It is December at the General-Major De Ruyter van Steveninck Barracks in Oirschot. In the canteen, a decorated Christmas tree shines brightly, and the tables are filled with homemade treats, from spring rolls to cake. It is time for the annual Christmas brunch – a moment of togetherness, warmth, and a good conversation with Riny, who has been working here for thirty years.
“I was retired for three weeks,” she says with a smile. “Then I thought: I really don’t enjoy sitting at home.”
She picked up the phone, called her supervisor, and before she knew it, she was back at the barracks. Back in the place that feels like home to her.
Working at Defence, Behind the Scenes
Riny works as a cleaner at the barracks. No uniform, no rank, but certainly an essential role. For thirty years, she has been a familiar face at the location. During that time, she has seen colleagues come and go, regulations change, and buildings modernised. One thing has always remained the same: her enjoyment of the job.
“I’ve been here for 30 years,” she says proudly. Then, laughing, she points to her colleague Elly. “And that blonde lady over there? She’s been working here for 45 years!”
It perfectly reflects the atmosphere at the barracks. People do not stay here for so long without a reason.
Enjoying Work Every Day
Riny’s workday starts early. Very early.
“I get up at half past three. Then I’m at the barracks by five o’clock.”
Together with her colleague Brahim, she starts the day at the MMD, the Military Medical Service. After that, they move on to another building. It is a familiar routine, but never a boring one.
“You see people, you have a chat. And at twelve o’clock we have lunch together. It’s really nice.”
It is precisely that personal contact that makes working at Defence so special for her. It is not just about cleaning; it is about being part of a team and an environment where everyone knows each other.
Work and Leisure in Balance
Because she starts so early, her afternoons are free.
“Then I have the rest of the day to myself.”
She enjoys spending that time shopping.
“Nuenen, Eindhoven… those are great places to look around.”
When asked what memorable experiences she has had over all those years, she laughs.
“Nothing unusual. I’ve just done my job well. Every day, I do my thing.”
For Riny, her work is not an obligation but part of who she is.
“I turned my hobby into my job.”
She is now almost seventy years old, but you would never guess it from her energy. When asked what motivates her, her answer is simple:
“Going to work with a positive attitude – that’s the most important thing.”
