Troop Support honors over a century of service at retirement ceremony

PHILADELPHIA -

Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support held a civilian retirement ceremony to honor three employees, who combined, have over a century of federal service, September 26.

Judith Flores and Rosanne Sarkissian both retired from the DLA Troop Support's Procurement office with 40 and 33 years respectively. Susan Bennett-Minniti retired from the DLA Contracting Services Office with 31 years of federal service.

Troop Support Commander Army Brig. Gen. Landis Maddox said although the organization is losing a wealth of knowledge with the retirees, they have set a positive example for those following in their footsteps.

"You all represent many years of experience and corporate knowledge that our organization will surely miss," he said. "But you've left an indelible mark on your teams, and I know that your colleagues will carry on your commitment to our customers."

Maddox went on to say that the retirees' years of service adds them to the rich history and exceptional reputation of Troop Support, and their accomplishments would not be possible without the love and support of colleagues, friends and family along the way.

"You all have my personal appreciation, and I would like to thank you, on behalf of Troop Support for your unwavering support to our retirees throughout the years," he said.

Flores, who began her career in 1984, held a myriad of positions in the Medical, and Clothing and Textile supply chains. She also worked as a reverse auction manager before closing out her career as an analyst in the Procurement office. She said her time at Troop Support has been a rewarding experience.

"Thank you for years of friendship and years of wonderful work relationships," she said. "The work could be stressful sometimes, but everybody always came through and everything got done, and we took care of each other in the process."

Sarkissian began her career with the agency through the Outstanding Scholar Program as an inventory manager. She also worked as a contracting officer and a small business specialist, spending time in Germany and Hawaii before landing in the Procurement office. Sarkissian said, that she has been fortunate in her career to be able to work with colleagues who have become friends. She left some advice to the workforce:

"Work hard, but play hard too," she said. "Don't forget to laugh and sing and dance. Make sure you have fun too."

Bennett-Minniti began her career as a clerk typist in 1993. Through the agency's Acquisition Upper Mobility Program, she joined the Subsistence supply chain, where she assisted in its growth in acquisition methodologies and automation. Bennett-Minniti then took a break from her federal career to work with a major supply chain food manufacturer.

When she returned, she held a number of positions before landing at DCSO, including working at the DLA headquarters in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and working in the Command office here in Philadelphia. She said taking advantage of opportunities throughout her career has made her time with DLA very rewarding and enjoyable.

"I met so many awesome people and had so much fun," she said. "Make sure to take opportunities. Go to headquarters. Go overseas. Go and do everything you can for your career and enjoy it."

During the ceremony Maddox presented each retiree with a certificate of retirement, a DLA retirement memento, a pin of appreciation, and a coin and star note. Spouses received a letter of appreciation for their support over the years.

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