Civil Engineer culminates long career with prestigious award

  • Published
  • By Jake Shaw
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, Fla. --  As civil servants and military members, most employees at Homestead Air Reserve Base have moved around a lot during their careers, seeing the world and serving their country.

But there are others who've stayed in one place for years, becoming the go-to person for every task imaginable and earning the respect of everyone around them.

Mr. Robert E. "Bobby" Bennett, an insulator carpenter assigned to the 482nd Civil Engineer Squadron, falls into the latter category. After working as a civil servant and jack-of-all-trades at Homestead Air Reserve Base for the past 23 years, Bobby plans to retire July 31.

"He's been my go-to guy for about the last 22 years," said Mr. Mike Regina, 482nd CES chief of operations. "Bobby is well-liked, respected and has a great reputation around here," he added.

During his time at Homestead, Bobby has supported management during crises and routine tasks. His efforts have helped beautify the base and kept us looking sharp when VIP's have stopped by for conferences and meetings.

"With little information or resources we could always count on him to get the job done, and that's how everyone will remember Bobby and that's why they requested him when they needed to get something done" said Mr. Regina

But above all, Bobby has been diligent, industrious and conscientious; always looking for ways to help the base population by performing tasks outside his expertise and beyond his true responsibilities, according to Jack Fernbacker, Base Civil Engineer.

It is this aspect of Bobby's character that recently gained him recognition as the Civil Engineer Manager of the Year for Air Force Reserve Command.

The award is given annually to a civilian manager in the engineering field who displays outstanding job performance, management abilities, technical competence, initiative and resourcefulness.

Bobby is appreciative of the award which culminates his tenure here. And although his individual story is special, he is also representative of many long-term employees of the base who are retiring this summer when contractors take over many civil service positions at the base.

Bobby says he once he retires he will focus on renovating his three homes and properties in Key West with his family and will get a license to perform handyman work such as installing windows and doors. He and his wife Susie also plan to remain active in their church and several local Elks Lodge groups.

But he says he'll always remember the people at Homestead.

"The people and atmosphere at Homestead is great. I grew to know and respect so many people and it made it all worthwhile when I did a job for someone and they told me that the work was good. The people here have been like a family to me and I appreciate all of them for the years we've worked together," said Bobby.