News>Feature - Volunteer recognized for 40 years of service
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Beverly Miller, an Airman & Family Readiness Center volunteer, poses with coworkers after a luncheon at the Whispering Winds Golf Course at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 17, 2012. During the luncheon, Miller was recognized for 40 years of dedicated service to Cannon’s A&FRC. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Whitney Tucker)
Beverly Miller, an Airman and Family Readiness Center volunteer, examines a hand-stitched table cloth given to her by coworkers after a luncheon at the Whispering Winds Golf Course at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 17, 2012. During the luncheon, Miller was recognized for 40 years of dedicated service to the A&FRC. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Whitney Tucker)
by Senior Airman Whitney Tucker
27th Special Operations Wing
10/18/2012 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- A modest group of men and women sit expectantly at a table in the corner of the Whispering Winds Golf Course dining room, their eyes trained on an elderly woman sporting red, white and blue earrings, waiting for her to speak.
As she tears her gaze from the 'thank you' card in her hands, a shy smile spreads across Beverly Miller's face. Coupled with the blush that colors her weathered cheeks, it is apparent that Miller, an Airman & Family Readiness Center volunteer, is not accustomed to being the center of attention.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," is the only sentiment Miller can articulate as her colleagues shower her with tokens of their appreciation. After 40 years of dedicated service to the A&FRC at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., the luncheon held in her honor is not without warrant.
An Air Force widow, Miller first began investing her time with various armed forces organizations while stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, with her late husband, Robert. After finding her niche in a local family services organization, Miller embraced her penchant for helping others and never looked back.
"Beverly is an inspiration to all of us," said Sharon McDaniel, A&FRC life specialist. "She works eight hours each day and continues to come into the A&FRC faithfully every Monday and Tuesday to volunteer. She is a very special person."
Today, the spry 77 year-old has clocked more than 50,000 volunteer hours at Cannon's A&FRC and shows no signs of slowing down. Ask Miller why she does it and her answer is simple:
"I like living way too much to lie down and wait for dying," Miller said.
