PHILADELPHIA –
Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support held a civilian retirement ceremony in honor of Robert Panichelle, DLA Troop Support competition advocate and chief of pricing, and Isabelle Duvak, contract specialist with a senior contracting officer warrant in DLA Troop Support construction & equipment supply chain, on September 28, 2023.
“Bob is retiring after 41 years of government work, and Isabelle with 39 years,” said DLA Troop Support Commander Army Col. Landis C. Maddox, who presided over the ceremony. “For those who do not know, Isabelle jokes she started with DLA at 9-years-old.”
Panichelle began his career in January 1982 as a procurement agent at the Defense Personnel Support Center, Clothing & Textile directorate. Further into his career, he was responsible for the introduction of the Army Combat Uniform, Airman Battle Uniform and the Navy Working Uniform that replaced their older battledress uniforms.
In 2009, while serving as the DLA Troop Support Competition Advocate and Chief of Pricing, Penichelle and his team saved the taxpayers tens of millions of dollars by enforcing competition that effectively drove down prices along with assisting contracting personnel during negotiations.
“I may have orchestrated some things, but my team did the work,” said Panichelle. “Without them we couldn’t have had the accomplishment that we had.”
Panichelle is most proud of the relationships he forged with colleagues and customers. “It’s been a blast. I have a lot of people to thank, a lot of mentors I have learned from and others who have been influential,” said Panichelle. “Thank you to Mr. [William] Kenny because he has always been in my corner.”
During his retirement years, Panichelle wants to continue to play basketball, learn to play the piano, and become a part-time real estate agent.
Duvak’s government career started in March 1984 at the Navy Aviation Supply Office. During her time at DLA Troop Support, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business Logistics from LaSalle University via the DLA’s Professional Logistics Program, a master’s degree in International Business, and graduated from DLA’s mid-level development program.
On a volunteer basis, Duvak participated as a member on the DLA Family Day committee for over 25 years.
“With your departure, we have a large void to fill in preparation for next year’s Family Day,” said Maddox.
“Thank you all for putting this together,” said Duvak. “This has been a beautiful ceremony; I truly feel grateful for the experience I had over the years and people I have met along the journey.”
During her retirement years, Duvak plans to spend time at the Jersey Shore, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
“Please know you all have made an important impact on the legacy of our great organization, said Maddox. “Thank you for your valued service.”