CDC caregivers recognized for years of service

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Grace Lee
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Caring for children from a few months old to age 5 isn't a job for everyone. It takes a person with patience, nurturing, kindness and love.

Seven women with a passion for child care were awarded longevity certificates Nov.18, recognizing more than 20 years of service at the 56th Force Support Squadron Child Development Center at Luke Air Force Base.

"We found out we had a group of women here who have worked for the CDC for more than 20 years each and thought it would be great to recognize them," said Staff Sgt. Alexandria Straub, 56th Medical Support Squadron manpower manager and parent advisory board president.

For Straub, child caregivers at the CDC do more than watch over their children.

"I work from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday," Straub said.

"My kid spends more time with the caregivers at the CDC than with me during the work week. They're a huge part of our lives and teach our children how to walk and much more. My daughter, who's 2, actually learned how to count and say her ABCs from the caregivers at the CDC."

One caregiver, who was recognized for 34 years of service, has been working for the CDC since 1978.

"I was 19, newly married, my husband was in the military and one day I decided to apply at the CDC at Fairchild Air Force Base, our first duty station," said Dyane Robinson, 56th FSS CDC education technician. "I loved it and stuck with it. What I love most about working at the CDC are the children. I get up every morning thinking about my kids, and I truly believe this is what God gifted me to do. He gave me patience, love and kindness. My children are an extension of who I am because when they aren't here, they represent me."

Col. Nathan Mooney, 56th Mission Support Group commander, attended the event.

"I am so proud of these women because they've (each) dedicated more than 20 years of their lives to taking care of children," he said. "Being married to a school teacher, I know it's not just a 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. kind of job. It's a constant labor of love. And for 20-plus years these caregivers have ensured their kids are safe, learning and having fun. My heart goes out to these women for that."