Navy makes Army General honorary supply corps flag officer - News You Can Use

Navy Supply Corps Newsletter, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Joy Kress

The 35-year Army career of Maj. Gen. Hawthorne L. Proctor came to a close on a decidedly Navy note as he was honored Sept. 29 during a "man the rails" ceremony. He received an Honorary Navy Supply Corps Flag Officer appointment, awarded by his current commander, VADM. Keith Lippert, Defense Logistics Agency director and signed by RADM Justin D. McCarthy, Chief of Supply Corps.

Proctor concluded his career by serving as the director of DLA Logistics Operations, known as J-3, at DLA headquarters.

"He has always been the guy I turned to when we needed to get things done," Lippert said. "And he gets things done because of his professionalism, dedication, hard work and most importantly, his leadership abilities. Whatever he decides to do, he will surely be a success in the private sector."

As Lippert surprised Proctor with the Navy appointment, which he said was only rarely awarded, he said it was well deserved because of Proctor's extraordinary military service, patriotism, valor and commitment to DLA activities and customers.

According to Lippert, Proctor's vision, creativity and leadership were decisive factors in the DLA's dramatic improvement in performance even as it significantly lowered the overall operations costs. Lippert lauded Proctor's enormous contributions during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, saying that work done at J-3 under his leadership contributed to the return of $1.8 billion to DLA customers during the next several years.

Lippert commented on Proctor's success with the challenges of the business systems modernization implementation throughout DLA and his tireless efforts working with DLA customers during his travels to Korea and Southwest Asia.

CAPT Walter Wright, chief of the Navy Team in DLA's Customer Support Office, added his endorsement of Proctor's contributions to both DLA and the Navy.

"Maj. Gen. Proctor has always been acutely aware of the importance of DLA's customers," Wright said, speaking after the ceremony. "The Navy is no exception. He was the driving force behind the creation of an overarching Navy-DLA Performance Based Agreement, which lays the groundwork for unprecedented cooperation in the logistics arena. Also, he actively engaged Navy leadership during the implementation of DLA's transformation and business systems modernization, seeking every opportunity to ensure that the DLA and Navy Enterprise initiatives grew and evolved in synergy to best support the war fighter."

Proctor also received the Distinguished Service Medal for his exceptional meritorious service as director of DLA Logistics Operations and for his efforts contributing to the national security of the United States. He also received a letter of thanks from his commander in chief, President George W. Bush, as well as the DLA Silver Letter signed by Lippert.

Lippert chose to quote another famous American as he closed the presentation. "I believe these words truly reflect the commitment and service Maj. Gen. Proctor has made to his country," Lippert said, quoting Vince Lombardi, legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers. "'The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.'"

Joy Krees

Staff Writer, DLA Public Affairs Office