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Feature Stories

NEWS | Aug. 28, 2020

Retired 1st TSC officer continues service as civilian

By Staff Sgt. Godot Galgano 1st Theater Sustainment Command

FORT KNOX, Ky. -- On the top floor of Fowler Hall, David C. Dusterhoff, deputy chief of staff for the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, works tirelessly synchronizing the civilian and military personnel that work in the 1st TSC.

As both a military and civilian veteran with the 1st TSC, his unique experience has helped him fully understand all aspects of what it is the 1st TSC brings to the table.

“I retired as a colonel and served 26 years active duty as a logistics officer and planner,” Dusterhoff explained. “My first assignment in the Army following school was the 1st Corps Support Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which transitioned to the 1st Theater Sustainment Command. How many people can say they've had the opportunity to serve as a senior civilian in the same unit that they once served as a junior officer?”

With more than 30 years of total federal service to draw upon, Dusterhoff uses this experience to manage daily operations within the 1st TSC and interfaces with U.S. Army Central at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.

As the senior civilian advisor, he is also responsible for overseeing the First Team’s installation support activities and coordinating with key members of the Fort Knox garrison staff to review financial programs.

One of the achievements that he is most proud of is maintaining continuity and coordinating the relocation of the 1st TSC as it moved from Fort Bragg to Fort Knox.

“Our transition from Fort Bragg to Fort Knox, while experiencing a 74 percent personnel turnover in the summer of 2017, was significant,” he said. “We made the move, welcomed almost an entirely new staff, and still continued to support the mission forward in a seamless manner.”

The ability to remain organized and track so many moving pieces greatly helped the 1st TSC make a smooth transition from North Carolina.

Drawing on the Army Values from his years of military service, Dusterhoff’’s work ethic helps him handle the complexities of daily operations within the 1st TSC, as he synchronizes a dynamic team of Soldiers and civilians.

“I try and treat all members of the organization the same, whether they are civilian or military, because we are all part of the United States Army team,” Dusterhoff said.

Each day brings its own unique challenges, however Dusterhoff stated that he consistently looks for ways to improve the organization and provide assistance to those who need it in any way he can.

“It is an honor to work in the 1st Theater Sustainment Command,” he said. “Every day I am focused on mission success for our great organization.”