By MC3 Brian H. Abel

Gloria White, an Educational Technician with NPS' Civilian Institutions Office, celebrates 45 years of service to NPS and the Department of the Navy with her colleagues and friends, March 3.

"I came here Nov. 16, 1970. I took the civil service test and passed it with 99.6%, then I worked in the comptroller's office," White recalled. "45 years is a lifetime and I've given my life (to this institution). It's time to move on now and I'm looking forward to turning the page."

White says her next chapter will involve giving back and staying active.

"When the new semester starts, I'm going back to college. I'll be on a bowling league, and volunteering at the Salvation Army, and Boys and Girls Club where I've volunteered before," said White. "I always wanted to feed the homeless at Dorothy's Kitchen … I couldn't get over to Salinas to feed them because of work, so that's always been a real goal for me."

White is also planning on traveling, but she intends to remain here in Monterey.

"My family would like me to move, especially my family in Maryland, but I think that I need to stay here and get settled," said White. "This is my home. I love this place."