For the past three years, Bush Accelerated School crossing guard Charlie Corbin also has been there for his “customers" every day, greeting students, parents and passers-by with a smile and a wave, rain or shine.

“He's always down there, even when he's not feeling well," said Bush principal Lynne Engle. “He was in the hospital for several days recently, and the day after he got out, he was back here."

After some time spent struggling to find someone to fill the crossing guard position, Engle said Corbin's dedication to the job made him a welcome addition to the school's staff.

“He's very sweet, very caring, very conscientious and most of all, he just wants to make sure the kids are safe," she said. “He's really good about reporting any safety issues like students not walking on the sidewalk or cutting across the park."

Engle said she often gets calls and e-mails from parents commenting on how his friendly morning greeting is their favorite way to start the day. Even drivers who don't have students at Bush have praised Corbin's efforts.

“Every morning that I drive by, he smiles and waves, and I notice he does that for everyone," Luebbert said. “Not many people do that anymore. In this day and age, with all of our turmoil, he brightens my day."

“The days he's not down there we definitely miss him," Engle said. “The students know when he's not down there that he's sick or has a doctor's appointment."

Although he does not get to spend much time with them as they walk to and from school, Corbin said one of his favorite parts of the job is his relationship with the students.

Corbin began shepherding students back and forth across Wood Street twice a day three years ago after quadruple-bypass surgery forced him to retire from his position as a driver for SERVE, Inc.

“He has to have a job to do to keep him happy, and I think this is a good one," said daughter Sherry Wentz, who works in the school district's central office. “He gets to do something, but not too much."

“If we can keep him occupied with something he enjoys, it's good for him," agreed wife Beverly, who has been a bus driver at the school for 12 years. “It makes me feel good to see him there every morning."

Students and parents also value Corbin's daily greetings, and they often find ways to show their appreciation - even keeping an eye out for his health.

“Last year I was out in the snow and it was colder than dickens," Corbin said. “I had my coat on, but I didn't have a scarf. This woman stopped and gave me a scarf so I wouldn't get cold."

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