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| Scattergunning 2006 The Retirees Meeting In Minneapolis |
By Jerry Smith Wow!
They came from 23 States, Florida to Washington and Texas to
Alaska, traveling thousands of miles for what? For the
chance to reminisce with those they spent so many years
protecting our nation's wildlife resources. The camaraderie
was out in full force in the shadow of the largest shopping
mall in the United States. Just listening to Cleve Vaughn, the Service's first black agent telling about the training he received from Vic Blazevic, in North Dakota no less, was worth the admission price. Or how about Cindy Schroeder telling what it was like being one of the first female agents working in the field in the South? Then Marty Phillips told us that he had worked with Wayne Sanders in 1969 in Missouri but hadn't seen him since, until this get together. We heard what an agent's life was like in 1950 when Wayne Sanders started his LE career. Heck, even I got into the flow of things with my tale about arriving in Washington D.C. in 1973 to take over a training position when I found a shoe box on my desk. The box was left for me by the previous trainee, Dave Purinton, who had just been reassigned to Kansas. In the box was a hand carved wooden figurine of a hand with only the middle finger raised in the air. A notice of things to come? Many years later, I returned the symbolic work of art to Dave. His wife Jane said they still have it stored in the basement. Jerry Sommers talked about and had pictures of his tour of duty with the National Guard in Iraq . He spoke of how much he appreciated the e-mails and cards from the old retired duck cops. The joy received from attending one of these Get Togethers is hard to describe but priceless is a good start. You simply must experience the feeling you get by being around the other retirees to know that you want that feeling again next year. So plan now to come join us next year, you won't be disappointed. Whatever Happened To: Bob Prather, Duane Luchtel and Dave Kraft? Answers below. Retired Agent Credentials: There are still some of you that haven't ordered your retired Agent Badge and Credentials. Yes, I know, you thought it was just a token effort by the Service and the result would be nothing but a crackerjack toy. Well, you were very wrong! The badge and credentials are first class and worthy of your many years of effort in serving your country. I urge you to reconsider and order yours now. I still have application blanks so if you would like one, just let me know. First Timers: Once again we had a skein of new folks join us at our Get Together. This flock included Barb Anderson, Dave and Cheryl Kraft, John Decker, Neill Hartman, Frank and Beth Kuncir, Marty Phillips, Jane Purinton, Dan Smoot and Dick Stott. It was great to see them all and we hope they will return next year. Visitors: We were honored to have the Special Agent in Charge of the Twin Cities Office, Mary Jane Lavin and her ASAC, Nick Chavez, stop by the Get Together for a visit. Mary Jane shared the FWS/LE new LE Strategic Plan 2006 - 2010 and Enforcement Priorities with our group. This was a very interesting discussion revealing that FWS Law Enforcement is still being told to prove itself necessary. Many of you remember the times over the past 40 years that we were asked to do the exact same thing, it just had different names attached to it. Some things never change, like the number of Agents with the Service. SAC Lavin indicated that we still have about 215 or so Special Agents, the same amount we had in the mid 1970's. Can anyone name another agency of the federal government that has had a zero increase in manpower during the last 30 years? Marianne and Art Davis were once again visitors to our Get Together. They are close friends and neighbors to Lucy and Arlo Christianson. Such good friends that they drive them to many of these get togethers. Great to see them again. Hopefully, we all have good friends like them. Notes from Bob Slattery: We saw once again the changes in our lives as we grow older. This was evident as retirees and spouses listened to each others' experiences of the past year. Some have changed because of health issues and others turn more gray and walk slower. Then there are some others that seem to never change. But the one thing that remains constant is that we enjoy each others' company, otherwise we would not come to these retirement get-togethers. I believe that we all went home with fond memories of the successful meeting this year. Those who could not make it for various reasons missed out on a great time. The weather was fine, the hotel was about the best we have ever had. The leaders of this rag-tag bunch did a great job as usual. Thanks to them for the effort and organization of setting up the affair. We all know them. Back to my observation of the changes in our social life and the advance of technology. These are based on watching the world go by for more than a half of century. Most of us can see how much our life style has changed in our life time. Telephones, autos, refrigerators, even the basic electrical supply to our homes which itself took a long time before it was widely available. Back then new inventions were common. The age we live in seems more involved in improvements, than in bold new inventions. The DVD is an improvement over the VCR, just replacement technology. The new things now just seem to be more for convenience, safety, and supplying the rapidly expanding population. I was amazed when the eight track was replaced with cassettes. One can go on and on with examples. To figure out how much your life has changed since you were young, just sit down and have a conversation with a ten year old. See you all next year! Dorothe Norton Reports: Dick Basler couldn't make the get together but wants to say hi to all and that he would reply to e-mail messages. Seems like Clyde Bolin can't get enough of this work stuff either. He is a Red Willow County Deputy Sheriff in Nebraska. His patrol car was totaled last year when hit by another vehicle. Clyde was treated for neck and head injuries and released. Clyde, you should have stuck with flying, it is safer! Round and About: Some guys just can't quit. Larry Harris (retired in 2003) went to work for the City of Franklin, Indiana as a Code Compliance Official. Wow! What a way to make friends and influence people - keep up the good work Larry. Greg Stover, retired at the end of 2004 and almost immediately took a job with the New Mexico DPS as a Special Investigator. He works Underage Alcohol Enforcement, which has been a major problem throughout the Country, forever (Remember when you were 16 or 17 years old?). New Book: Lucinda Schroeder attended this year's Get Together. She brought along her new book, A Hunt for Justice. Its the true story of a 1992 undercover operation in the Brooks Range of Alaska. I picked up a signed copy of the book from Cindy. It is hard to put down, well written, interesting account of an extremely important wildlife investigation. By all means, pick up a copy and give it a read, you won't be disappointed.. Answers: Bob Prather retired and immediately went into the business of raising parrots and macaws. Although his business thrived for many years, Bob reports that he is now getting out of the bird business and has just a few macaw's left. A new venture has appeared, Bob and Gloria are now into miniature horses and pygmy goats. Bob reports that Gloria buys and sells and he builds, repairs and moves fences for their critters. Sounds like WORK to me! Duane Luchtel reports that he has now been retired longer than he worked. He retired as the ASAC for the Kansas City District under the 13 District setup back then. Duane and Janet still live in Missouri and are quite active in many different areas. I can report that Duane is as cantankerous as ever and still sharp as a tack. Heck, he even argues with the slots when they don't pay off! Keep it up Duane I am sure the one armed bandits will start listening to you! Dave Kraft retired in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1998 and lived happily ever after. Who wouldn't be happy living in North Dakota and working for a living doing what most folks do just for the fun of it. Yes, Dave bought a BIG BOAT and an even BIGGER MOTOR and went on the Professional Fishing Tournament Circuit. He and his wife Cheryl travel throughout the upper Midwest fishing. I know most of us who fish for the fun of it think Dave has it made. Well, Dave reports that with the price of gas nowadays it has become more and more difficult to make enough money to stay afloat. Ever think about using a sail rather than a 200 HP Merc? Good luck Dave and may your creel always be full. Tribute: During 2005 six retired LE folks were called by their Maker. They were remembered by the participants at the Get Together who knew them best. Joe Perroux, Andy Pursley, John Minnick, Tom Garratt, Phyllis Weisz and Gene Wilson passed away last year. Already in 2006, two retired agents, Bill Richardson from Maryland and Doug Swanson from California have left us. They will all be missed. Next LE Get Together: The 2007 edition of the Law Enforcement Get Together will be held in Savannah, Georgia. This will be the first time we have returned to the Southeast since Vicksburg in 1999 so we are looking for a great crowd. The exact dates and accommodations have not yet been established but we hope to meet in late March or early April when all the flowers are in full bloom. Stay tuned and start making your plans.
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