8th TSC recognizes civilians for 100-plus years of combined service

By Staff Sgt. Gaelen Lowers (8th TSC)January 27, 2014

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1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, commanding general for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, hands Norman Wong, the supervisor of inventory management for the 8th TSC's Support Operations Munitions and retired Air Force senior master sergeant, the Civilia... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, commanding general for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, hands Wiliiam Fortner, the Army representative for the demilitarization of munitions for the Pacific theater at the 8th TSC's Support Operations Munitions and ret... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, commanding general for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, hands Norman Wong, the supervisor of inventory management for the 8th TSC's Support Operations Munitions and retired Air Force senior master sergeant, the Civilia... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- The 8th Theater Sustainment Command family recognized two Department of the Army civil service employees for their combined 103 years of military service at the Hale Ikena here, Jan. 19.

Wiliiam Fortner, a retired Army command sergeant major, and Norman Wong, a retired Air Force senior master sergeant, both work in the 8th TSC's Support Operations Munitions Branch and were each honored with the 50 Year Civilian Time-in-Service Award.

With 8th TSC's critical role as the senior Army logistics command in the Pacific, the men's dedication to their mission impacts countless operations throughout the region.

Fortner, who is currently serving as the Army representative for the demilitarization of munitions for the entire Pacific theater, retired after 30 years of active duty service.

He joined the Army in Princeton, In., in 1956 with a group of his friends.

"I love to travel and meet new, interesting people," Fortner said. "I've had some good assignments and the pay was right. It was a good solid job."

Wong, an Oahu native, is currently the supervisor of inventory management. He enlisted in the Air Force after high school in 1962, and went right into the Vietnam War.

"It just seems right to give back to the military that has given so much to me and my family," Wong said.

Both said they are deeply honored and humbled by the award, and that they love their country and would continue working for it for as long as they are able to.

Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, the commanding general for the 8th TSC, presented the awards and joked that the two couldn't let one outdo the other.

Lyons said each man's resume was very impressive and that the work they have accomplished during their time with the 8th TSC was a testament to their dedication to the unit, the military, and the United States of America.

"It was an honor to pause and honor both of these men," Lyons said. "You have both served your nation with extraordinary distinction and we're proud to have you both on the team."