TOOELE, Utah -Tooele Army Depot said goodbye and thanked the highest ranking civil service employee on his retirement.
Rodney J. Huff left behind a legacy in a career culminating more than 38 years of service to the Department of Defense.
While at the depot he held various positions including; director of conventional ammunition operations, deputy director of conventional ammunition, deputy director of supply, three different production planning and control divisions in ammunition and supply, and chief of depot property division.
It wasn't until November 2005, that he began his most recent duty as the Deputy to the Commander, Tooele Army Depot.
During a visit to the depot in February, commanding general of the Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Brig. Gen. Larry Wyche recognized Huff for his contributions to JMC and the Army presenting him with the Meritorious Civilian Services Award signed by Gen. Ann Dunwoody, commanding general of Army Materiel Command.
Huff was also presented a retirement certificate and the U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol at the request of Sen. Robert F. Bennett.
"Diversity is great, you don't want everyone to be alike," said Brig. Gen. Wyche. "This gentleman brought diversity to the team. He knew when to be tough and when to settle down a bit and that's what good leaders do."
"I really appreciate Brig. Gen. Wyche for taking time out of his visit to the depot to present me with these awards, it is truly an honor. I also would like to thank Col. Dennis-Lowman for her support to me while I was her deputy and welcome Rick Nesbitt to the best depot in Joint Munitions Command," said Huff.
Huff thanked all the directors and staff for all the support and professionalism that they have given him.
"Words of advice, never forget that Tooele is the best depot to work. Everyone must take control and step up to help make Rick's tour a success," he said.
Through Huff's leadership, the depot shipped more than 20,000- documents, mostly in direct support of warfighters on the battlefield or to complete critical training. No other major power projection depot has matched those numbers.
To further enhance operational abilities, Huff oversaw the completion of ISO 9001:2000 of the entire Ammunition Mission directorate. This 18 month effort put TEAD ahead of other ammunition/logistic sites.
Under his supervision and leadership the depot launched an intensive safety program. Fiscal year 2008 was the safest year on record for the depot and currently the best record in DoD.
To date, there were only two injuries reported in FY08, with 412 days since the last lost time injury with an 83 percent reduction of recordable injuries from FY07 to FY08.
Of his greatest accomplishments, Huff led the Tooele team in bringing former chemical storage sites back to conventional ammunition use as this will have a positive effect on the Army and our warfighters.
Huff is ready for the next chapter in his life.
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