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Marines

Base bids farewell to ‘snack man’

22 Jul 2010 | Pamela Jackson, Public Affairs Specialist Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany

The atmosphere in the snack bar inside Building 3500 will be a bit different as customers stroll in for that morning jolt of caffeine. Missing from his perch behind the counter will be Timothy Stephens, owner/manager, Business Enterprise Program 250, also affectionately known to base personnel as “Tiny Tim.”

“My role for the past two years and one month was to serve the people in this building, especially the Marines and the people who work here. My job has been to give the customers what they want, keep the facility clean and provide good customer service. I have enjoyed meeting different people from different cultures and will miss everyone a great deal,” Stephens said.

Stephens entered the BEP in 2007 where he began working at the International Primate Center at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. He will return there to take over operations of their facility. He says he has come full circle in a sense.

“As far as business is concerned, this is a step up for me because it is a larger facility that produces many more customers and income for me to take care of my family. There, I will be able to not only service customers with a general snack bar and vending machines, but provide them with a hot breakfast and lunch, desserts, salad, sandwiches and even catering, upon request,” Stephens said.

He says his main reason for taking this opportunity to go back to Emory is the opportunity to better provide for his wife, Erica, and their three children.

“Just like here, there will be people from all walks of life and nationalities. The people who work here are very disciplined and easy to get along with. I have a lot of experience and training that will serve me well. I left Emory as a trainer and a worker, but am returning as a licensed manager, he said.

Prior to his departure, a few of his “favorite” customers were in the snack bar to make their morning purchases and bid Stephens farewell.

“I am really going to miss his warm spirit, his kindness, his way of making me laugh each morning by giving me that breath of fresh air that I need to start my day,” said Vontressia Kinson, budget analyst, Office of the Comptroller, MCLB Albany. “I wish him much success in life and all of his future endeavors.”

Several more customers came in for their morning caffeine and breakfast item, but to also bid their friend farewell.

“I am going to miss his smile, personality and his sweet little baby, Timerica,” said Debbie Freed, supervisory management analyst, Manpower Division, MCLB Albany. “I’ve been here in this building (3500) since 1998 and have seen three snack bar attendants come and go. He will definitely be missed.”

Stephens said he will miss the comfort, feel, people and everything the base has to offer. He said he and his family have enjoyed the many perks that he will not get at Emory, like $2 movies, swimming at the pool, using the gym and other amenities.

I would love to stay here, but could not pass up the opportunity to grow my business. All of the people here have been great and it’s the best job in the world - to serve the people that serve us- the Marines,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed making my customers smile and will definitely miss them.”


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Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany