PHILADELPHIA –
Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support held a civilian retirement ceremony in honor of Carlos J. Deno Jr., Steven J. Bollendorf, and Gary T. Pierce on May 31, 2023.
“Today is not only about these civil servants with decades of service, but their families as well,” said DLA Troop Support Commander Brig. Gen. Eric P Shirley, who presided on the ceremony. “Each of these gentlemen have supported their nation’s service members around the world.”
Deno started his 41-year career as a summer employee. He held various jobs such as mail clerk, cataloger, quality assurance specialist and packaging specialist before becoming a full-time Equal Employment Opportunity specialist in 1999.
“Starting here as a student in the Stay in School Program, it was a joy to rise up in the ranks,” said Deno.” I told my mom a few months ago that I was going to retire. She replied, ‘I remember your first day in June 1981.’ I am going to miss a lot of the people here.”
During his retirement years, Deno plans to relax and enjoy time with his family, granddaughters, and friends.
Bollendorf concludes his time at DLA after 39 years of service. For the last 17 years, he served as Division Chief for the medical/surgical prime vendor. A major highlight of his career came while working in the Clothing and Textile supply chain. He was instrumental in the purchase of 1,000 bullet proof vests for troops facing sniper fire in Somalia during the 1993 raid in Mogadishu as portrayed in “Black Hawk Down”.
“I want to thank DLA Troop Support, and the government for providing the many challenging assignments and meaningful work I’ve had over the years,” said Bollendorf. “It has been easy finding reasons to serve our troops. Thank you to my family for being here today with the lifetime of love, support, and encouragement.”
Bollendorf plans to enjoy the finer things in his life: travel, golf, and the beach.
Pierce, the final retiree, departs Troop Support with 33 years of service. Since June 2009, Pierce has held the position of Occupational Safety and Health Specialist for DLA. During that time, he conducted over 700 safety inspections, and 130 employee reports of unsafe and unhealthy working conditions.
“When I first started with the government, I had no plans on staying,” said Pierce. One of the reasons I stayed was my coworkers. It has been a pleasure working for the government and you all; so, thank you.”
Pierce plans on working on his victory garden, home beer brewing, photography and enjoying time with family.
“These gentlemen make 113-years of total service,” said Shirley. “A century of service—a century of support to the warfighter around the globe. You will always be a part of the Troop Support family.”