NEW CUMBERLAND, Penn. –
Al Pacenza, lead document automation specialist for Defense Logistics Agency Document Services at West Point, New York, is retiring later this month after 57 years of service.
“Being here for so many years working with all these people at West Point, there's so much of my history here with these people,” Pacenza said while reflecting on his career.
He began his federal career in 1967 as a duplicator operator at what was then Stewart Air Force Base in New Windsor, New York, and eventually moved on to the Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, to become one of their head offset pressmen. In 1978, Pacenza received another promotion that moved him back to New York to work at West Point. He has been there ever since.
Pacenza spent his entire federal career in the printing business. While at the West Point facility, he produced many unique and important items, but he’s most proud of printing the diplomas for West Point Military Academy graduates. Pacenza spent nearly 46 years making sure every West Point graduate received a perfectly printed diploma.
“I've been very blessed to be able to work at such a historic place. Something that I will cherish forever,” Pacenza said.
Pacenza has always been passionate about printing, but even more so about customer service. His outstanding customer service has been recognized over the years with coins, letters of appreciation and awards.
Pacenza said he will miss his customers most after he retires. His approach to customer service was focused on respect and treating all customers the same—it didn’t matter if they were a civilian or officer with rank. He turned many customers into friends over the years and enjoyed the laughs they shared when customers paid a visit to the print facility.
Last week, Pacenza’s customers came together to throw him a surprise retirement party. He was gifted a plaque with a challenge coin from every department at West Point along with a cake, as a thank you for his many years of service there.
“With nearly 57 years of service, Al has been printing longer than many Document Services employees have even been alive. Al has seen it all throughout his tenure. The dedication and resilience he has displayed over the years is commendable,” said Nick Janik, director of production operations for Document Services. “We all wish him the very best in retirement.”
Pacenza’s retirement plans include traveling to see his kids and grandchildren.