The average American will change jobs seven times in their lifetime, according to a 2007 San Fernando Valley Business Journal article. Between the desire for advancement, layoffs and striving to achieve personal goals; it is increasingly difficult to find workers who have tenure at the same place.
This makes the accomplishments of Ramon Colon-Latorre, business and project manager for the department of public works and Ray Cales, engineering technician and energy manager for the DPW, stand out. Combined, the two men have served the Dix community for over 75 years.
After decades of hard work, both gentlemen are finally ready to retire.
Colon-Latorre, of Pemberton, N.J., has been a member of the Dix family as both a Soldier and a civilian. He has held several positions on base such as the assistant guest housing chief and housing inspector. He also completed part of his 22 1/2 year military career here. While stationed at Fort Dix he was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Training Brigade. His overseas mission resume is impressive as well.
"I am a retired first sergeant. I was in the 1st Transportation Company while stationed in Germany. I also served in both Panama and Sinai," said Colon-Latorre.
His co-worker for the last 15 years, Cales also has military experience having spent two years in the Navy in 1964. He was a Sailor assigned to the 6th Mobile Battalion that had a very chilly mission.
"We were stationed in Antarctica for four months. We were there to support the scientists who do work down there with the animals and the environment. We constructed buildings that they could use," Cales said.
In addition to his dedication to the military, Colon-Latorre also has a passion for both education and religion. He is an ordained Pentecostal minister and currently has a master's degree in theology. Upon retirement, he plans to continue his studies by pursuing his doctorate at Inter-American Theological University. He wants to teach at a colligate level upon graduation.
However, retirement can't be all work and no play. Colon-Latorre also has plans to see the world.
"My wife has been very supportive all these years of my military and civilian careers. I promised her that when I retired I would take her on trips wherever she wanted. We want to see new places and enjoy my retirement," he shared.
While Colon-Latorre seems excited to start globetrotting, Cales looks forward to finally being able to stay close to home. He commutes to ASA-Dix each day from Tuckerton, N.J., which puts him in the car for more than two hours a day.
"I am looking forward to relaxing and being home with my wife. I want to spend more time together. I have an interest in getting a part-time job, but something much closer to my house," Cales said.
Even though Cales will be staying close to home, it doesn't mean he will be lonely. He has 13 grandchildren, 10 of which live in the Garden State. He plans to take the kids to the pool during the summer and work on his tan, he said.
While the two men have different plans on how to use their new found free-time, they both do have something in common. When asked what they would miss most about working at ASA-Dix, their answers were identical: the people.
"Let's face it, we spend so much time at work, that we spend more time with our co-workers than our families. It's nice to get to know the people you work with and find things in common. I have made many friends here," said Cales.
Cales was all smiles as he described one of his favorite memories of the past 35 years. He was recalling a day where he and six other co-workers all were approved for leave and go on their own "company picnic" at the beach. Even though this event was more than a decade ago, he still recalls the tight knit group of work pals that went on the trip and the wonderful stories they all shared. It was a great team building activity.
Even though each man is ready to spend more time with family, it still isn't as easy as it may seem to say good-bye to more than half a lifetime of memories that they have each created at ASA-Dix. Both Colon-Latorre and Cales have a passion and dedication for their jobs.
"I will never forget my time here working both in public works and in training with the Soldiers," shared Colon-Latorre.
"I have been in public works for my entire career. I have always enjoyed my job. Retiring is going to be a big change," said Cales.
| Date Taken: | 03.31.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.07.2010 12:44 |
| Story ID: | 47809 |
| Location: | FORT DIX, NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 120 |
| Downloads: | 95 |
This work, Employees retire after 75 years of combined service, by Valerie Tandoi, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
