Princess Royal makes RAF Mildenhall secretary, 81, an MBE after 63 years of service
An 81-year-old woman has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the Princess Royal after working as a secretary at a US Air Force base in England for more than 63 years.
Faith Rutterford has worked at RAF Mildenhall – a base in Suffolk that supports US military operations – since April 1959.
Throughout the six decades of her employment, Ms Rutterford has worked as secretary to the commander of the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron.
She received her honour for public service at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
Asked why she continues to work, Ms Rutterford said: "I love it and the people, they have kept me going."
The octogenarian said a lot has changed at RAF Mildenhall over the past six decades.
She added that staff were informed the base would be shut down within the last three years, but it remains open.
Ms Rutterford, who lives three miles away in Barton Mills, said it would take "a lot of the trade" away from the area if the base was to close, adding that it plays an "important part" in the local community.
Although she said she felt "excited" after receiving the award, the 81-year-old added that she was "humbled" by the honour.
She said: "I don't deserve anything. I haven't done anything more than anyone else."
US President Joe Biden has visited RAF Mildenhall more than once in the last two years, stopping there to refuel his Air Force One jet in March last year and delivering a speech to American service personnel and their families there in June 2021.
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