CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- From helping Marines get furniture for their homes to seeing Marines leave for Vietnam and return from Iraq, Susan Hoover has experienced a lot in her 50 years at Marine Corps Community Services on Camp Pendleton. Hoover has been taking care of Marines since she started as a sales clerk in 1967.
“My job is to take care of the troops, no troops, no job,” said Hoover.
Hoover didn’t think she would spend the next 50 years of her life traveling all over the base working every job imaginable. From decade to decade she witnessed Camp Pendleton’s and the Marine Corps’ growth.
“I remember when women in the Marines’ were called WM’s and there weren’t many of them,” said Hoover. “Now they’re called female Marines or just Marines and they’re everywhere.”
What started as a part-time job for extra money grew into a successful career as operations manager of fuel stations on Camp Pendleton.
“Susan has been responsible for all eight of the fuel stations on base,” said David Lewis, who has worked with Hoover for 11 years. “From inspections to daily operations she has been intimately involved and essential to MCCS.”
As the clock winds down to Hoover’s retirement she is praised by her coworkers, who will remember her as an important asset to MCCS because of her dedication and selflessness.
“I’ve had a full life here,” said Hoover. “I didn’t expect to be here for 50 years but I don’t regret any of it.”
One of Hoover’s finest memories’ is welcoming Marines back from Iraq in 1991. Tables lined with sizzling hot dogs, warm cookies, and large pizzas greeted the Marines along with their families and friends.
“I’ve never seen that much food in my life,” said Hoover. “It was a very memorable experience, seeing all the Marines and families.”
With parents who were in the military and a daughter in the Army, although Hoover hasn’t served in the military herself she has a passion for taking care of service members. As she approaches retirement on December 22nd, she looks forward to spending more time with her family.
“Marines have always taken care of us, it’s our job to take care of them.”