Bob Rogers retires with longest years of service: 57 years with four contractors

  • Published
  • By Raquel March
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. --  Bob Rogers is retiring from Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA), his fourth contractor employer at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), after 57 years of service.
Rogers, a Tullahoma resident, began his career at AEDC in November 1956 under the Arnold Research Organization (ARO), Inc. contract.

"I have been employed by various contractors including ARO, Inc., Calspan [Corp.], Sverdrup [Technology, Inc.], and currently ATA," said Rogers, an administrative professional in the ATA Contracts, Purchasing and Property Department.

Rogers retires as AEDC prepares for another contract transition in fiscal 2015.

"Contract transitions are never easy. The learning curve expands exponentially with the complexity of the transition, which affects both productivity and morale," he said.

After experiencing contract transitions throughout the years, Rogers is consistent in his appreciation of the workforce and work at AEDC.

Rogers said, "Retirement will be an interesting experience to which I'm looking forward but I will certainly miss the challenges provided by working at AEDC and of course will miss the daily interaction with the many talented and efficient coworkers."

When Rogers was recognized for his 50 years of service and when the Complex celebrated its 60-year anniversary, he stated that his job was interesting and challenging because there were new things happening every day. He also felt that the personnel at AEDC were like a family.

Rogers worked with systems engineers and maintenance managers to help identify and make available the materials they needed in their area through requisitions, spare parts management and benchstock areas as well as providing materials analysis and data collection throughout his career at AEDC. He has also occupied two offices in the von Karman Gas Dynamics Facility for 57 years. One office was in the VKF compressor building and the other office, from 1970 to present, was in the VKF high pressure addition section of the compressor building.

When asked what his plans were for retirement he said, "A wise person once said, 'If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.' I plan to 'live in the present'."

Part of his "living in the present" will involve his personal activities and keeping up-do-date on the events occurring at AEDC through his subscription to the High Mach base newspaper.

At age 79, Rogers enjoys jogging, dancing, playing piano and organ, and working in various areas of his church at First Christian Disciples of Christ Church in Tullahoma.