Derrick Gould has entered a new chapter in his life.
Friday was his last workday as he culminated 37 years as an Army civilian for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. He retired after spending the last 19 years as Redstone’s MWR director.
Family, friends and co-workers gave Gould a heartfelt sendoff at his retirement luncheon June 26 in The Summit.
Davis Tindoll, director of sustainment for the Installation Management Command, presented the Peter F. Isaacs FMWR Lifetime Achievement Award to Gould.
“He’s done a tremendous job,” Tindoll said.
Garrison Commander Col. Brian Cozine thanked Gould for his years of service, constant dedication and for putting people first.
“Derrick, it has been a great honor and a privilege to have you as our MWR director,” Cozine said.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Gould grew up in an Army family and traveled mostly in Europe. He became Redstone’s MWR director on Aug. 29, 2005, after serving the same role in Mannheim, Germany. He had been multiple places in Europe, nine different installations in his 37-year career.
Gould, 59, and his wife of 35 years, Hilary, reside in Five Points in Huntsville. Their two daughters, Samantha, 29, and Daniela, 24, live together in Denver, Colorado.
Gould thanked the luncheon’s attendees, his MWR team, his leaders throughout the years and his loving family.
“Thank you for allowing me to be part of MWR and Redstone Arsenal,” he said.
He shared his personal journey and how his employment through Morale, Welfare and Recreation enabled him to overcome challenges within his Army family. “MWR saved my life, it literally saved my life,” he said.
“It’s not a job or a career, it’s been a way of life.”
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