129 Years of Family Serving Family: Nuchin Wiker, Cannon AFB

One in a series honoring the Exchange’s 129 years of family serving family

Who she is: Nuchin Wiker, food service worker, Cannon Air Force Base

Years at the Exchange: 35

Military connections: Nuchin’s husband James served in the Air Force for 26 years.

Where she has worked: Nuchin began at Burger King at Edwards Air Force Base, where her husband was stationed in 1989 before transferring to Cannon Air Force Base in 1991.

Life in New Mexico: “It’s a small town, I really like it,” Nuchin said. “Especially as I get older, I don’t like traffic and don’t like taking too long to get to work.

“My kids growing up would always say, ‘Why don’t we move to a big town?’ but I love the small town feel and getting along with everyone here—that’s why I’m happy to stay here.”

Cannon co-workers: “I get along with everybody here,” she said. “My co-workers are very nice and always help me out if I need help carrying anything heavy or if I can’t reach something high up, they send somebody tall right over for me.

“I’ve had great co-workers at the Exchange at both places I’ve worked, so I love having a good team to help me out.”

Family Serving Family: After working in the food court at Cannon AFB for more than three decades and nearly her entire career, Nuchin has her share of familiar shoppers that come back to see her.

“Some will come by and say, ‘I thought you were retired!’ but I always say, ‘No, no, I want to work!’” she said. “I just tell them: If you miss me, come see me at Popeyes.”

Even at 70 years old, Nuchin still wants to continue serving her Cannon family and enjoying time with her fellow associates as long as she can.

“If I’m healthy, I’d like to keep working, even if it’s just part time,” she said. “It’s better for me to get out of the house and exercise instead of just sitting at home, so that’s all I need.”