NAS Corpus Christi employee calls it a career after 42 years of combined service

Following 42 years of combined U.S. Navy and Federal service, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi Unaccompanied Housing Director Billie Harvey retired during a ceremony on board NASCC, March 1.

Harvey, a Texas native, arrived at NASCC in 1995 and served as the Bachelor Housing Officer until her retirement from active duty in 1997.

She began her Federal career shortly after that and has been a valued member of the NASCC team since.

“I’ve worked with a lot of good people throughout my time here,” Harvey said. “This [current command leadership] has been great, the best I’ve had here.”

Although she had only been in Corpus Christi for a couple of years prior to her Navy retirement, the decision to stay in South Texas and continue on as a Federal employee was an easy one to make.

“I was getting ready to retire and had to consider my options, and everything led to me staying here.” Harvey said.

“I wasn’t young anymore and my mom was close by in San Antonio. A job was opening on the base and everything kind of fell into place. It was the Lord’s plan.”

Harvey, a self-proclaimed “mama’s girl,” credits her late mother with instilling a sense of caring for others in her that has stayed with her throughout the 42 years of service to her country.

“My mother raised 12 kids and was a born caregiver, and I think she passed that trait on to me.” Harvey said.

“I came to the realization that it was my calling to care for others. I like caring for people and that has kept me going, both in my career and personal life.”

Harvey believes that her ability to care for others has led to the Sailors and civilians treating her like a mother figure in some regards.

“They call me ‘mom’ sometimes,” Harvey laughed.

“If you stay firm, fair and consistent in all that you do in dealing with your personnel each day, they will do the same for you. Always be patient, people are different, and if you can’t be caring and fair and honest, you can’t expect the same in return from them.”

Although she never imagined she would serve her nation for this long, Harvey was thankful for the memories and the experience.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here, you have to love what you do in order to do it this long, and I truly did,” Harvey said.

And although her career may be coming to an end, Harvey still has the desire to care for others.

“There are always people who need help. I’m taking care of my niece now, and I volunteer with my church and other places,” said Harvey.

Harvey said that no matter what the Lord has planned for her next, she’s ready.