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Daniel Hutchinson

Gary and Ferron. drop us a note telling us how you are?

We haven't seen anything from Steve either?  Please let us know how you're doing?

Additionally, would anyone be interested in seeing more of my short stories?

Gary Acker

Daniel Hutchinson

Thanks Gary. It's great to hear from you.  I guess if you're shoveling snow, you're not doing too bad, which is a good thing to hear.

I've been suffering a bit with old age depression; feelng like I'm spending too much time in my recliner.  A couple of months ago I went to see a therapist, a tech and a psychiatrist, both young ladies.  When finished with my sessions, I was so pleased, I gave them (not together) a quick peck on the cheek.  
The next day the Psychiatrist called me while in my car, and gave me hell for kissing them, without their permission.  I told them it was nothing more than if I were to give my sister or daughter a peck on the cheek to show my appreciation.  This upset me to think they would take offense at an innocent peck on the cheek.  I then said obviously the waters of objectivity were muddied, thus I cancelled any future sessions.

I'm alright, just in need of some hobby (writing would be good),or something to get my butt out and keep active -- it's just old age boredom.  I've even thought of going back to work at Lowe's  I enjoyed working there very much.  I enjoy interacting with people/the public,  Physically, I'm still in pretty good shape. - thank the Lord

Daniel Hutchinson

I know for many of you this won't apply, but for our veterans you might like to see an exchange I had with the Veterans Affairs.  If any of you have not availed yourself of the Veterans Affairs (VA), and might need some assistance, this might offer a bit of help.

"TO:  Department of Veterans Affairs  -- To Whom It May Concern

        Claims Intake Center

         P.O. Box 4444

         Janesville, WI 53547-4444

     Please forgive this old guys somewhat inadequacy with using the modern computer websites, and using this method for my communication.

     First of all, I want to tell you how humbled I am at the ‘Extremely’ professional, friendly. respectful and concern all of your people have shown me.  You folks are the greatest!

      Secondly, Your letter is referring to something I said about possibly being exposed to hazardous materials while serving in the U.S. Navy.   I was serving aboard the USS Saint Paul CA-73.  We were called to go to WestPac, Viet Nam in 1966. Prior to deploying we went into the ship yards in Long Beach, California to bring the ship in to battle ready condition.  We, as a crew were required to take all of the old (multi levels) paint off of the inside of the ship.  We removed a total of six tons of old paint.  Working in the dust of that paint for several weeks/months, it was uncomfortably dusty most of the time.  I do not know if any of that constituted hazardous or not, and I never felt any lasting effects from it, that I know of, other than the initial discomfort.

     I have never been a man who has expected something for nothing, and do not believe I’m suffering any effects from the aforementioned paint removal.  I know there are a lot of men and women out there who are in much worse shape than I am, and say again, I don’t want to try and justify getting additional compensation  when it’s probably not honest nor justified.

     I do suffer from dizziness, and the examination I had by the Audiologist Dr. Don Chamberlin (Apr 5th 2024) he made a note on the VES forms suggesting that I be further tested for “Vestibular Testing”.  I mentioned this a couple of times, but perhaps didn’t follow the correct procedure to have it addressed.

     Again, I appreciate everything you folks have and are doing for me.  Heaven knows a little extra money certainly helps a great deal.  But, please know that I don’t expect or want to violate the trust we should have in one another.  I want to be honest in dealing with you – I’ve worked hard my entire life and do not expect something for nothing.  Yet, I do appreciate your help thus far. – Sincerely!

Respectfully

Daniel W. Hutchinson"

I realize some if not most is irrelevant but at least you can see help is out there if you need it from the VA.

Tod Maltby

You should keep on top of this; I'm afraid Trump & DOGE will do their "economizing" on the VA.

Gary Acker

Daniel Hutchinson

Well my friends,  I beg to differ.  I think it will only get better, after they purge the bloated size of government.  I applaud what they're doing.  Some folks will have to find other employment, just as they did when Reagan fired the air traffic controllers.  I bought a car about that time in Virgina and the saleman had been a controller.

I have faith that Trump and Musk will honor their word to protect the VA and Social Security.  The actions being under taken should be viewed in the larger context.  Let's face it the government is just too large.  

I said years ago when working in embassies, that they could do away with USAID and downsize the State Department by 75% and no services would be hurt; nobody would miss them (unless you were directly affected of course); I saw a lot of abuse. I would very much like to see us eliminate a lot of fat and dead wood.

P.S.  To equate Trump to Hitler is nonsence, and it certainly does nothing to contribute to helping to make the country better (GREAT AGAIN).

Ferron Wimmer

Very well said Dan . I agree with you 100 persent . Keep it up .

Karen LeSieur (Seeber)

I would like to address my experience with the Fed's and downsizing.  I worked for Hill Air Force Base for 37 years and this may be a history lesson.  

When Nixon was President; he did a major downsize of the government agencies.  He froze all salaries for 3 years; Anyone that was not a career employee (3 yrs experience) lost their job; No promotions for 3 years; If anyone retired the job was not filled.

This was done to get us out of the debt for the Vietnam war costs.  

It was interesting that after 3 years some of the people that lost their job were rehired for their prior job!

All of this helped us pay for the cost of the war!  We need to get our debt paid for and in control.

Daniel Hutchinson

Thanks Ferron.  Tell us how you're doing?

I'm amazed at how successful the left wing news media have changed the very character of our country.  When I tell people that I worked for the CIA, I always justify it by saying "when we had hard charging, red blooded American patriots." I'm not so sure that's even the case now.

I generally get my news from FOX, NewsMax, or One American News. The leftist propaganda on the main stream news networks isn't even being disguised any more,  It's out and out leftist, socialist propaganda.

I'll try to remain less political in the future - Promise.

Daniel Hutchinson

Excellent, Karen, I recall those days very well..  Thanks for your input.

One of the five very good jobs I had when I got  out of the Navy, the first year. was at Hill, as an "aircraft instrument repairman".  I enjoyed that job very much.  The crew I was assigned to were about ten people (both men and women).  Our assigned task was to repair/overhaul the "tachometer for the Globe Master aircraft"  The quota was to complete 3-1/2 per day.  I never learned that until I completed eight on my first day.  The next day some (three or four) came up to me and told me not to do that again!  Just an example of what we're talking about, on a small scale, yet when you see this same attitude government wide -- you can imagine the waste and yes in many intances fraud.  The fraud is a much different animal.  Mostly perpetrated by those doing the contracting, and/or buying contracts with huge kick backs.  I've seen this, thus the reason for my support for Trump having Musk dig into this, and hopefully root out the corruption. 

I could go on for volumes, but believe you know where I stand.  And, Karen I agree we must-MUST get the nation's finances under control.

Karen LeSieur (Seeber)

Dan, what you said about the quota when you worked at Hill is interesting.  My Husband said that he was told that many years ago.  They did not want people be motivated to exceed the quota that they gave for the effort.  It is sad that they do not motivate the employee to exceed group expetations. 

Daniel Hutchinson

You're right Karen, I agree with your husband - it spawned mediocrity.  It just hit me perhaps that's why I received many superior performance awards over the years, some with  money.

Years ago when as a young man in a priesthood meeting (I was about 15) I recall we were being talked to by an FBI agent (a member of the LDS Church).  He said that J. Edgard Hoover liked hiring the 'Mormon boys, because they are hard working and honest"..  I remembered that my entire life, and never wanted to let down or dimish that perception.

Daniel Hutchinson

Does anyone care to continue the venue/Site?  I think it's a shame more don't participate.  I vowed to bow out a couple of years ago if we didn't get some action.  I guess it's a bout time for me to stop wasting my time cajoling, when nobody cares.

Ferron Wimmer

Well Dan I really care so please don't stop . I'ts hard for me me to put things in writing , my spelling is terible and it always was . I do love. to hear from you . PLEASE DON'T STOP

Daniel Hutchinson

Thanks Ferron.  Your message will keep me arouind, I guess.  I sure enjoy getting your messages; as well as, Clara, Karen, Connie and of course Gary.  Other than you guys, it's pretty slim in the amount of feedback and/or information from our classmates -- a sad thing, when we have such a nice venue to share on.

I  know we're getting older and hard for some to type; never the less it's nice to hear from you -- I sure would like to hear from more -- tell us about your families, life's experiences, ups and downs.advemtures; anything and everything would be nice to hear/read about.

May the good Lord bless each and everyone of you -- sincerely

Dan H.

Daniel Hutchinson

I left out Tod, my apologies, Tod.  I too enjoy hearing from you very much.

Gary Acker

Daniel Hutchinson

Very good Gary.  Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated.

Gary Acker

Ferron Wimmer

Unfortunatly [can't spell ] wehad to endure 4 years of Bidon so how bad can it get , we'll just have to wait and see . I sometimes think it can't get worse but it seams it does in one respect or another . All we can do is wait and prey it doesn't . Good to hear from all of you . Keep it up

Daniel Hutchinson

Daniel Hutchinson

I'm deeply touched by the passing of my friend Ruth Young Adams.  She was always so sweet and friendly, a real lady and friend.  May God take her to His bosom.

Gary Acker

Connie Johnson (Ott)

I don't remember her at the 50th.