Photo By Cpl. Corey Blodgett | Sadie Roldan, a secretary with Marine Corps Base Facilities Engineers, who is retiring...... read more read more
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By Lance Cpl. Corey Blodgett
III Marine Expeditionary Force
GINOWAN, Japan — With 57 years of service to the Department of Defense on Okinawa under her belt, Sadie Roldan, who most recently served as the division secretary with Marine Corps Bases Japan Facilities Engineers for more than 23 years, celebrated her retirement with coworkers and friends during a luncheon at the Laguna Garden Hotel in Ginowan May 23.
"It's kind of hard to get your brain around what 57 years actually is," said Charles Schulz, the deputy director for MCBJ Facilities Engineers, during the ceremony.
"When Sadie came to the island, the average U.S. salary was $2,992 a year. Since she's been here, four major wars have been fought, we elected 11 presidents, we had the civil rights movement, and we put men on the moon, all very impressive events. But what also is impressive is the amount of hard work she has done during those times."
Roldan came to Okinawa in 1951 and started her long career working with the Army Corps of Engineers. In 1985, she was hired as the Facilities Engineers division secretary.
"I first heard of Sadie before I even had this job," said Col. Pete Ramey, the assistant chief of staff for MCBJ's Facilities Engineers, during his remarks. "When I came to Okinawa in 1999, I heard about Sadie and what a great secretary she is. Sadie's reputation has always been a strong, positive one."
In light of Roldan's planned retirement in Hawaii, the luncheon had a Hawaiian theme, complete with hula dancers and a ukulele player. The Hawaiian performances were followed by gift presentations and heartfelt goodbyes from friends and coworkers.
When asked for a few comments at the end of the ceremony, the reluctant Roldan, who is likely better known for her unwavering work ethic than her desire to stand in the spotlight, simply thanked all who attended and said, "I'll see you in Hawaii."
| Date Taken: | 05.30.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.30.2008 01:51 |
| Story ID: | 19932 |
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| Web Views: | 286 |
| Downloads: | 275 |
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