COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime associates gathered in the Defense Supply Center Columbus’ Building 20 Auditorium June 19 for a dual purpose Town Hall and retirement acknowledgement of Deputy Commander Steven Alsup.
Addressing a full auditorium,
DLA Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer presented several performance awards and covered Land and Maritime operational achievements before turning associates attention to Alsup’s retirement.
“What I admire about Steve is his fantastic leadership,” Palmer said. “His sage advice was very much appreciated, he gave me the opportunity to digest the data as a leader and make informed decisions; DLA Land and Maritime shines a little bit brighter because of Steve’s contributions,” said Palmer.
Palmer presented Alsup with several tokens of appreciation from the workforce that he helped encourage over his 21 month tour as deputy commander of DLA Land and Maritime and for his 33.5 years of federal service. Steve’s wife, Lisa, was also presented with an appreciation certificate acknowledging her sacrifices during Alsup’s service tours.
Lisa spoke about their post DLA Land and Maritime plans and provided an entertaining presentation complete with acronyms. She shared a little about Steve’s family, their history and commitment to public service. Alsup’s father and grandfather were both in civil service.
Using the acronym ASRP for Alsup Strategic Retirement Plan, Lisa shared three additional acronyms that were components of the plan. The acronym was RST and represented three unique activities; riding, sailing and traveling. She added tongue in cheek that she was in complete control of allocating resources for Alsup to enjoy ASRP.
Alsup took the stage and in his patented steady demeanor reflected on his career serving the nation’s military services. He spoke fondly of his time at Land and Maritime. “I had a great time here and wish it could’ve been just a little bit longer,” Alsup said.
He recounted a story about the civil service oath at the beginning of his career and said he had a momentary thought flash through his mind that he was in the wrong place and was enlisting in the military.
“Nowhere else I’ve ever worked required an oath, and at some point over the last 33 plus years it did sink in and I got it,” Alsup said. “What you do is really important. It’s not over the top to say that lives are on the line and depend on what you do and I want to say thank you all for letting me be a part of it.”
Additional presentations were made to Alsup to help him remember his time with DLA and in particular his Land and Maritime experience. A reception was held after the Town Hall and retirement ceremony where the workforce had the opportunity to share more personal moments with the Alsups before their departure.