• FORT LEE
Robert J. Bunch, executive director of the Defense Commissary Agency’s (DeCA) Store Operations Group since November 2022, has retired. His successor has not yet been named.
In this position, Bunch managed and directed tactical store support for DeCA’s 235 commissaries configured under 26 field zones in 46 states, 13 countries and two U.S. territories.
He was responsible for ensuring that continual quality of service was provided to commissary patrons while maintaining the agency’s mission integrity.
RESUME
Bunch began his military career in 1975 in a variety of supply and service assignments while on active duty with the Army.
He served 20 years on active duty, and upon his military retirement, he became store manager, Delhaise USA Food Lion, Brevard, N.C.
Bunch joined DeCA in 1996 as grocery manager, NAS Key West, Fla., and four years later, he became the store administrator there.
In 2001, he was named store director at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and in 2003, he transitioned to the same position at Yokota AB, Japan, and in 2004, at Nellis AFB, Nev.
Bunch was named DeCA West Zone 12 manager in 2006, and he came here to headquarters in 2009 as chief, Customer Service Division, Performance and Policy Directorate.
His next headquarters position was in 2011, when he was named chief, Operations Guidance & Programs Standardization Division, a position he served in for 10 years.
In 2021, Bunch was Central Area director, and in 2022, he moved over to his latest position as executive director of the Store Operations Group.
While serving in that position, he became dual-hatted in January 2024, as he also served as acting deputy director and chief operating officer (COO), a situation which lasted until October 2024.
AWARDS, HONORS
Bunch’s awards and honors included the Bronze Star Meritorious Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster); Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters); and the Army Achievement Medal (with two oak leaf clusters).
In two awards selected by his peers, he earned the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal Basic Commissary Officer Course Spirit Award and the Advanced Commissary Officer Course Communications Award.
Source: DeCA
Edited by Larry Lapka
You are cordially invited to the retirement ceremony honoring Mr. Robert J. Bunch, Executive Director Store Operations for his 30 years of dedicated service to the Defense Commissary Agency.
Date and Time: Thursday, September 25th at 9:00AM
Location: Defense Commissary Agency Headquarters, 1300 Eisenhower Avenue, Fort Lee, VA (MPRs 1-6)
RSVP: Kim Soares by email at Kim.Soares@deca.mil NLT COB Friday, September 12th.
Installation Access: Ann Bowen by email at AnnMarie.Bowen@deca.mil or 804-734-8000 x 48556 NLT COB Friday, September 5th.
If you are unable to attend in person, please consider viewing online via TEAMS at this link: Mr. Robert Bunch Retirement Ceremony | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
There will be a reception line and refreshments following the ceremony. Please join us in sending best wishes for a happy retirement to Mr. Robert Bunch.
