Two honored for their long-time service to Bemco

Submitted Photo Carla Drew (left) and Doris Jessen are being recognized for their long-time service to Bemco, Inc., an aircraft parts manufacturer in Centerton.
Submitted Photo Carla Drew (left) and Doris Jessen are being recognized for their long-time service to Bemco, Inc., an aircraft parts manufacturer in Centerton.

CENTERTON -- Two Bemco, Inc., employees are being honored for their long-time service to the business. Doris Jessen, was honored for 32 years of service at a company luncheon on Oct. 8, and Bemco plans to honor Carla Drew for 21 years of service when she retires in February.

Jessen began as a trainee in the hand-built department and learned the differences in all the parts the company manufactures for the rotor and fixed-wing aircraft industries. In time she was promoted to department head and trained new and often younger employees.

"She was an employee who prided herself on being here every day, always willing to help when called upon," said Ken Nutt, vice president of Bemco. "She learned her skills admirably," he added.

Nutt said that employee dedication to job responsibilities, like that of Jessen, is one of the main reasons Bemco, Inc., has been able to successfully serve its customers since 1957.

Of her retirement, Nutt said, "She will truly be missed but has prepared another employee to assume leadership of the department. We wish her nothing but the absolute best as she will have more time to enjoy with her family and time to participate in favorite activities."

To be honored as well is Carla Drew, who also has served as a department head and learned new skills whenever necessary. She began as a trainee in the trim department, which checks parts for any needed revisions before they are sent to customers.

"She is one who not only takes great pride in her workmanship, assuring the parts meet all necessary requirements to the applicable drawing or specification, but has always been willing to impart that pride of workmanship to others in her department," Nutt said. "While being always ready to share laughter at a humorous moment, she, nevertheless, always has prided herself in doing her absolute best in assuring the parts that came through her department met the highest standards of the aviation industry."

Of her coming retirement, Nutt said, "As she looks forward to her retirement in February of 2016, we wish her many years of enjoyment with her family and friends and express to her a heartfelt 'thank you' for all she contributed to the success of Bemco, Inc."

Jessen is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Jim, who has Alzheimer's disease. She is also planning to catch up on work around the house.

Drew said she is looking forward to having time to work on quilt tops, arts and crafts. She also plans to spend quality time with her husband, Bob, great-grandchildren, family and friends.

"These are two amazing employees, both with very different personalities," said Gail Tiner, plant manager. "They are just like family to me and I will miss them a lot."

"I've been working for Bemco 43 years and have seen a lot of people come and go," said Brenda Boatman, accounting supervisor, "but Doris and Carla have been some of the few who stayed on and were the kind of workers you could depend on. I knew their job would be done and done well."

"I will miss them both and no one can replace them," Boatman added.

General News on 10/28/2015