Army housing: Presidio of Monterey housing chief retires after 32 years of service

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. (December 13, 2024) - Oscar Ordonez, U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey housing chief, is retiring after 32 years of devoted service to the U.S. Army, including 22 years at PoM. Garrison leadership, teammates, family and friends congratulated him on his retirement at the housing office conference room on Dec. 13.

Col. Dan Artino, garrison commander, presented Ordonez with a meritorious civilian service medal, certificate of retirement, certificate of appreciation and a lifetime pass to the installation. Artino thanked Ordonez for his commitment to service and the leadership qualities which drove significant improvements to PoM's housing services during Ordonez's tenure.

"It is so clearly evident through the work that you do how much you care about people, and the community that you serve," Artino said. "Let me be the first to say thank you for your selfless service to the U.S. Army and for the countless lives you've positively impacted here throughout your career."

Ordonez brought a unique perspective to his nearly 20 years working in housing - that of a young, enlisted Soldier who first arrived at Fort Ord in 1989. He lived in installation housing for six years at the former Fort Ord, now the Ord Military Community, and always credited that experience for helping him understand the mindset of military families working through the challenges of a PCS.

After 10 years serving as an active-duty Solider, Ordonez joined the Department of the Army civilian workforce in 2002 as a security guard at PoM. Before long, he transitioned to the PoM Police Department where he became a police officer and ultimately promoted to police sergeant before his transition into the Army housing division in 2005. Throughout his civil service career at PoM, Ordonez served at every general schedule grade from GS-04 to GS-13.

Ordonez's story is one of growth, selfless service and hard work. His work ethic and professionalism has always been recognized by leaders across PoM. On June 15, 2022, during a PoM change of command ceremony, then outgoing garrison commander Col. Varman Chhoeung referenced Ordonez's character and cited him as an embodiment of the entire garrison workforce.

"More important than what he does and what he achieves is how Oscar does his job. He does it with care, with compassion, and with dignity and respect regardless of your rank or position," Chhoeung said during his 2022 change of command speech. "No one gets special treatment because they all get treated like they are special. How Oscar and his team do their jobs is how the entire garrison team does their work - with care, with compassion, with passion, and with dignity and respect."

Ordonez is a man of few words who allows his actions to speak on his behalf. He was no different on the occasion of his retirement, when he offered a few short remarks to his colleagues, family and friends.

"It's been one heck of a ride, but the Army has been very good to me and mine - hard work does pay off," Ordonez said. "I am looking forward to spending a lot more time with my family, my kids, their kids and my great grandson!"

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.