A half century of federal service Published May 7, 2014 By Rebecca Amber Staff writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Russell Kochie, an engineer technician for the 412th Civil Engineer Directorate, celebrated his retirement May 1 at Chapel 1. Kochie began his federal civil service career in 1963 as a gardener in Civil Engineering, maintaining the grass, trees and sprinkler systems throughout the installation. As a gardener, Kochie tackled projects like preparing the airfield and flight line for air shows or open house events along with landscaping the dormitory living area. In 1965, during a drought, he found ways to reduce irrigation to the landscaped areas with minimal impact to the housing residents. Kochie was promoted in 1974 to craftsman in the Carpenter and Plumbing shops and again in1989 as a structural engineering technician. He completed challenges like constructing the flag park across the street from Bldg. 1. In 2002, he accepted a job as an engineer technician in the Project Management Office in the then 95th Air Base Wing Civil Engineer and Transportation Directorate. Today, he is retiring with the Exemplary Civilian Service Award for his commitment and distinguished performance as an engineer technician after 51 years of service.