"Some of the best times and most challenging work I ever did was in those early days in south Florida," says Winwood. "There's constant opportunity in this organization."

Ask him how he knows, and he'll point to a wall covered with credentials he earned during his Customs career, including a Master's Degree in Management and Public Administration from Florida International University, and a certificate from the Senior Executive Fellows Program in the JFK School of Government at Harvard University.

Never give up. Serve with pride and integrity and look out for your fellow officer. - Deputy Commissioner Chuck Winwood

Winwood joined Customs after serving two years in the United States Army, including a combat tour of duty in Vietnam. In addition to holding the position of Acting Commissioner for eight months - January 19 to September 21, 2001 - he has served in numerous key management positions at the U.S. Customs Service: Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations; Assistant Commissioner, Office of Strategic Trade; Assistant Commissioner, Office of Inspection and Control; Assistant Regional Commissioner, Operations Southeastern United States; Regional Director, Office of Inspection and Control; and Assistant Airport Director, Miami International Airport. Winwood was twice honored with the Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award, in 1990 and 1995. In 1994, the Federal Executive Institute named Winwood Federal Executive of the Year, and in 2000, he received the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executives.

Winwood has nothing but praise for the organization he says gives so much back to its employees: "I love the work I've done. I've loved this organization."

What is he most proud of? His work on the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), Risk Management, business and process analysis, and the changes he helped to bring about in the enforcement mission.

Winwood is philosophical about his retirement and ready to tackle new challenges. "Everyone has to leave eventually, and this is my time," he says. "There are other, 'post-Customs' challenges out there as well. I might take a little time to enjoy some things I have not had the opportunity to do. And I may take the time to reflect on how lucky we are."

The retiring deputy commissioner's office gives away his passion for golf, with photographs on the walls and the caddie bag pencil holder that sits on his desk. He enjoys reading and weightlifting. He also thinks he may spend some time traveling across the country. There's one thing, though, that he's sure of -"I'll be active."

"He has served ably - and well - in this difficult assignment. All of us owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you, Chuck." - Commissioner Bonner "Chuck Winwood has been a leader for the Customs Service - a talented and dedicated public servant who gave his all to the agency. He was devoted to the mission of Customs and the people who worked there. I congratulate him on an outstanding career and wish him the very best in all that is to come." - Raymond W. Kelly, Police Commissioner, New York City Police Department, and former Commissioner of U.S. Customs "Chuck was a guy who believed in modern management methods - he always had a vision. We need people like that who can move an organization forward." - Robert Trotter, Field Director, East Texas CMC "While many refer to Customs as a profession, for Chuck Winwood, it was a vocation. His dedication and many years of selfless commitment have forever changed the Service. It is indeed a proud legacy, and I am grateful to have served with him throughout the years." - Tommy Mattina, Director, South Florida STC "He worked his way up the ranks and brought a true understanding of the "field" with him to the executive level. Not only did Chuck stay focused (the word focus is an understatement to say the least) on results but simultaneously ensured that needed change occurred with incredible precision. This style of management often put Chuck at odds with defenders of status quo and those who enjoyed work avoidance. For the rest of us, Chuck served as a mentor, champion, and constant reminder that we need to focus on the important jobs we do. I will miss his leadership, unique sense of humor, and most of all just knowing that he was in a commanding position to look after the important work of Field Operations." - Robert C. Gomez, Field Director, South Atlantic CMC "Throughout my career, Mr. Winwood afforded me opportunities to work on significant Customs Service projects. The most important of which was serving as team leader on the internal Passenger Processing Targeting Committee. This committee was established by Mr. Winwood at an important time for this agency and was the catalyst for the uniformity and accountability currently present in our passenger processing environment. It was an important project for the agency and for me personally. I thank him for his vision." - Jeff Baldwin, Field Director, North Florida CMC "Chuck Winwood will be remembered as a dynamic change agent. His ability to create a vision of the future and to set that vision in motion will have a profound impact on the way we do business in Customs for years to come." - Debbie Spero, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Strategic Trade "It has been a privilege and an honor to work with him and witness first hand his total dedication and commitment to the people and the mission of the Customs Service. He has been an inspiration to many and the Customs family is sad to see him leave." - Marlayne Harris, Mr. Winwood's Staff Assistant for 17 Years