Local national retires after 40 years

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  After 40 years of serving the 31st Security Forces Squadron and Aviano Air Base, Nadia Pusiol, an Italian local national, was recognized for a long and colorful career by Col. Patrick A. McClelland, 31st Fighter Wing vice commander, in a ceremony Oct. 26 at the Italian Mensa.

If it wasn't for an Italian law requiring citizens to retire at 65 years old, Ms. Pusiol said she would have stayed and continued helping her "guys."

"It wasn't just a job," said Ms. Pusiol. "It was about helping them with whatever they needed - advice with family problems or living in Italy. They are my extended family."

Ms. Pusiol went above and beyond what her job as secretary required of her, from contacting local police agencies and providing bilingual support late into the night after the Sept. 11 attacks, to taking care of squadron members' children when they had to work late.

"Ms. Nadia was renowned for her willingness to help others," said Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Dixon, 31st SFS chief enlisted manager. "[She] was always there, enthusiastic to help anyone with adjusting to life in Italy and the complications servicemembers sometimes face overseas."

By all accounts, after 40 years and 23 commanders, the 31st SFS would not have been the same without Ms. Pusiol.

"Miss Nadia was nothing short of superb" said Lt. Col. Brian S. Greenroad, 31st SFS commander. "She was always willing to help a person in need. She was a true force multiplier. She will sincerely be missed by all the members of the 31st SFS, both past and present."

Chief Dixon echoed the commander's sentiments.

"Squadron members describe her as kind, helpful, caring, delightful, and patriotic just to name a few," said Chief Dixon. "With 40 years of service to our great nation, it is not surprising she feels connected to it, nor is it anything less than heart warming to hear her say, 'God bless America.'"

In retirement, Ms. Pusiol plans to take over running her late husband's business, the Residence Magnolia hotel in Aviano, and keep in touch with all the people she has made connections with over the years.

"Forty years is a lifetime," said Ms. Pusiol. "I don't think anyone has had a career like mine. No one has enjoyed their career so much, and met so many wonderful people. Working for the American military made me extremely proud, and being a part of the security forces family was an honor. I hope to continue serving the American people in other ways, even in retirement."