That’s a wrap: Civilian retires from 48 years of federal service

  • Published
  • By by Airman First Class Raina Dale
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Imagine it’s 1973. You and your husband are stationed in Anchorage, Alaska; the town is small, the weather is cold, and there’s little to do. Next thing you know, it’s 2025. The city has grown exponentially, and you’re retiring in the same place it all started. It has been 48 years and more than a dozen positions later. This is the case of Gloria Brunson, a motivated and unwavering individual who has dedicated nearly half-a-century to service as a federal civilian.

While her husband served as a maintainer for the Air Force, Brunson knew she needed a job to support their frequent permanent changes of station and provide stability for their family.

“I went in as a GS-1, and worked with the Federal Aviation Administration in auto data processing,” added Brunson. “Then I went and worked at the Alaskan Regional Control Center as a clerk typist. My husband was in the military, and I wanted to have a job as we traveled abroad.”

What began as a practical decision soon grew into something more. Federal service became her own mission – an opportunity to support military families, strengthen communities, and contribute to missions that mattered.

Brunson found her most cherished years came later in her career, as an airman dorm leader and then as a barracks manager for the 725th Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, both at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.


“I really enjoyed working with the Soldiers, and I worked for the Air Force for two and a half years as an ADL,” Brunson said. “That was my favorite because they [Soldiers and Airmen] treated me so well. Even now, I get happy birthdays and happy holidays from them.”

Brunson single-handedly managed a large facility in unaccompanied housing. Her dedication to the Soldiers went beyond expectations. She conducted numerous room inspections; issued certificates of non-availability, required for married Soldiers need to move out of the barracks; inventoried all of the furniture; ran reports; scheduled maintenance services, contracting the company that cleans all of the rooms, and input work orders, all while ensuring quality of life and well-being of the Soldiers.

As the years went on, Brunson said she learned a little of everything from her work. Her goals expanded into building a meaningful career, serving with integrity, growing professionally, and becoming someone her coworkers, leaders, and community could depend on.

“By encouraging them [Soldiers and Airmen] and telling them they can do better, they can do more than what they expect,” said Brunson. “That's why they keep in contact. I'm an encouraging factor. I encourage them and motivate them to make sure they can be the best they can be.”

For all Brunson has done for the service, she too has been given something in return – experience and lessons.

“I’ve learned a lot of grace and a lot of mercy,” said Brunson. “I’ve learned to overlook some rudeness from people and understand where they come from, because I respect their mission and what they do for our country.”

Now after 48 years, 8 months, and a day of service, Brunson’s focus will solely be on her family. At 77 years old, she intends to spend more time with her daughter and her family in Ohio as well as looking after her mother in South Carolina.

A retirement ceremony was held for Brunson Dec. 1. 2025. Family, friends, coworkers, and leadership attended the event, recognizing and celebrating Brunson and her work. For her extraordinary 48-year journey in federal service – that’s a wrap.