MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The word “service” is one that is heard a lot throughout the military, however, the word is typically directed to only those in uniform. On Sept. 7, the Maxwell community said farewell to a civilian team member who dedicated years of service to the base.
“You do not meet too many people like Mr. Parks and most probably never will,” said Melanie Gess, 42nd Force Support Squadron sports director. “His smile lit up the gym and his work ethic was second to none.”
Parks’ story on Maxwell began June 7, 1957, when he was only 18 years-old. Having just graduated from Montgomery’s Carver High School and not having the funds for college, he looked to the base for employment.
He spent the first 34 years on base at the Lodging office where he worked his way up the ladder as the front desk supervisor, then transferred to the Fitness and Wellness Center and stayed there until his retirement now 27 years later.
When asked why he stayed all of these years, he attributed it to his motivation to work.
He said before moving to Montgomery, he had spent years working on a farm in the country and that determination had just stuck with him.
Parks said he loves his coworkers and enjoyed working with them and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Nonetheless, over six decades have passed and despite enjoying the job, he has made the decision to retire so he can focus on his health and take time to relax.
The morning of his last day, Parks said he woke up feeling good, but he knows his first day of retirement will be a bittersweet one.
“I just love it here,” he said. “Of course, I know I’m going to cry tomorrow when I don’t have to get up to go to work.”
Parks plans on spending his retirement here in Montgomery focusing on his hobbies and occasionally visiting his son in New Jersey.
“He was a mentor, a friend, a coworker to many and left lasting, positive effects on every person he came across,” said Gess. “He will definitely be missed around the gym and across the base. I want to thank Jeremiah Parks for his 61 years of service.”