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Civil servant retires after 42 years of service

  • Published
  • By By Senior Airman Miranda Moorer
  • 36th Communications Squadron
In 1965, the Green Bay Packers won the NFL championship, Sony introduced the Betamax, the first commercial satellite was launched into space and Joseph Manibusan started his career as a civil servant at Andersen. 

Now 42 years later, the Packers haven't won a Super Bowl in years, the Betamax never took off, there are hundreds of satellites orbiting our planet and Manibusan's career here is now drawing to a close. 

His career began at Andersen's "chow hall," but a year later, he transferred to the 734th Air Mobility Command as a motor vehicle operator and has stayed there since. 

"I knew I wanted to be a civil service employee; I didn't care what job I got," Manibusan said. "I don't regret a thing. I love my squadron, and I love my job." 

Those who have worked with Manibusan can testify that this is true. 

"You won't find him in a break room or sitting down. He's always working and has been a key person in this section longer than anyone here," said Master Sergeant Steven Roberts. "He's a man of few words, but when he talks, everyone listens. He's witty, and he's speaks with purpose - one of those people who makes you say 'I hope I can be like that in twenty years.'" 

Working with him since 1989, Aristotle Medina, had only wonderful things to say about Manibusan. "He is the easiest person to work with. As his shift leader now for two years, I've never had to ask or tell him to do anything, and he's very enjoyable to work with," he said. "Too many times I've told him not to retire." 

While Manibusan will see fresh faces when he and his wife Julia retire to Florida, it will be par for the course having worked with many servicemembers throughout the years. However, there are a few things that haven't changed. 

Manibusan said when new leadership arrives, he's usually asked how he likes the changes. "What changes?" he asks. "For this motor vehicle operator and aircraft loader, cargo is cargo."