5 Questions with Susan E. Berry
What was the best part of your 40-plus year job in civil service?
The people and the mission of each agency I worked for: U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State; the U.S. Marine Corps; and the U.S. Army. My 31-plus years at Fort Benning were wonderful. The active-duty soldiers, veterans and "civilian-soldiers" who work there give 100 percent to support our nation, and I was so proud to work with them.
For many of those years, your bosses were generals. What is the most important thing to remember when your boss is a general officer?
I worked for three Marine Corps general officers and 14 U.S. Army general officers. The most important thing I learned was loyalty, humility and respect. These men were sons, husbands and fathers, but they were also top military leaders, responsible for leading and training thousands of soldiers and Marines and caring for families, while preparing for war and for the future. They have the right training and vision to serve and make those hard decisions. We are fortunate to have some of the
Army's top leaders here at the Maneuver Center of Excellence. It was my pleasure and honor to work for each of them.
How have you enjoyed the transition into retirement?
Honestly, I was a bit worried, but not for long! The volunteer opportunities in our community just opened up and "took over" my life. The pay is pretty good -- satisfaction in helping and making a difference for others!
What is your favorite part of living downtown in the Historic District?
We love it! A great place to play to live, work and play. This area is very similar to an old-fashioned neighborhood or living on a military post. I love my neighbors. People truly care about each other and look out for each other. You can walk or bike the neighborhood on any given day and stop and talk to others, see kids playing, and then if you are so inclined, you can continue to Uptown and go to the market, grab a bite to eat, listen to some music, go to a show at the RiverCenter, or catch a play at the Springer or CSU.
What is the best kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley?
The National Infantry Museum. It's amazing -- for both young and old. It's interactive, you can even see an IMAX movie. What a wonderful place to learn the history of our Army. For a real treat, attend a graduation there on a Thursday or Friday morning -- your heart will explode with pride. And not to worry, the National Armor Museum will one day join them.
Vital stats
Name: Susan E. Berry
Age: 61
Job: Community Volunteer
Hometown: Army Brat!
Current home: Columbus
Family: Husband and best friend, Carter Berry
Education: Attended three high schools, graduated from Mount Clemons High School (Michigan), 1971; Columbus State University, degree in management, 1993.
Favorite book: "The Great Santini," -- Pat Conroy
Favorite movie: "The Wizard of Oz"
Favorite restaurant: Pho Vy II
Favorite quote: "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." -- Mother Teresa
Favorite song: "Piece of My Heart," Janis Joplin
Best concert attended: Bruce Springsteen in Las Vegas
This story was originally published February 1, 2015 at 11:18 PM with the headline "5 Questions with Susan E. Berry."