Photo By Ida Irby | Diane Minor, a native of Stafford, Va., works at the Barber Physical Activity Center...... read more read more
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QUANTICO, Va. - While war fighters rest soundly aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, one government employee woke each morning to open the Barber Physical Activity Center at 4 a.m. Diane Minor, a native of Stafford, Virginia, served in this unnoticed and often thankless position for 24 years and retired Jan. 1.
In August of 1991, Minor was hired to work the night shift at Larson Gymnasium, which was built in 1942 and condemned in 2011. The job and obligation fit with her lifestyle and she never complained.
“When I was younger I loved playing basketball with the Marines at Larson’s Gym,” said Minor, who stayed after her night shift to shoot baskets with the Marines. She described a basketball game that she created titled “Behind the Black,” where players shoot from corner to corner.
She recalled maintaining the gym over the years even through severe Code Red weather notifications. She giggled at the thought of being labeled as essential personnel for base operations.
Minor said among her most prized possessions are challenge coins she received from former Commandant Gen. James Amos and Sergeant Maj. Michael T. Mack. One of her most memorable moments on base was riding through the parking lot in front of Little Hall, where she spotted Redskins cornerback Darrell Green with military dignitaries. She quickly parked her vehicle to ask to meet the former football player.
She greeted him saying, “Hi Darrell Green. I went to a signing you held, but didn’t meet you because you had a sickness in your family. However, I did get five of your jerseys.”
Minor told of how Green turned to her and jokingly said, “Hey…I’m missing five of my jerseys.”
She had many memorable moments while maintaining the $14 million dollar facility built in 2003. She worked to preserve the facility through daily upkeep by cleaning the 56,000 square feet facility that includes racquetball courts, a basketball court, fitness rooms and a cardio area.
Some Marines, like Col. Joseph Murray, base commander, met Minor upon their first tour at Quantico and when they returned years later she was still there to greet them at Barber Gym.
“Diane has been a cornerstone of operations at the gymnasium. People speak very highly of her because of her commitment to opening the gym and enforcing policy during operational hours,” said Bobby Brown, athletic director.
According to Brown, in his 11 years of working with Minor, she has never reported late.
Many active duty and retired Marines are dedicated to personal fitness. Over the years, Minor has developed a personal relationship with those who wait for her to open each morning as they maintain their personal routines.
“Having an employee with that level of commitment and dedication is imperative for the Marines to remain combat ready,” said Brown, who praised Minor because she was instrumental in helping Marines that workout to maintain outstanding physical condition.
She remembers when she gave an autographed Washington Redskins cap to a Marine deploying overseas. Years later, while having lunch in the Town of Quantico, that Marine said, “Hello,” and thanked her again for her gift that he had cherished over the years.
“It really touches me to see Marines go away and make it back home, because we have lost a lot of guys and women,” she continued. “I really appreciate that I had a chance to do just a little bit for our service members.”
Minor said her final goodbyes Dec. 31, counted down the seconds to the New Year, and bid farewell to her dedicated service at Quantico. Just like the Marines, she said she will still wake up early in the morning and be ready to come to the gym.
Although her position will eventually be filled, her impact will never be forgotten. Minor, a sports phenom and Washington Redskins fan, is looking forward to retiring in her favorite vacation destination, Las Vegas. She has traveled there for many sporting events to include March Madness.
“I’m here each day for the patrons,” said Minor. “It’s all for them, that’s all I have to say.”
| Date Taken: | 01.01.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 01.05.2016 10:06 |
| Story ID: | 185641 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VA, US |
| Hometown: | STAFFORD, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 211 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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