By MC2 Victoria Ochoa

Norlito "Lito" Guiang, a native of Tarlac, Philippines, enjoys a surprise party thrown in his honor in the Naval Support Activity Monterey Del Monte Room, June 2. Guiang will retire after 11 years as a well-known and popular cashier in the El Prado Room.

"I'm having mixed emotions about leaving NPS. In one sense, I'm happy because I can now relax," said Guiang. "But now that I have already established good friendships here, it's hard to say goodbye and that makes me sad."

Patrons of the El Prado Room have become quite familiar with Lito during his tenure on campus. His friendly demeanor and customer service has made an impression on everyone that he has helped in the past 11 years.

"There was a time when I was at the cashier stand and the lines were so long, snaking out the doors; that was one of my happiest moments working here," said Guiang. "The more people I serve, the happier I am."

Guiang migrated from the Philippines on June 18, 2003 and is a veteran of the Philippine Air Force with 21 years of service.

"I moved here to seek greener pastures, to bring happiness to my family and to achieve the American dream," he said.

After retiring from NPS, Guiang will continue to work at his other job with Pebble Beach Company, and plans to spend more time at home with his family.

"It gives me great joy to know that my customers are satisfied with my customer service," said Guiang. "I just want to say thank you very much to everyone who I worked with in El Prado, I hope I gave you the utmost satisfaction, the best customer service and I hope that one day we will meet again."