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Mike McBride Retires after 45 Years

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  On Dec. 31, a 377th Mission Support Group Communications Division program manager will retire after working at Kirtland Air Force Base for more than 45 years.

Mike McBride arrived at Kirtland AFB in May 1966 serving as an Airman, and has worked here ever since.

"I came here to work as a data automation computer operator with only one stripe on my sleeve," said McBride. "I've gone TDY many times, but other than that, this is the only placed I have ever worked."

When he was discharged from the Air Force in 1969, he was hired as GS-5 data automation computer operator here.

Throughout the years McBride said he has seen many changes, but one in particular stands out.

"The evolution of the computer has been amazing," he said. "When I started out, I was working on large mainframes with punch cards. Now, just about everyone has a computer sitting on their desk that's more powerful than the mainframes ever were."

He said that one constant during his time has been the people he has worked with.

"I have worked with a lot of people on this base and they've all had one thing in common," said McBride. "They always gave 100 percent effort to complete the mission."

A colleague who has worked with McBride since 1980 said he will be missed.

"He is a caring, devoted person," said Kathy Looney. "He is a joy to be around and I will truly miss seeing him every day."

His supervisor said his time in civil service is a milestone.

"I've enjoyed having the opportunity to work with Mike -- 45 years of dedicated service is a significant achievement," said Sondra Harrington, 377 MSG/SC director. "All of us here wish him the best of luck."

McBride said he has no grand plans for his retirement, other than to complete the "honey-do" lists Kathy, his wife of more than 40 years, gives him.

"I married my wife in 1970," said McBride. "She and my children, Kevin and Mary-Ann, have made it possible for me to work all these years."