New 2024 inductees enter the Army Acquisition Hall of Fame
by Rachel M. Longarzo
The Army Acquisition Hall of Fame, established in 2022, honors former members of the Army Acquisition Workforce who have made lasting contributions to the Army’s mission in support of the Army acquisition community. At the 2024 Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, during a well-attended ceremony, four distinguished individuals were inducted into the Army Acquisition Hall of Fame.
The exemplary inductees—Maureen Cross, Cathy Dickens, Gary Winkler and Joseph Yakovac—leave a legacy of leadership, dedication and impact that has profoundly shaped the Army’s acquisition mission and continues to ensure our Soldiers have the equipment they need to defend the nation.
“These individuals embody the most sought-after traits among our military and civilian professionals and those who lead them: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage,” said Hon. Douglas R. Bush, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology (ASA (ALT)) and the Army acquisition executive, during his opening remarks. “They are being recognized for their significant and enduring contributions to the Army acquisition community’s historic and ongoing mission.”
Bush emphasized that these inductees represent the pinnacle of commitment, having devoted their careers to equipping the warfighter with capabilities that deter adversaries. “Our inductees exemplify the highest standards of the Army Acquisition Workforce,” he added.
Before presenting the awards, Bush noted, “The individuals we honor have been sought after through the years for their problem-solving abilities, change agent approaches and collaborative abilities, which they used wisely and effectively to embrace and further the Army acquisition’s mission.”
Bush and Undersecretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo presented the awards to each inductee. First to be honored was Maureen Cross, who served as director of the Army Systems Acquisition Review Council Secretariat and led the Plans Branch at Army Futures Command (AFC) prior to her retirement. Bush highlighted, “She was instrumental in building strong and enduring relationships between AFC’s requirements community and our acquisition community.”
Next, Cathy Dickens was inducted. Bush described her 37-year civil service career, culminating as the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command’s deputy commander. “Her connection with Soldiers in the field and firsthand understanding of their needs drove her efforts in providing critical equipment needed,” he said.
Gary Winkler, who concluded his more than 20-year civil service career as Program Executive Officer for Enterprise, followed. Bush praised Winkler’s leadership, stating, “His role as a leader was to focus, develop and unleash the collective power of the workforce.”
The final inductee was Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Joseph Yakovac, who served as military deputy to the ASA(ALT) and director of the Army Acquisition Corps. “He was an early advocate for Army transformation and his vision helped pave the way for our achievements today,” Bush remarked.
Bush reiterated the significance of this recognition: “Our inductees represent the very best of the Army Acquisition Corps, having dedicated their lives to ensuring our warfighters are equipped with the capabilities that safeguard our nation. Our inductees exemplify the highest standards of the Army Acquisition Workforce.” They join the distinguished legacy of past honorees, each bringing unique experiences, yet united by a common thread: an unwavering commitment to advancing Army Acquisition.
To view a recording of the ceremony, go to www.dvidshub.net/webcast/35272. For more information on the Army Acquisition Hall of Fame, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/hall-of-fame/.
RACHEL M. LONGARZO is a communications analyst for the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center’s Director of Acquisition Career Management Office. She holds a B.S. in marketing and management from Old Dominion University.
