supply chain, but also worked in Subsistence and Installation Operations. Brown helped format food for troops during Operation Desert Storm, and worked in the Emergency Supply Operations Center’s 24-hour Ground Troop Communication Room. Brown said her greatest achievement was being the founder and first manager of the local chapel and meditation room.
“The best part of my career and this experience was the people,” Brown said. “I’ve worked with great people. It meant a lot to work with the service members, and it was a pleasure to serve alongside you.”
Brown, an ordained minister, plans to continue work in ministry after retirement, as well as travel, spend time with family and friends, hike and swim.
“The professionalism displayed here at DLA Troop Support every day is the type of professionalism that you two have displayed throughout your careers,” Simerly said. “Thank you both for your service to our nation, the Defense Logistics Agency and, most importantly, the men and women of the Armed Forces.”