Azzano Decimo native bids farewell to Aviano

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  A service member's retirement is typically around the 20-year mark. For one Team Aviano civilian it took 40-years before retirement even crossed her mind.

On July 31, Daniela Da Ros, 31st Contracting Squadron quality assurance program coordinator, is scheduled to retire after 40 years of service to the Air Force.

A retirement ceremony was held June 20 for Da Ros at the Italian Collocated Club, with more than 75 friends, family and Team Aviano members in attendance.

Lt. Col. Carlos Ramos, 31st Contracting Squadron commander, opened the ceremony stating, "Daniele has served our two great nations well."

In recognition of her achievement, Ramos presented Da Ros with a certificate of retirement. Members of the 31st Fighter Wing Honor Guard performed a flag folding ceremony in her honor and presented her with a shadowbox, which displayed both the Italian and American flags.

During the ceremony, several coworkers stepped forward to address Da Ros with the same message: "You can't leave until I leave." An appreciative Da Ros simply laughed about the remarks.

Da Ros' coworkers and friends also gave her a tree for her yard, which symbolized the root of their friendship.

Before being employed at Aviano, Da Ros' first job was with a moving company that was contracted with Aviano's Transportation Management Office, which initially got her foot in the gate.

"While I worked with the moving company, the base noticed how well I spoke English and asked me to apply," said Da Ros. "I got hired right away and began working in the transportation section, which is now the logistics readiness squadron."

During her 40-year career, contracting wasn't the only office Da Ros called home at Aviano. Da Ros initially began her career in 1974 as a secretary for the then Transportation commander and traffic manager. She also spent time in the comptroller squadron and a decade with base supply. In 1992, the Azzano Decimo native found a permanent home in the 31st CONS, where she has spent the last 22 years of her career.
Da Ros began her contracting career as a buyer in the acquisitions section, but transferred to the government purchase card program during its initial startup phase at Aviano.

"When the program first came to Aviano I worked GPC as a special duty," said Da Ros. "When it was determined it would be a permanent program, I became the GPC manager for the base."

Her first two positions within contracting ultimately prepared her for her final position within the squadron. As a quality assurance program coordinator, Da Ros ensures that requests-for-services contracts such as refuse, custodial, and packing meet performance-based languages and conform to DOD and Air Force requirements. She also ensures the U.S. Air Force pays for only the services contractors provided.

As her time at Aviano to comes to a close, Da Ros thanks the people she has met in the last 40 years, but looks forward to a break.

"I have had great opportunities and it's been wonderful, but I'm looking forward to enjoying my family and watching my new tree grow, she said."