Mammoth cave is a little quieter after one of it's most recognizable employees has retired. George Corrie walked thousands of miles in his 30 years on the job and guided more than 10,000 tours. His knowledge of caves, dedication, and humor is already missed by fellow colleagues.

"George is a real great source about caves, about Mammoth Cave, and about caving and he will be missed here at Mammoth Cave," says Vickie Carson.

Chatting with fellow staff and visitors is what George will miss most about working in the deep underground tunnels of Mammoth Cave.

"Really enjoyed talking to the visitors, not just on the tours but outside at the information desk but you only have that interaction with the visitors for a short period of time where as with the staff you have an interaction with them over an extended period of time," says Corrie.

George says there is one very important visitor from nearly 30 years ago that he will never forget.

"One of the moments that really sticks in everybody's mind was when President Reagan visited there in the early 80's. All the security, the helicopters, the limousines, everything that is involved with a presidential visit," says Corrie.

As George has entered retirement he keeps busy as a member of the friends board at Lost River Cave. Although his years of "Cave Crawling" at Mammoth won't soon be forgotten.

"It becomes a part of you a part of what you do everyday, a part of what you look forward too so yes I miss it," says Corrie.

And a part of George will forever stay in Mammoth Cave.

"A special request from one of our employees was to name one crawl way the George Corrie Crawl and so we have one placed in the cave now that will forever bare Georges name," says Corrie.

For his years of government service at Mammoth Cave, teaching many of us about one of nature's most beautiful sights, we honor George Corrie as this weeks Hometown Hero.