PHILADELPHIA –
A Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support employee was honored for his 35 years of government service during a retirement ceremony Nov. 30.
Michael Kanther, a materiel planner with Clothing and Textiles, joined the agency in 1982 as a supply clerk and advanced to a materiel planner in 1992. He then transferred to C&T in 1999.
Many of the supply chain processes have changed since Kanther started his service, said Army Brig. Gen. Mark Simerly, DLA Troop Support commander, who presided over the ceremony.
“You were a pioneer and one of the first to have a desktop terminal,” Simerly said. “You’ve seen many changes in our organization, so this is an important day for us as we honor everything you’ve done for the team.”
Kanther said that he is proud have been able to support warfighters and play a part in ensuring they got the items they needed, including body armor and helmets.
“I’d turn on the TV and I’d see our product being used by the warfighter,” Kanther said.
He recalled a news story about a soldier who was walking on patrol when he suddenly felt a powerful blast behind him and was knocked to the ground.
“He got up. And what he didn’t immediately realize, was that he’d been shot in the back of the helmet,” Kanther said. “And I thought to myself that he’s alive, in part, because of the work that we do here.”
Kanther looks forward to not setting the alarm clock to get him up in the morning but also said that he’ll miss seeing his co-workers every day.
“It’s been a pleasure working with you guys,” Kanther said. “I’ll never forget you as long as I live.”