PHILADELPHIA –
The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support celebrated over 63 years of combined service during a retirement ceremony November 29 in Philadelphia.
Barbara Quarles, Medical supply chain, retired after 33 years of service. Gail Vandervoort, Clothing and Textiles supply chain, retired after 30 years of service.
Army Brig. Gen. Eric Shirley, DLA Troop Support Commander, presided over the ceremony. He congratulated the two retirees and recognized their family for their support and sacrifice over the years.
“The children and families who grow up with a mom or relative working for DLA Troop Support suffer some of the same sacrifices as the warfighters they support,” he said. “But those sacrifices have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. So on behalf of our warfighters throughout the world: thank you for your sacrifice.”
Each retiree received a certificate of retirement, DLA Troop Support mementos, a pin and a commander’s coin with a personalized note from Shirley.
Quarles began her career in 1988 as a supplier in the emergency supply unit where she was responsible for supporting contingency missions by providing essential equipment to ships at sea. She said she plans on getting involved in community activities and projects upon retirement, but will miss working with and supporting her teammates at DLA Troop Support.
“I am deeply honored to receive these wonderful mementos for my time here at troop support and I will miss working here at DLA,” she said.
Vandervoort began her career as a textile technologist in 1991 where she provided technical expertise for writing specifications and other documents required to procure items. Upon retirement she’s moving to Colorado to be close to family.
“I appreciate the many years I worked for [DLA] Troop Support. I’m grateful I was able to support the warfighter … I’m most grateful for all the friends and colleagues that I’ve met over the years, and I will miss them all.”