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Phelps retiring after 36 years |
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Thursday, 29 July 2010 |
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By BOB HUDSON
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BLACKFOOT — Come Aug. 2 things will be different for Kent Phelps.
He won’t report for work at the Idaho Department of Labor’s Blackfoot office for the first time in 36 years.
Instead he will be free to enjoy his hobbies of photography and flying.
“I have a good friend who has an airplane, so I like to go flying with him,” Phelps said. “I do quite a bit of pictures from there.”
Phelps will also remain active with the American Legion.
“One of my jobs is being over the 800 flags we place at the cemetery,” Phelps said of the Legion’s Memorial Day duties. He will also continue to help veterans, just as he has done most of his working life.
“As a vet rep, he has supported our veteran population tremendously,” said Mary Davis, the manager of IDL’s Blackfoot office. “His dedication has been great for the agency.” 
(Morning News — Bob Hudson) Kent Phelps discusses his 36-year career with the Idaho Department of Labor. He will retire effective Friday.
Phelps, a native of Montpelier, began work for the Idaho Department of Labor shortly after retiring from the U.S. Air Force.
“When I retired, the vet rep I was working with told me of openings in the department and encouraged me to apply,” Phelps said. “One of those openings was in Blackfoot.
“I’ve enjoyed working and helping people out,” he said. He usually helped veterans with claims, compensation and training issues. He said he will continue doing so through the American Legion.
“I hope to stay busy by doing volunteer work, primarily with veterans,” he said.
Phelps joined the Air Force shortly after his 17th birthday. He served over 20 years, receiving several medals and citations while stationed in locations within and outside the United States.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Stout State, Minn., and in political science from Idaho State. He also did master’s degree work.
Over his career with the Idaho Department of Labor he has received a variety of special awards. Among them are the Grand National Veteran Employment award from the American Legion, Citizen of the Year from the local Elks Lodge and a special governor’s citation for locating emergency workers during the Teton Flood.
He and his wife Nancy, who is from Pocatello, have four grown children. Douglas lives in Blackfoot; Shaun lives in Pocatello and daughters Vicki and Cecile live in Key West, Fla., and St. Louis, Mo. They have eight grandchildren.
“There wasn’t a parade when I went in the service so I don’t expect one when I leave the department,” he said.
His last day at work will be Friday.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 30 July 2010 )
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