Longevity: No plans to retire for longtime Robins employees Published Sept. 20, 2013 By Jenny Gordon Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- When Jewel Golphin began as a laborer at Robins in 1955, his pay was $1.09 an hour. Fast forward to September 2013, and the nearly 81-year-old declared he still enjoys coming to work each morning. It's crucial, the Montgomery, Ala., native said. "Working is good for you," said Golphin, who's worked in the 78th Civil Engineer Group the last 35 years as a roofer. "I've always been pretty good with my hands. "Back in the day, you had to do it all," he said, referring to growing up in a family of 12 brothers and sisters. The Army veteran began working at Robins as soon as he got out of the service, holding several positions. Laborer. Light vehicle operator. Forklift operator. Power saw operator. Crater. Woodworker and pattern maker. He's been on nearly every rooftop on base as a roofer. Currently, he works as a troubleshooter, finding the source of water leaks inside buildings. "All of my jobs have been good," said Golphin, shaking his head when asked which he liked best. "The only thing I like to do is work. People tell me I can go fishing, but I've done a lot of travelling. I know the ropes." He will continue working until the time is right to stop. In the meantime, he'd like to share thoughts to those coming after him. "I feel I've contributed quite a bit because I've managed to pass along to others what I've learned," he said. "You have to work with one another. It's easy to say something isn't 'your' job, but you can't do that, especially in roofing. Our job is to satisfy the customer." Another longtime Robins employee, Sammy Dame, has worked here more than 60 years, serving four years in the Air Force during the 1950s. He is currently a functional systems administrator with the 429th Supply Chain Management Squadron. Like Golphin, he has no immediate plans to retire, enjoying the daily commute as a faithful member of Team Robins. Both men shared the sentiment they already do some of the things they enjoy, and don't have to be retired to do it. "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." Dame began working at Robins in 1951 as a file clerk. His pay then was $2,450 a year. He worked a year, then joined the Air Force, returning to Robins in 1956, working here ever since. "I have truly enjoyed being part of Team Robins," he said.