Norma Jean Caldwell Provides Outstanding Service at Age 97

Yesterday morning, the staff at San Angelo Community Medical Center (SACMC) honored Norma Jean Caldwell on her 97^th birthday for 32 years of volunteer service.

Many people gathered in the lobby of the SACMC to meet and congratulate Caldwell for all the hard work she has done while working at the hospital.

“It’s been super; that’s the reason that I’m still here,” Caldwell said. She said she enjoyed getting to know all the people she has worked with over the years. Serving others is the most rewarding part of her job.

“Every time that I can help somebody do something, it leaves [me] with a rewarding feeling,” Caldwell said.

Sandy Speed, with volunteer services at SACMC, has worked with Caldwell for many years and provided some insight into what Caldwell brings to the hospital.

“[Norma] is happiest when she’s doing something to help others,” Speed said. “Norma Jean is my oldest volunteer at age 97.”

Speed mentioned that getting to work with the volunteers is wonderful given how motivated and caring each person is.

“It’s fantastic getting to work with the [volunteers],” Speed said. “There’s a difference being employed and getting paid. They are here because they want to help.”

Some of the volunteer jobs include working the information desk and helping patients locate the rooms they need to find. Caldwell said she enjoys getting to walk patients to their rooms given how large the hospital is, and how easy it is to get lost.

Caldwell has accumulated 15,000 hours since starting at the SACMC in 1984. Ricky Villarreal, Assistance Chief Executive Officer for SACMC, said a full-time employee works just over 2,000 in a year.

“Since 1984, Norma Jean has accumulated seven full years of service to the hospital,” Villarreal said.

Villarreal thanked Caldwell on behalf of the employees and the community of San Angelo as a whole. He then presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

“The people I work with are super,” Caldwell said. “Everything about this job is just out of my mind; I never realized I would be here this long.”

Instead of taking any vacation time, Caldwell said she will continue to work at the SACMC, where her service and dedication will always be needed and appreciated.