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News | Feb. 28, 2020

DLA Troop Support celebrates latest group of civilian retirees

By Nancy Benecki

The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support bid farewell to three civilian employees during a retirement ceremony February 27 in Philadelphia.

Jayne Branigan from Procurement retired after 42 years of service to the federal government. Emma Green from the Construction and Equipment supply chain retired after 31 years of federal service. Diana Gordon, also from the Construction and Equipment supply chain, retired after 16 years of federal work.

DLA Troop Support Deputy Commander Richard Ellis presided over the ceremony and congratulated the retirees on their combined 89 years of service.

Ellis said that DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams frequently calls the workforce the “secret sauce” in the agency’s success.

“I can’t agree more that’s the case,” Ellis said. “I really appreciate all that this workforce does…this is the most dedicated, hardworking and creative workforce I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”

Ellis presented Branigan, Green and Gordon with certificates of retirement, DLA Troop Support mementos and commander’s coins. Certificates of appreciation were given to Branigan’s husband, Fran, and Gordon’s husband, Harry.

Branigan’s career began in 1978 as a clerk at the Naval Air Technical Service Facility. She started working for the Defense Industrial Supply Center, which eventually became DLA Troop Support, in acquisitions. Branigan has worked in the Contract Review division, Procurement Process Support directorate since 2006. One of her career highlights was being on the review team for the first prime vendor acquisitions outside of the United States that supplied food to warfighters around the world. She is retiring as a procurement analyst.

“I would like to thank everyone who’s helped and supported me through the years,” Branigan said. “I appreciate it. I couldn’t have gotten through it without you. It’s been an honor to be able support the troops and this agency, and I appreciate that opportunity.”

Green started working for Defense Industrial Supply Center, a DLA Troop Support legacy organization, in 1988, working in the now-Industrial Hardware non-fastener branch for 27 years, and in the Construction and Equipment supply chain for the last four years. Her biggest accomplishments include receiving an Aviation Supplier Operations Team Award and graduating from the DLA Intern Program. She is retiring as a contract specialist.

“I have enjoyed my years working here,” Green said. “I’m going to miss my coworkers.”

Gordon began her government career in the Medical supply chain as a supply cataloger. After taking some time away from the workforce to have a family, she returned to DLA and eventually was selected for the DLA intern program as a material planner. She is retiring as a customer account specialist.

“I’ve always felt blessed to have this job, and to support the warfighter,” she said. “You’re always supportive, and I thank you for that.”