May-Jun 2010.indd - Commissaries.com

fromthetop
‘Thanks for the memories’
Looking back with pride at career, special DeCA years
Philip E. Sakowitz Jr.
Retired DeCA director and CEO
We all see those flyers posted in the
elevators or shared via e-mail,
heralding someone’s retirement
and inviting everyone to come to
their luncheon and bid them farewell. We look
at the person’s picture, and maybe we wonder,
“What will she do with all that free time now?”
or, “Wow, 40 years – what an achievement!” or
even simply, “He sure is a lucky dog!”
Fact is, each of us will be the “lucky dog”
someday. And, for me, that day will be June 30.
It will be wonderful to wake up on July 1
with an extra-special reason to celebrate. I’ll
be excited to spend more time with family –
my wife of 35 years, Marion; our two adult
children and their wonderful spouses; our two
granddaughters, who are simply the cutest
toddlers you can imagine; and a precious
grandson, due in August.
I anticipate retirement day with great joy,
but I look back with a special joy as well. After
these 35 years, 11 jobs and 14 different homes,
I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad job.
Each one had its own special attributes, and
each one taught me something new. Each one
brought people into my life I am proud to know.
Being director and CEO of DeCA, however,
and contributing to this noble profession of
delivering the commissary benefit, has to be the
high point of a fulfilling career in the service of
this nation.
Leading this benchmark organization has
been so educational, such fun, and absolutely
rewarding. How could it not be, when we’re
serving our nation’s heroes, our service
members — active-duty, retired, Guard and
Rose Jones, customer service manager, McClellan
Commissary, Calif., meets then DeCA Director and
CEO Philip E. Sakowitz Jr. during a store tour in
January. DeCA photo: Nancy O’Nell
Reserve — and their families? How could it
not be, when I’ve had the privilege of traveling
around the world to meet so many of you and
see the selfless, dedicated work you do? How
could it not be, when DeCA represents the gold
standard of government agencies – and our
people, the gold standard of proud professionals
with such heart and such devotion to our
customers.
Working with you all has been an honor
and a pleasure, and I will never forget you. I
have just been the leader who has accepted,
on your behalf, the many accolades for your
accomplishments. I have been blessed to be
associated with all of you.
Thanks to you all for doing your part to
make the commissary truly “worth the trip.”�
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