Guardsman retires after 6 decades of duty

[bobdina]

Guardsman retires after 6 decades of duty

The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 29, 2010 8:06:27 EDT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A member of the Illinois Army National Guard has retired after nearly six decades years of duty.

The guard says Chief Warrant Officer Nelson Blakey of Moweaqua retired June 1 after 56 years.

Blakey joined the guard in March 1953 and first worked at a warehouse in Springfield. His last post was in a personnel office helping enlisted guard members with problems. He says that job was his favorite.

Sgt. Maj. Donnie Parker says Blakey is a humble, outgoing man who will be tough to replace.

Now that he's retired, Blakey plans to continue working on his farm. His wife, Bonnie Blakey, is also a retiree of the Illinois National Guard.

[MickDonalds]

I thought there was a mandatory retirement age?

I know for the Army's Medical Corps there are a few Colonels here and there who are called back for short tours and are in their 60's, but how in the world did this guy not get forced out?

That's nuts!!!!

But a big thank you for a half century of service, Chief. We owe you. Big time. :)

[Reactor-Axe-Man]

The ignorant confused the little specks of white that trailed behind him as dandruff.

They were wrong.

It was salt.