Colleen Major was recognized for 35 years of service with Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division during a ceremony June 2 in China Lake.

Jill Patterson, AIM-9 Technical Project Office lead, presented Major with the length-of-service award during a team meeting.

"35 years is a legacy," Patterson said. "It speaks to the testament of continuous hard work."

Major, a Ridgecrest native, currently serves as a senior financial management analyst with the Sidewinder TPO, but she began her career as a high school intern working in the technical library in the Acquisition Department. There she gained experience managing technical manuals and periodicals, and sharpened her eye for detail.

After graduating high school, she spent five years as a government contractor before transitioning to full time civil service. During her career, Major has supported several defense programs, including Rolling Airframe Missile, Standard Missile, and Theatre Ballistic Missile Defense.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Major expanded her education and skills by earning an executive MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School. And more important than just a degree, Major’s proudest moment was having her two children in attendance as she received her degree.

Even after 35 years, Major is not quite ready to hang it up. She’s still participating in development programs such as Leadership E.D.G.E. and plans to continue doing her part to support the warfighter and the mission of NAWCWD.

"I approach challenges as opportunities to learn and improve," Major said.

Outside of work, Colleen is a dedicated mother to two college students and looks forward to spending more time traveling and exploring new experiences. In her free time, she enjoys family time and is excited to embrace new adventures as she focuses on personal growth.