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News | Nov. 12, 2015

San Diego’s McVey celebrates 50 years of service

By Brianne M. Bender DLA Distribution Public Affairs

James E. McVey, a materials handler supervisor at Defense Logistics Agency Distribution San Diego, Calif., will celebrate a major accomplishment this month. He will have dedicated 50 years of his life to serving the United States of America.

As a young American, McVey did what many young men did during the Vietnam era; he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

A radio-telegraph operator with the 1st Marine, 3rd Amphibious Tractor Battalion, McVey served two tours in Vietnam. His main function was to operate and keep the radiotelegraph equipment in working condition. He assisted in multiple operations, first in the Chu Lai area. During his second tour, the 3rd Amtracs relocated to support the Da Nang Area.

Following his retirement in 1971, McVey made the decision to continue serving his country by entering the civil service. In the early years of his employment with the Navy Public Works Center he served as a labor union Vice President. “It is quite a learning process as you take on the challenge to represent bargaining unit personnel, as well as constant labor-management relations and negotiations.”

During his first 10 years of civil service, McVey worked full time while attending college through the GI Bill educational program in the evening.

“My key to personal success has been my desire to learn and develop through self-improvement,” said McVey.

During the last five and a half years of his career, McVey has been employed by DLA. He was first employed with Aviation and then in 2012, due to realignment, his work center was converted to Distribution.

“My years of federal service have allowed me to experience the satisfaction of knowing our military personnel are pleased with DLA’s constant support,” explained McVey. “The dedicated men and women of DLA are always striving to provide full support to our war fighters.”

“Mr. McVey’s can-do spirit instills confidence in our workforce,” said Greg Levardo, industrial support division director at DLA Distribution San Diego, Calif.

Having dedicated a majority of his life to his country, McVey describes his military and federal career as “one more way I can say I am supporting our U.S. Armed Forces. This is a form of dedication to our country, the United States of America.”