Robins worker nears 60 years of federal service Published Oct. 17, 2011 By Kendahl Johnson 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- While many employees are counting down to when they can retire, one Robins worker has no plans of hanging it up, despite having worked here for 60 years. On Oct. 20, Sammy Dame, a functional systems administrator with the 406th Supply Chain Management Squadron, will be recognized for his six decades of service - a milestone so significant and rare, Brig. Gen. H. Brent Baker Sr., commander of the Air Force Global Logistics Supply Center, is flying in from Scott AFB, Ill., specifically to preside at the ceremony. When Dame went to work for Robins Air Force Base in 1951 as a file clerk, he had few goals or aspirations. He certainly didn't anticipate working here for 60 years. He was simply looking for work and knew it was a "good job with good pay and benefits." The pay, what he called big money at the time, was a mere $2,450 a year. After working one year, he enlisted in the Air Force and served four years active duty. In 1956, he resumed his civil service career at Robins and has worked here ever since. Despite being eligible to retire for many years, both for age and length of service, Dame gets a little irritated when people ask him when he's going to hang up his hat. "I have no immediate plans to retire," he said. "Why should I retire? I like my job, I like my co-workers, I am already doing all the things I'd do if I retired. I don't feel the need to turn it loose yet." His co-workers aren't ready to let him go, either. "He is so valuable to this organization," said Bonnie Jones, 638th Supply Chain Management Group director. "He brings so much knowledge and expertise to the table. Not many people get the opportunity to work with someone who has so much experience, and I am proud of him." Dame said it isn't the money that keeps him going, it's the job satisfaction. "I have truly enjoyed being part of Team Robins," Dame said. "I love working for the Department of Defense and being involved in the defense of our country. We can help keep our country strong and our citizens can sleep better at night knowing we have a strong and capable defense system." Another reason he continues to work day after day at Robins is his carpool partner relies on him. He rides to work daily with his "bride" of 50 years, Annie, who works in electronic warfare and will soon have 48 years of federal service. Hugh Foskey, the 406 SCMS director, said he is not only proud of what they both do on base for their jobs, but also of the work the Dames do in the community. "They truly give back to the community," he said. "They are true ambassadors for this base and the Air Logistics Center." Although no one knows how long Dame will continue his service - some speculate they will gather again in 10 years to award him his 70-year pin - one thing is for sure: co-workers will continue to tap into his wealth of knowledge and wisdom while he's here.