Child care provider retires after 42 years

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  A retirement ceremony was held Tuesday at the Signatures Lounge in recognition of a woman's 42 years of service as a child care provider.

Hettie Neel was welcomed by family, friends and members of the 22nd Force Support Squadron who came to celebrate her time spent devoted to the children of the Child Development Center here.

"She's a wonderful lady and has so much care and compassion for her kids," said Tracie Bradford, CDC director who has worked with Neel for 23 years. "They all love her and a lot of them even call her grandma. She has a genuine love for everyone and makes others want to have her same spirit and compassion for kids."

Neel was first employed by the CDC in 1971 while her husband, Harry, was stationed here, however, her experience with looking after children began much earlier.

"I've been doing it since I was 8 years old, when I was a care giver for my siblings." said Hettie. "I don't know of anything better to do than to take care of kids."

Her work supported Team McConnell families, helping Airmen stay mission-ready and able to focus more of their attention to professional development.

Neel was presented with a letter of recognition from Dr. Candace Bird, Child and Youth Programs chief, Brigadier Gen. Patrick J. Doherty, Air Force Services Headquarters director, and Col. Joel Jackson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander.

"For the past 42 and-a-half years, the Air Force has benefited from your dedication and devotion to children and families," Jackson wrote. "Your contributions to McConnell Air Force Base have been instrumental in helping to accomplish our mission and meet the challenges of today's Air Force.

Friends, family members and co-workers all took turns to say a few words to thank Neel and presented her with gifts.

"Kids are my business," she said. "Kids are my life. It's what I do best and it's how I serve the lord. Thank you all for your gifts and best wishes, and may god bless you all."

While her goal was to stay working here until her 80th birthday this June, she decided to direct her focus on her family at home and care for her great grandchildren.

"She is still caring for kids and that's the way Mrs. Hettie is, always helpful with people who need it," said Bradford. "She's a sweet lady and we're really going to miss her."