Gene Surmacz, chief of staff, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, was honored at a retirement ceremony Dec.16, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years of military service and civilian leadership.
"Excellence and humbleness are two words that perfectly describe Gene Surmacz and his impressive career,” said Army Brig. Gen. Kevin Cotman, commanding general, DLA Distribution, who officiated the ceremony. “Whether on active duty or in civilian service, Gene's commitment to the mission and his dedication to his team have always been paramount. We are incredibly grateful for his leadership and his lasting impact on DLA Distribution."
Surmacz retired from his position as DLA Distribution chief of staff, a role he assumed Dec. 21, 2020, after serving as acting chief of staff since July 13, 2020. Prior to that, he had served as the director of Acquisition since 2004. His extensive career at DLA showcased his deep commitment to logistics and acquisition.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside a lot of great people, the best that America has. We are all working to serve a single purpose, and that’s the defense of our nation,” Surmacz said. “This was not a job. It was a sense of duty, a sense of purpose, and it was something that I owed this country.”
Before his civilian service, Surmacz honorably served in the Army, retiring in 2002 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He began his Army career as an armor officer, serving with the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and the 3rd Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany. His leadership roles included tank platoon leader, scout platoon leader, battalion maintenance officer, tank company commander, and headquarters and headquarters company commander.
In 1990, he transitioned to the Army Acquisition Corps, becoming the warranted contracting officer and team chief for the Firefinder Radar System at Communication and Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He subsequently served as the contract administrator for the Army’s Research and Development contract. In 1992, he became the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command director of Base Support Operations and Automated Data Processing Purchasing.
In 1995, Surmacz was transferred to Fort Lee, Virginia, where he advanced to the position of senior procurement officer of Combined Arms Support Command. In 1998, he moved to Pennsylvania and became the director of the Move and Store Material Commodity Business Unit for DLA Troop Support in Philadelphia. Two years later, he became the deputy director of the Benchstock Commodity Business Unit and eventually, he became the commodity business manager, chief ground support, at DLA Troop Support before transitioning to New Cumberland to serve as the director of Acquisition Operations.
A graduate of Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Surmacz also holds a master’s degree in business administration from Monmouth University in Monmouth, New Jersey. He holds Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act certifications including Level III certification in contracting and Level II certification in program management.
His service has been recognized with numerous awards, including two Sustained Superior Performance Awards, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Draper Armor Leadership Award for leadership and tactical excellence.
Cotman presented his wife, Vanessa, with a certificate of appreciation for her support during her husband’s career.
“A lot of times, we look at the person that’s in the organization, but everyone in the family serves,” Cotman said. “Thank you from the DLA Distribution family for everything you’ve done over the course of Gene’s career.”