ASC holds ceremony honoring 12 members set to retire

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The Army Sustainment Command bid farewell to 12 of its members in a ceremony here June 27 at Heritage Hall.

D. Scott Welker, deputy to the commander, bestowed four Department of the Army civilians and eight Soldiers -- with service totaling 349 years, 34 deployments and careers ranging from 20 to 44 years -- with awards, certificates, flags and pins recognizing their accomplishments at ASC's quarterly Award, Retirement & Retreat ceremony.

Additionally, two other persons were recognized -- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Allen Shuler and John Blackledge.

Schuler received the Commanding General's Award for Excellence for his work as a leader in the Supply Division of the Distribution Management Center. Blackledge was awarded the Commander's Award for Civilian Service for providing support to the deputy commanding general, operations, ASC, from December 2012 to June 2013, and was recognized for 30 years of service.

Blackledge was instrumental in completing the ASC Campaign Plan and implementing ACS's role in the future of global logistics for this decade.

Those retiring in the ceremony were:

Nancy Adolphi; Susan (Bobbi) Cole; Dennis Durham; Debra O'Connor; Chief Warrant Officer 4 Serena Jordan; Chief Warrant Officer 4 Barry Rice; Sgt. Maj. Jacqueline Edwards; Master Sgt. Dustin Swinney; Master Sgt. Rosa Villanueva; Master Sgt. Tina Winchester; Sgt. 1st Class Gary Landstrom Jr.; and Sgt. 1st Class Travis Lund.

"The people we honor today are absolutely outstanding individuals who gave a lot of themselves during their career," Welker said in his remarks. "They will be very difficult to replace and very sorely missed by this command and this community."

A brief run down on each follows:

O Adolphi: Began her federal career at RIA in October 1978 as a clerk in the Comptroller's Office. She is retiring as a Lead Organizational Development and Training specialist in the G-3 (Operations) Training and Program Division. Her plans include writing books, becoming an advocate and public speaker for women and teenage girls, and attending clown school.

O Cole: Enlisted in the Army in September 1973 and served 10 years in uniform. She was awarded the military occupational specialty (MOS) of standard installation division personnel systems analyst. In October 1984 she became an Army civilian. She retires as a manpower analyst, Manpower and Force Management Division, RIA -- a position she has held since May 2003. She plans to travel, visit her grandchildren, and coordinate her retirement move.

O Durham: Enlisted in the Navy in September 1962. He then joined the Air Force in December 1971 and eventually retired from that branch. He came to RIA in 1980 working in the Transportation Office. His final assignment was in the Office of Counsel/Business Relations Office coordinating all contractor visits to ASC, Joint Munitions Command and Army Contracting Command-Rock Island. He plans to spend time with family, work on his house in Michigan, and volunteer at church.

O O'Connor: Started her career with RIA as a student aide in the 201 File Room in February 1975 while attending Davenport West High School. She has deployed nearly five years in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). She retires as an information technology specialist with the G-6 Office (Information Management), a position she has held since 1995. She plans to ride her motorcycle, travel, and enjoy her grandchildren.

O Jordan: Enlisted in the Army in 1983 and was awarded the MOS of unit supply specialist. She will retire as an asset visibility/property accounting technician. She is a certified dietary manager and certified food protection professional. Her plans include attaining a bachelor's degree in food and nutrition and becoming a registered dietician.

O Rice: Enlisted in the Army in August 1983. He became a warrant officer in March 2001. He deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and four tours to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He assumed duties in July 2008 as an asset visibility/property book officer, Field Support, ASC. He plans to participate in family activities.

O Edwards: Enlisted in the Army in November 1983 and was awarded the MOS of automated logistical specialist. Her deployments include Operation Joint Endeavor/Task Force Eagle (Bosnia), two deployments in support of Operation Joint Guard/Task Force Falcon (Bosnia), Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn in Iraq. She assumed duties as the ASC's Field Support sergeant major in August 2012. She plans to finish her master's degree.

O Swinney: Enlisted in the Marine Corps September 1990 and joined the Army February 1996. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He assumed duties as chief intelligence sergeant, ASC, in June 2012. He plans to work in the intelligence field.

O Villanueva: Enlisted in the Army in February 1992 and was awarded the MOS of human resources specialist. She deployed in support of Stabilization Force Bosnia, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. She is a member of the Adjutant General's Corps Regimental Association. She assumed duties as G-1 (Human Resources) Military Personnel Division noncommissioned officer-in-charge, ASC, July 2012. She plans to attain a master's degree in health care management.

O Winchester: Enlisted in the Army in May 1978 and was awarded the MOS of clinical specialist. She joined the Michigan National Guard in April 1986. She was mobilized from June 2005 to November 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She assumed duties as the G-1 Human Resources manager in December 2011. She plans to continue her education in computer repair.

O Landstrom: Enlisted in the Army in September 1993 and was awarded the MOS armor crewman. In November 2000 was awarded the MOS automated logistical specialist. His deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. He assumed duties as the 405th/406th Army Field Support Brigade regional support NCOIC, ASC, in July 2011. He plans to continue his education in Minnesota.

O Lund: Enlisted in the Army in August 1993 and was awarded the MOS combat engineer. In 2001 he was awarded the MOS radio and communications security repairer. His deployments include Operation Vigilant Warrior (Kuwait), Operation Joint Endeavor/Task Force Eagle (Bosnia), Operation Joint Guard (Bosnia), Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He assumed duties as senior maintenance readiness NCO, Materiel Readiness Division, ASC, in March 2012. He plans to attend college in Minnesota.

"There's no doubt that we face many challenges -- but we'll overcome those challenges, just as we've consistently done in the past," Welker told the honorees. "We can do this because our team is made up of dedicated, selfless and hardworking people like these; like you. Now as the retirees leave our team, we will follow in their footsteps and learn from their legacy."

The commander of the troops was Master Sgt. Laketta Morrell.

The national anthem was sung by Jereen Phillips-Hardin and Everline Barnard of ASC.