Lindsey Phillips, Administrative Officer of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in St Augustine, announced that the National Park Service will be wishing “farewell” to two long-term managers tomorrow; Dan Matteson and Juhu Walker.
Dan Matteson, the project manager for the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments, will be retiring on December 31st after a 29-year federal career that includes 27 years with the National Park Service.
Over the last four-and-a-half years, Matteson has managed the two site’s recreational fee projects. During this time, he helped to preserve the historic seawall surrounding the Castillo and stabilized the shorelines and the expansion of the parking areas at Fort Matanzas.
“I will treasure the wonderful memories of working with the staff at the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States,” Matteson said. “Although it is hard to say goodbye to everyone I have worked with over the years, I am looking forward to settling back into my home in Pensacola then spending time with my wife Ginny and daughter Amanda.”
Jehu Walker, facility manager, at Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monuments, will be retiring on December 31st after 34 years with the National Park Service.
In 2007, Walker transferred to Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas as facility manager. During his time in the parks, he supervised preservation work of the Castillo and at Fort Matanzas, a nearby 18th Century fortification.
“I always wanted the opportunity to assist with preservation of the St. Augustine forts … It just took 30 years to get here,” Walker joked. “Looking back, I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without all I have experienced.”
A retirement celebration will be held for both retirees at noon on Friday, December 16th, at park headquarters.
Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer and National Park Service
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