So, You Think All Federal Workers Are Scum?

When you envision a Federal employee, you see someone at a desk in Washington, DC don't you? When you say they are paid too much and they are worthless, I want you to know not all of them are of that ilk. I know, because I am married to one.

Before he was a Navy shipyard pipefitter, my husband began his working life at a corn processing plant in Iowa. It was also where his grandfather, father, uncles and cousins worked. His first job was unloading feed sacks in the mill house. Hot, dirty, nasty work with some "grease the shoot" hazing in the beginning. And dangerous for some. Accidents occurred, with big ones like dust explosions always on everyone's mind each day, whether you are at work or not.

In 1974 he got an apprenticeship. Not the one he wanted. He really wanted to be an electrician, but that apprenticeship was snapped up by someone else. His second choice was to be a pipefitter. That was his choice. His uncle was one, having completed his apprenticeship at Clinton Corn also.

Journeymen always work with an apprentice. That is how they learn the trade. This corn plant made their own energy through steam. Miles and miles of piping, all needing to be improved and maintained. There were potential accidents in this profession too. He found that out one day when they were testing a run of pipe that had just been welded. Just the day before he had shaved off his beard for the summer---and a good thing too. Water came rushing through the pipe as they looked for leaks. What began as cold water heated immediately to scalding water headed right for his face. Someone yelled, and his instincts took over, turning his head just in time. It only hit one side of his face, not full on. He could have been blinded, or worse. I remember him coming home in the middle of the day that day. An electric shock of dread ran through me as I saw him brought home by a co-worker. His face already red from the burns. Miracles do happen, as he can attest. He was young and he healed with no scars, and he was able to go back to work after a few weeks of sick leave and daily slathering of burn medication.