PHILADELPHIA –
Three employees serving over a century of cumulative years of federal service were honored by the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support at a retirement ceremony April 25 in Philadelphia.
DLA Troop Support Deputy Commander Richard Ellis presided over the ceremony and thanked the employees, Industrial Hardware quality assurance specialist Michael Newell, Construction and Equipment Miscellaneous Equipment Division Chief Susan Paul and C&E Move and Store Division Chief Susanne McHale, for their contributions to the agency.
“Despite changing times, your steadfast commitment to the warfighter and the DLA mission has remained strong and unwavering,” Ellis said. “You have met every challenge, and our warfighters have never suffered as a result.”
Newell’s career spanned several positions before becoming a quality assurance specialist in IH. Regardless of the position, he said, he always maintained a mission-first mindset.
“I’ve always had the focus of having my responsibility toward the people in the field,” Newell said. “They’re the ones that get the parts. They’re the ultimate goal of everyone in here, and it should always be that way.”
In his retirement, Newell said he plans on entering his collectible vehicle in car shows, enjoy motorcycling and boating, working on his home and traveling.
Paul retires from her position in C&E after working through two agency restructures - from the Defense Industrial Supply Center to the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, and then to DLA Troop Support – and several internal reorganizations resulting in C&E as it is known today. Through each step of her career, she felt “profoundly lucky” to be a part of the Troop Support mission.
“A lot of great things happened for me because I’ve worked [at Troop Support],” Paul said. “I love being part of what’s happened and what continues to happen, and it makes me feel great that I have had this opportunity.”
Upon retiring, Paul said she hopes to revisit her “dormant creative side,” explore her local small-town surroundings, pursue an interest in nature and generally pursue happiness.
McHale began her career with Troop Support as an intern, seizing opportunities in positions and education that eventually led to her selection as a division chief in C&E. She credited federal employment for opportunities for development such as her master’s degree in Logistics Management Technology from Florida Institute of Technology and participation on the business systems modernization team.
“I thank the government for advancing my education, for all the travel I got to do over the last 31 years and for all the friends as well,” McHale said. “I just want to encourage everyone to keep up the good work.”
During retirement, McHale said she intends to spend more time with her three grandsons and relaxing on the beaches of Florida and New Jersey.