Not your typical day at NEC: An unforeseen retirement

By Christina Jackson-Davis, Network Enterprises CenterMarch 9, 2012

An unforeseen retirement
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. - It was not your typical day at the Network Enterprise Center, Feb. 22. Joyce NeeSmith came into the office dressed in one of her nice business suits looking as though she was prepared for an important meeting.

Unbeknownst to the NEC team, NeeSmith had an agenda. She was preparing for a big meeting, but not one scheduled on the calendar that day. Out of the blue, names were being called with a sense of urgency to report to NeeSmith's office. It was too early in the day for something to be going wrong.

All of the branch and division chiefs for the agency were summoned to her office. All arrived with puzzled, serious looks on their faces and with notepads in hand ready for whatever was coming down.

Surely, the same question was on everyone's mind, "What's going on?"

Then NeeSmith said, "I've called you all in my office today to announce my retirement."

After all the gasps, laughs, tears and hugs of congratulations, NeeSmith, with a smile, just firmly said, "It's time for me and my Family."

Joyce W. NeeSmith is a native of Glennville, Ga. She graduated from Abraham Baldwin College in 1974 with a degree in computer science technology. She began her civil service career in 1974 as a GS-3 Clerk Typist. Then in 1975, she transferred over to an information technology position with Management Information Systems Office, which later became Automation Management Office. NeeSmith transferred in 1985 to the Medical Command at Winn Army Medical Center as their first information management officer for MEDDAC, where she stayed until 1991 when she was courted back over to what was then called Directorate of Information Management.

NeeSmith continued through the ranks at DOIM until she was promoted to the position of Director in 2005, and saw DOIM change under the direction of 93rd Sustainment Brigade to Network Enterprise Center in 2009.

When asked what made her choose a career in IT, NeeSmith reflected that in the 70s. It was a new, up-and-coming field that sounded full of promise.

"Other than the people, the ever-changing environment of technology is what I will always remember about serving with NEC," NeeSmith said. "I have learned from working with the NEC to be prepared the best you can for anything."

NeeSmith's retirement is slated for May 1. She is very excited to begin this new chapter in her life. She plans to implement the three "Fs" in her retirement: FAMILY, FRIENDS and FREE-TIME!

When asked if she agrees with everyone that retirement will be busier than when she was working, NeeSmith replies, "Yes! Since I've announced my retirement, many friends have called already making plans for me." NeeSmith's retirement plans also include traveling. She says visiting Alaska with her husband, Kermit, before taking a cruise (something she has never done before) with her best friend is on order.

Although NeeSmith's retirement is bittersweet for the NEC, she and her Family deserve this time. Thirty-eight years of service is no easy feat, but she made it.

NeeSmith wants the NEC staff to know, "Continue on the road you're on. You have always been a cut above the rest. If you take away anything from my leadership, remember to always focus on, and know the importance of the people working with you. Believe in those people even when they don't believe in themselves."

Thank you, NeeSmith! Happy Alaskan trails!