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Photo by Ed Waters, Jr.
Elva Duvall, left, has been honored for 50 years of service with Aeroflex Weinschel. At right is her sister, Virginia Jenkins, who was honored last year for 50 years of service. Congratulating them is Robert L. Stephens, president and general manager. |
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In a time when many people move from job to job in a few years, working at the same place for five decades is quite an accomplishment.Elva Duvall, who makes resistors for Aeroflex Weinschel in Frederick , was recently honored for 50 years of service. Joining her was her sister, Virginia "Peachie" Jenkins, who received the 50-year accolade last year. Despite pouring rain and cool weather, most of the 107 workers, plus guests, filled a tent outside the plant on Spectrum Drive for the ceremony. "This is an incredible accomplishment," said Frederick Mayor Jeff Holtzinger. "It is something my generation can certainly learn from." The mayor presented Duvall with a letter from city officials, and was joined by representatives of state and congressional elected officials to honor the Gaithersburg resident. President Barack Obama sent a letter noting Duvall's dedication and service. Duvall came to work at the company when it was in Kensington, at the urging of her sister, who also makes resistors. For many years they carpooled to work. Now, Duvall car pools with other workers. She has seen the company go through six owners, has had 12 bosses and moved to locations from Kensington to Gaithersburg to Frederick , which opened in 1996. Duvall received praises from fellow workers and company executives, and a video of her life and work. "It is truly unique in today's fast-changing world," said Robert Stephens, president and general manager. "There are a lot of memories in 50 years, some of them sweet, some of them heartbreaking." When asked how many in the audience were born after 1959, most of the hands went up. Duvall was joined at the celebration by her daughter and two granddaughters. A son died seven years ago, she said. Fellow workers pointed out Duvall's quiet demeanor, readiness to train and help co-workers, and her inspiring dedication to the job and people. "The most important part of any company is its employees," Stephens said. Other executives and supervisors said the quality of Duvall's work always met and usually exceeded standards. The 57-year-old company manufactures microelectronic parts and circuits and related items for the defense, aerospace, broadband and mobile communications industries.
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