Team McConnell says bye to Elsie

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Elsie Fullerton and Lt. Col. Donald Christensen, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander, gives into lighthearted silliness during Elsie’s birthday and retirement party at the Officer’s Club, April 25. Ms. Fullerton retired on her 75th birthday after 49 years of service. (Photo by Senior Airman Roy Lynch III)

Team McConnell says bye to Elsie

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Elsie Fullerton speaks with Col. James Vechery, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, at Elsie’s retirement and birthday celebration at the Officer’s Club, April 25. Ms. Fullerton began working McConnell’s Officer’s Club on Feb. 1, 1959. (Photo by Senior Airman Roy Lynch III)

Team McConnell says bye to Elsie

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Elsie Fullerton and Col. James Vechery, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, cut Elsie’s birthday cake at the Officer’s Club, April 25. Ms. Fullerton was congratulated not only by active duty Airmen, but also retired military members, the Friends of McConnell, Wagon Masters and several personal friends. (Photo by Senior Airman Roy Lynch III)

Team McConnell says bye to Elsie

Published May 1, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- For some servicemembers, they serve 20 to 30 years however, Elsie Fullerton served McConnell for 49 years working in the Officer's Club.

Ms. Fullerton started working at the Officer's Club, Feb. 1, 1959. She continued her dedication through the next 49 years.

"I enjoy meeting people and being around people, this was a good opportunity," said Ms. Fullerton.

Ms. Fullerton celebrated her retirement along with many dear friends at the Officer's Club, April 25.

"I was overwhelmed by it (retirement party), because there was people from the Friends of McConnell, Wagon Masters, retired and Active Duty, and a lot of people came from out of town," said Ms. Fullerton. "I just felt like I had done my job well to have that many people show up with their appreciation."

The evening consisted of a few stories, some birthday cake, a few presentations made to Ms. Fullerton, and fun throughout the night.

"And for once, Elsie gets to relax and visit with all of us and she doesn't have to work that night," said Kris Gourley, a friend of Ms. Fullerton. "We will serve her. She doesn't have to serve us."

"I just can't explain, I can't put it in words how this party made me feel," she said. "And each and every one of them will always be in my heart."

"I like to thank retired Lt. Col. Fred and Kris Gourley, retired Col. Ed Sykes, Friends of McConnell, Wagon Masters, all of the retired and Active Duty people, the Kansas Air National Guard, retired Lt. Col. Mary Combs, and retired Col. Cliff and Sandy Hughes," she said. "I will always remember them as great friends."