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Daily Newspaper and Travel Guide
for Pecos Country of West Texas
Lifestyle
Monday, June 25, 2001
Farmer enjoying Navy life aboard ship
After traveling to the far corners of the world with a nuclear power plant
below, an airport above and a "floating city" around them, the 5,000 plus
Sailors on board USS Dwight D. Eisenhower are no strangers to excitement,
adaptation and hard work. Aboard Eisenhower, one of the Navy's nine nuclear-powered
aircraft carriers and one of the largest ships in the world, Navy Sailors
have the opportunity to experience in a day what many people may never
in a lifetime.
In addition to the thousands of tons of ordnance and as many as 125
aircraft that Eisenhower carries on board, an enormous crew of hard-working
Sailors who have a city to run and specific jobs to do 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. Among these reliable Sailors is Kimberly R. Farmer,
daughter of Kathy West, of Pecos.
Farmer graduated from Ingleside High School in 1991 and joined the Navy
in November of 1992. "I joined the military to make a good life for myself
and my family and for the educational opportunities," she said. "I choose
the Navy because I thought that it was the branch for me. I needed a challenge
in my life."
Working aboard an aircraft carrier, Farmer is always busy. "I am an
expeditor for the ship. I request parts for the ship when system or machines
break down," said the petty officer second class. "I also handle requests
at different inventory control points. What I like best about my job is
that I learn more everyday about what it takes to be in the Navy."
Farmer has experienced and accomplished many things during her career.
"My biggest accomplishment is being on board an aircraft carrier, making
developments and making my mom proud to have a daughter serving in the
United States Navy."
Mother to Dakota, 7, Farmers says, "I have learned many things during
her career. "I have learned that nothing comes easy or free. Sometimes
you must sacrifice a little to have a lot,: she said. "But my philosophy
is there will always be a better day."
Farmer is making plans for her future. "I am still unsure of what my
plans are going to be after the Navy, but I still have 12 years to decide.
I know I am headed in the right direction though," she said. "I am pretty
sure that my son and I will settle in Texas where my family and friends
are waiting for us."
Whatever her future holds, Farmer will look back on this time of her
life with fond memories. She'll also have the pride that comes with serving
in a Navy uniform.
WTSS maintenance foreman retires
It was with bittersweet emotions that family, friends and co-workers of
West Texas State School maintenance foreman Wilmot Bridges came together
recently to bid him, "Happy Retirement."
Wilmot "Pete" Bridges served the Texas Youth Commission and West Texas
State School for more than 16 years. He began his career with TYC in 1980
in the Maintenance department at WTSS. In June of 1993 he was promoted
to Maintenance Foreman III and held this position until his retirement.
Pete Bridges served on the West Texas State School fire brigade, and
brought much valuable firefighting experience to this unit, having retired
from the El Paso Fire Department after 25 years of service.
At a luncheon held in his honor, Bridges was presented with an engraved
clock, a mitre saw and plaque thanking him for his dedication and service
to the troubled youth of Texas. Co-workers prepared a photo collage featuring
the maintenance staff. His daughter presented him with a plaque in recognition
of his special place in everyone's hearts.
Bridges could always be counted on for a smile and a quick joke. His
jovial personality and quick wit, along with his vast experience and dedication
to the Texas Youth Commission and West Texas State School will be greatly
missed.
Pecos Enterprise
York M. "Smokey" Briggs, Publisher
Division of Buckner News Alliance, Inc.
324 S. Cedar St., Pecos, TX 79772
Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
e-mail news@pecos.net
Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
Copyright 2000 by Pecos Enterprise
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