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Show 8 Hilltop Times Nov. 17, 1994 After 2 2 dedicated years, Red Cross worker retires by Nancy Brewer Family A farewell social will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Family Support Center, Bldg. 308N. Support Center Bea Sherfy said having to spend 24 hours a day with her newly retired, energetic husband 22 years ago encouraged her to strike out on her own and start a career with the American Red Cross that will soon come to an end. She is retiring as manager of the Hill AFB American Red Cross Station on Dec. 2. Sherfy, who married a Navy pilot, served as a military spouse for 45 years (30 active duty). She moved 22 times in 30 years, lived through hundreds of extended temporary duty tours, volunteered hundreds of hours in support of community activities and raised two daughters. At 73, she still enjoys everything about the military way of life. "The military represents the loves of my life," she said. "I still have to wipe away a tear when I see the flag coming down the street." From 1975-198she coordinated the Red Cross blood drive twice a month, and when the position of station manager was offered to her, she eagerly accepted. Her office was tucked away on the top floor of an old, cold, rickety barracks building on 5th Avenue at Hill. She remembers how the sounds of the honor guard practicing retreat and funeral ceremonies would echo throughout the building. When asked to share some of the more memorable moments during the past 22 years, Sherfy chuckled and smiled as she said, "There are so many." However, one particular case has always stayed in her memory. A young airman's Volkswagen had broken down enroute to Minot, N.D., and he did not have any money to get the vehicle repaired. Sherfy was able to get the vehicle into the base impound lot. She personally carted the airman around with his huge Malamute dog filling her backseat. She also took care of the dog for two days until she could arrange air fare for both. Although stranger things have happened over the years, this case is the one that always brings a smile to her face. Most of her contact with people has been during times of crisis. She remembers a case in which a Hill sergeant's mother was dying. From the time Sherfy was notified of the problem, to getting the sergeant on an airplane, took only four hours. After the ordeal, she and the member's first sergeant congratulated each other, for by working together they had broken a record. Sherfy has the highest regard for all the Hill first sergeants and is quick to say, "I have the best first sergeants in the world here. They, are caring and compassionate and always follow through." But the first sergeants are also quick to return the admiration. "Bea will really be missed by the first sergeants. She cares about the Hill family and makes our job easier," said MSgt. Skip Moklofsky, president of the First Sergeants Council. "She has been a real professional to work with." Sherfy has seen the volunteer force at Hill grow rapidly over the years. When she started at Hill, she had a volunteer force of 20 people. Today, there are approximately 150 volunteers, with an active Volun-tee- n Program during the summer. Over the years she has touched a lot of lives, but none more than the volunteers she works with. Many, including Marcia Stamback, look to her as a friend. Stamback met Sherfy 22 years ago when she was donating blood. Sherfy needed assistance with another donor and Stamback volunteered; and through Sherfy's prodding and encouragement, she 5, pS'Tllt- - Cruise Factory sRepurchased Car itmriiKiii 85 CHRYSLER Auto., AC, PW, M69ooJl69, 24 Months 1 1 Mo. I .9 Interest Rate '93 HYUNDAI EXCEL auto., AC, cass. 150 Down, S100 $100.. I Down, i m m mo. 11 .9 '86 SUBARU 60 Months 9.9 Infmsf Rett 30 Months " AC, AMFM Interesf Rot 24 NVwhs Red Carpet Lease 10 Cash or Trade Down 1st Payment $300 M. Deposit 15000 Miles Pet Year IK PMlle Mileage Charge, Residual Of $9638 At End Of 24 Months of OGDEN 91 FORD Interest Rot A WD '92 WAGON L Y 9.9 VW GOLF GL R Auto., AC. PW. PL AC, 21.000 ., mi. l79oJI79. 36 Months 11.9 Interest Rot 66 Months 9.9 Interest Rat auto., AC, cassette 60 Months Interest Rot '92 MERC. TOPAZ V-- 6 0 R. Auto., AC. PW, PL $109 109o Months Down, BO 621-191- I '92 FORD TEMPO r., Months 9.9 I -- TV. Auto., AC, PW, PL '89 SUBARU TAX LINCOLN-MERCU- R WALL AVE. TRACER TRIO; M99ooJl99, GO W "P Cc) ()() WGN Auto., AC. PW Interest Rett w Auto., AC, cassette 60 Months 9.9 n GL10 TURBO 11.9 has been a Red Cross volunteer ever since. "She is a very close friend that never demands or expects anything from you," Stamback said. "She brings out the best in everyone and makes you want to learn more and do more." Bob Coleman, financial counselor at the Hill Fam--' ily Support Center, first met Sherfy in 1979, when he was the first sergeant of the former 1881st Communications Squadron. He said he will never forget her "wonderful smile" and the warm greeting he received. "Although she is small in stature, she is a giant at the business of helping others," he said. "She has dedicated more than 22 years of service to her community and most of that time has been spent work-in- g with military families at HilL "While Bea is not on the Family Support Center D Continued on page 9 ' . j V ' 1".! roi. '93 MAZDA 323 r f V Auto.. AC. PL. PW. cassette PL, cassette advisor, looks on. Cassette, PS, Power '87 FORD TAURUS NEW YORKER community with the American Red. Cross, while CMSgt. John Brewer, Ogden ALC senior enlisted CFC Free. - - Air Logistics Center commander, Maj. Gen. Lester L. Lyles, gives Bea Sherfy a thank you hug for all her years of service to the Hill AFB kMmVS CS.wvvvWV fHlJ J At TUiJz TniSt 1 0 TOPAZ TEMPO ":,,- - ", Former Ogden 9.9 Interest Rat |