FORT LEE, Va. - Congressman J. Randy Forbes, R-Va., joined Maj. Gen. Larry D. Wyche, commanding general, Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee, for a special celebration here Monday that honored the dedicated service of government workers who served for 40 years or more.
The event included the unveiling of a perpetual plaque that will be prominently displayed in the CASCOM headquarters building. It already includes the names of 80 employees who contributed more than four decades of government service. The plaque was unveiled by Forbes, Wyche, Command Sgt. Maj. Terry E. Parham Sr., CASCOM CSM, and Joseph Thornton, a U.S. Army Transportation School retiree.
"Today, we are privileged to pay tribute to 80 members of our CASCOM team who together provided 3,431 years of public service," Wyche said. "Think about that for a moment … that is a lot of experience and knowledge that supported our Soldiers, families, Army and nation."
Forbes said four decades of service to this county is an "incredible feat." He acknowledged the importance of recognizing the long-time service of government workers and thanked CASCOM for assembling the large group of recent retirees who participated in the ceremony. He also gave a nod to the command's important role as the Army's "sustainment think-tank."
"Today, you're looking at one of the most forward-looking facilities in the United States," Forbes said. "For decades to come, it will make a huge difference in the lives of men and women who fight to defend and protect this country."
CASCOM is responsible for training more than 180,000 students annually through 541 courses taught by the Ordnance, Quartermaster and Transportation schools, Soldier Support Institute and Army Logistics University. It is also a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
Each of the honorees at the ceremony received a certificate of appreciation from Wyche and Forbes. Judging by their reactions during the presentations, the assembled retirees very much appreciated the additional recognition.
"It is an absolutely wonderful feeling to realize that people care about you, even after you retire," said Larry Toler, former deputy to the commandant, U.S. Army Quartermaster School. "It really means a lot that (this command) recognizes our service."
Toler had 40 years of government service when he retired.
The plaque will be updated with new names as those who have given more than half of their adult life in service to CASCOM and the country retire. Former employees of the command also are eligible for recognition. For further details, call (804) 734-1599.
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