After 55 years of loyal service, Helen Chamberlain has stepped down from her position as Program Technician at the Brown County Farm Service Agency, bringing the end to an era that lasted longer than a half-century.
Chamberlain was honored during a retirement ceremony at the Brown County FSA Office Friday afternoon, where her contributions and service were recognized by the offices of U.S. State Rep. August Pfluger, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Kelly Adkins, and FSA District 6 Director out of Abilene, Sidney Woods.
“I want to thank everybody,” Chamberlain said to those in attendance. “It’s been a wonderful experience to work with the farmers and ranchers around Brownwood. I couldn’t think of a better job in this whole wide world.”
Hilary Stegemoller, with the office of Rep. Pfluger, presented Chamberlain with a certificate for her service and a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Vilsack’s office also presented Chamberlain with a signed certificate.
A proclamation was read on behalf of Adkins, which stated, “Dear Ms. Chamberlain, as you begin this new phase of your life, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your retirement. While we all face this change with some uncertainty, I hope you also look forward to it with a sense of adventure. Your record of service with FSA speaks for itself and it says a great deal. We appreciate the dedication you have shown in your career. Also, thank you for the work you have done and the special efforts you have made to keep FSA and your office a model for other government agencies. I wish you well in your retirement, and I hope it becomes the most enjoyable and fulfilling time in your life. With pride and reluctance, I bid you farewell from your employment with FSA, but not from our hearts and minds. You will always be a part of the FSA family.”
Chamberlain was then presented a coin, plaque and certificate from the FSA for 55 years of service to the United States government.
Woods then said of Chamberlain, “I can’t help but think about how many young farmers, women and men, she has started in the business, how many she certified their first acreage, helped them with their first CRP contract or whatever the case may have been. All I can say is thank you very much for your support of agriculture and thank you for your support of the people of Brown County.”
Regarding her decision to work for the FSA for 55 years, Chamberlain said, “It gave me such pleasure to feel like I was a part of helping the farmers produce food and fiber for all the people who don’t live on the farm that is available to purchase in the grocery store.”
Chamberlain added she’ll miss her customers and co-workers the most as she settles into retirement.
