Friday, November 5, 2010

Great Meetings This Week - We're Ready To Start Negotiating!



Thank you to all of the reps who came to meet this week, extremely tired after their 12 hour shifts and on their days off! Your co-workers do appreciate what you do! Not everyone can do what you do.

Let me touch on a few important things that most know but some have not grasped yet.

The reps were told that they cannot get into detail about what we have discussed or planned for our negotiations. It seems that some still don't see the logic to that - allow me to explain.

First - we are discussing the issues you all gave us to discuss - in detail. That is where it all started - with the peoples thoughts and concerns.

In general and without going into detail, here for all to read is SOME of what we have discussed:

Hours of work, vacations, sick days, holidays, overtime, forced overtime, wages, health plan, pension calculations, seniority, layoffs and hiring, classifications, duties, time keeping, attendence policies, bereavement, jury duty, inclement weather, state of emergencies, production, team leaders, supervisors, promotions, temporary vacancies, safety, disciplinary procedures, grievance issues and methods, scheduling, drug testing, tool lists, disability, workers compensation, company doctors, responsibility, production, plant holiday closings, call in, emergency work, breaks, lunch, Kronos, favortism and equality just to name a few items.

The time for more detailed discussion is when you meet with me at our meetings. That is why we have them and make sure they are held on off days for every crew.


I do not want any rep speaking IN DETAIL about our meetings or negotiation plans for a couple of reasons: I don't want to get the rumor mill started in the wrong direction and I do not want to telegraph our negotiation plans or strategies at any time by the public airing of such.


Unless you would like to hand all of that on a silver platter to the management negotiating team I think you can grasp why. Makes some sense, doesn't it?

That is why we have the meetings and answer every question asked there - at the union hall - where we can discuss a subject and not have any chance of something being twisted or misunderstood.

We will have meetings now a little less frequently with the whole unit but we WILL have them. I strongly suggest that everyone attend the meetings when they are scheduled and have your voice heard.

Even though your feet may hurt or your wife may nag, it is YOUR welfare and YOUR livelihood that is being discussed. My feet would have to be amputated to allow anyone to discuss these issues without me present - but that is just me. We know there are many people who are very content just waiting to see what happens and that is fine and acceptable and your choice - you are in good hands with your reps. They are really looking out for everyones benefit.

We will be meeting with the company during the week of November 29 and the week of December 13. We will keep you posted on this site as to what is going on.


We may post a specific subject that is being discussed in bargaining and ask you to discuss it right here to get a feel for your opinion. You DO have a part to play in these negotiations and you will be asked to contribute and give your opinion, that's been an open invitation from the very beginning.

Two last thoughts:

United We Stand and

You Reap What You Sow.

So let's get goin' and let's get sowin'.

55 comments:

  1. A big thanks to all our reps and our union. We are behind you! Please keep us informed as best as you can. I understand the reasons for not talking better now. look for me to participate how ever you need me too!
    thanks you guys

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  2. You can help us by getting our co-workers to read, write on the blog and attend meetings. Thank You

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  3. just got home from work checked blog.i'm sure you all understand why certain aspects being discuss by our reps and 363 reps cannot be tossed in the ring for management to see just yet. it's kinda like taking a knife to a gun fight [you lose] our reps are working and discussing our future ,when and if you feel you have an issue , idea or even comment. tell your stewart on contract rep // post it on the blog /// like it or not we are 1 and no one can take that away. this blog is our communication and lifeline between crews USE IT REMEMBER THE WORLD IS WATCHING HOW WE DO THIS REMAIN STONG AND BELIEVE TY // DAKOTA

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  4. hey windsor, hey mira loma are you out there?? how did you guys make out at open enrollment?? did your health care costs go up?? did you get a raise?? anything added to a meager pension??
    love to hear from you guys.....

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  5. Thank you Sam for taking the time to explain again. I am a rep who is working as hard as I can to make sure we get this right. I have no ill will against the company. As a matter of fact I appreciate the the way they have been conducting themselves. However there are a couple salaried personnel who still havent seen the light yet and I doubt that they are capable of seeing it. They have been mentioned on this blog multiple times. If they dont reform their attitude their names will appear more and more. To them I ask them to think about others besides themselves. That act alone will change the perception that people have of them.

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  6. I wonder what the costs will be of our health care in two more years? Does anyone know if the company passed along any information to Windsor about what the reason for not giving them a raise or adding to their pension this year while the company recieved big profits and managers on top made big money?

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  7. Windsor ,
    Can you talk? Can you believe that they didnt give you guys anything? Or did they? Please drop a note and let us know.

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  8. grizzly adams needs a new kneeNovember 6, 2010 at 8:02 PM

    Our costs for medical in Newburgh didnt go up, but for retired folks who use the stippend it did. Almost doubled for them. Whats on the horizon?Any Ideas anyone on why ours didnt go up if we are paying 28% of the costs? I appreciate the fact that it didnt.

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  9. The Company appreciates the fact that you are a union now thats all!

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  10. the grizz who ate adams mmmmmmmmmNovember 6, 2010 at 8:09 PM

    Are we going to have a union christmas party, and if so are we going to invite Newburgh Management? I say lets be the bigger people and do it. It would be a hoot!

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  11. Sam,
    I know that your trying to reach everyone, so do I. The facts are that people dont miss something until its too late. We already have shown enough to everyone that if someone doesnt believe that we have their interests at heart . I dont think they ever will get it. I appreciate your effort to assure everyone that we want to share but shouldnt, and wont.
    Thank you

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  12. Hey everybody its contract time now. If anybody we work with is tossing anything negative around at this stage of the game they are unwittedly rooting against themselves ( and me and you). Lets all get on board and help push the load up the hill toward that written contract. That is why I voted yes. I knew we needed to get with the program and get a real contract to work under with the new company. Nothing personal its just business. Sam we are behind you 100% because you are behind us 100% and it shows. Don't even give the time of day to anything negative at this point. We want the union and a contract but we aren't popping off about it thats all. The big mouths are in the minority.
    Go get us a good contract we're behind you and all of our reps.

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  13. Flash drive:I'm sure the company appreciates that we are a union plant now. It makes managing the workforce easier. Everyone knows what the name of the game is for the life of the contract. Most of us appreciate it too,do you?

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  14. If you cannot attend meetings for what ever the reason please use the blog as your pipeline for information. You can ask any rep/steward whatever you want but you know the ground rules for talking about the contract (read the blogmaster lead in at the top of the page). We are still open to ideas. And yes, we are ready to go to the table for our contract. Blog away, attend meetings when you can, participate in any way you can. Thank you for your continued support,I know, the suspense can be nerve wracking. It is for us reps too. Try to check the blog at least once a day,if possible.It's the best place for info,feedback and stating your concerns. Keep it going. We are almost there.
    Thanks again

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  15. We stand behind our reps and out union! Can't wait until negotiations do start and we can see what the company really thinks of us here in newburgh. Things have been going extremely well since we went with 363 and I believe it will only get better with time. Count on me to help push the load.

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  16. Have confirmed that Jacksonville is shutting down the same as us for holidays....don't know about other MCC plants

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  17. S.T LOUIS CAN PLANT DOWN ALSO.

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  18. I Call Them As I See ThemNovember 7, 2010 at 6:11 PM

    If the St Louis plant is Arnold it sounds like all the union plants are shut down so far. Hey Windsor, Mira Loma, are you in production over Thanksgiving?, Christmas? Let us know. Newburgh is supposedly sold out for the life of the supplier contracts and we are several million in the hole production wise. Sales aren't good? Think up some new excuses. How about we are shutting down the union plants. Oh yeah and you can dip into next year's vacation time if you need the cash. How benevolent. Let's spank the kids. They joined a union so let's teach them all a lesson. Prelude to negotiation? I hope it's not.
    STAY TUNED......
    So, what about it Mira Loma, Windsor? are you working or shut down?

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  19. Hey Grizz Who Ate Adams; Management has apparently given us plenty of time off over the holidays, we can have a pre-Christmas Party, a post-wasn't Chrismas Great party, a New Years Eve T-2 party(kind of a countdown to New Years Eve) each day until New years Eve and a Holy Shit! DO I HAVE A HANGOVER New Years day party. And YES invite management to all of them. Attendance is mandatory for this off-site. Times and Locations to be announced. Instead of a Pub Crawl it can be the annual MCC laid off for the holidays party crawl. Whatta ya say Dan?
    Keep Blogging!

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  20. Finally someon else called it by its right name LAYOFF! How soon before the impending doom bullshit starts?I think it already has. This is the slow time of year. The company keeps putting alot of cash into us dont they. Maybe its time to get into the management numbers and lay some of them off.Oh I bet its coming soon.

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  21. just glanced thru blogs for the day. i'm really impressed. emotions are starting to show HURRAY it's about time. of course people with families are nervous maybe even scared. HUMAN NATURE. WE ARE ON THE WINNING SIDE. remember how this all got started we had fears and hopes. REMAIN STRONG REMAIN INFORMED. voice your concerns with stewarts and rep's better yet please try to make meeting if you cann't then notify stewards so you can get information 1st hand.////STAY FOCUS STAY SAFE and please feel free to ask questions don't assume [if i can help just ask] ty DAKOTA

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  22. to all my brothers and sisters waiting for this contract is no different than waiting for dan and dave to come back from saint louis here is your
    package. remember the pie chart that we filled out a long time ago.how would the turnout be if they sent team members from the floor to saint Louis? would the outcome be better for us? i am just trying to prove a point. the people working on this contract for us are brothers and sisters that no what we want. how can you question the people that we work with and spend there days off going to meetings for are future? so please give them a break they are doing a great job. thanks to all for fighting for my future at mcc. inbev i just hope this helps all others that question the contract. please give are reps a break they are working for us. and thanks to sam and his team at 363 for there help with this contract.

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  23. Its all true we need to all stick together to get the best contract we can. What we are doing is a great step foward for all of us and I am happy to be even a small part of it.

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  24. I Call Them As I See ThemNovember 7, 2010 at 9:06 PM

    Thank you 7:47! So much for the old pie chart. When Inbev took over the they got rid of the pro's. Norris, Silky etc. They Kept Tony Bhalla. so how does that pie slice up. Was this EqualOppotunity Employer? It was who can I step on to get ahead. Great Legacy to follow. Remember, in the anti-union meetings Mr Bhalla stated "I decide who gets what". Well, we'll see. Personnally for all your bluster I don't think you are even a part of this game.
    Team members! Remember this is not Dan and Dave going to St Louis to "fight for your welfare and well being". It is your fellow team members, just like 7:47 is saying. Be loud! Be clear! Be 363! Sound off. And yes Bugs we are top heavy, they just don't know who is the top and who is heavy. (If they read the blog they might actually weigh in our opinion.NOT) And laid off, yeah technically it is, but don't try to reap the unemployment gold mine. You got paid for those holidays in between. So you don't have the waiting week or the 14 continuous days. Bend over and grab your ankles, Look out Alice here comes the Shanghai express! And they wonder how we got to where we are...........

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  25. I've been reading and I'm impressed, we are finally coming alive. Everyone wake up! It's our futures we are striving for for. We don't have to have Dave and Dan go to St. Louis and be told what we are getting. We have St. Louis coming to us for a real sit down and discussion about our futures, and the future of this company and what we are trying to get. Don't be distracted by the shut down crap. There is always work during a shut down. Sign up for it. You might be surprised at who doesn't want to work. We are all each others support group, we just need to learn how to act like it. So far it seems that only the union plants are being targeted for a shut down. Doesn't that piss you off? Until we hear that all the plants are down we should be totally pissed off! Are we being singled out? (the Union Plants?). STATE YOUR DISPLEASURE!!!
    Be vocal!

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  26. Soon I will sit across the table from some guy from somewhere. He will try to tell me something about someone who needs something from everyone.sometimes its hard trying to make someone else see how everyone has something that everyone needs.Im sure everyone sometimes needs something from some guy for eveyone. I hope that that guy sits with everyone because no one with sit for nothing and i mean everyone.

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  27. mr pib,
    clear as mud!I will be with you at the table to make sure you take you medication.

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  28. They didn't raise the cost of our health benifits do to us being in the middle of negotiations. they are reducing salaried 401k match from 6% to 3%.

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  29. They didn't raise medical for us because we are union workers represented by IBEW 363 now. THE RETIREES ARE PAYING HUNDREDS MORE BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT UNION AND HAVE NO SAY IN ANYTHING. With us still at the plant, the company just can't change everything and anything anytime they want now. Just like Sam told us before it all happened, now WE will be part of the discussion of ANY CHANGES!

    Talk about poetry in motion!

    I'm 363 all the way and so is my crew.

    It's nice having a fighting chance for a change.

    The place is starting to come alive.

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  30. We are behind you guys so keep meeting and keep preparing we are counting on you

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  31. Want to thank all the representative for giving up there time to help with our contract.I am glad that I voted yes!

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  32. I'm a rep and I'm loving what's going on here. There's life again. We will do the best we can for ALL of us. You people keep blogging and keep the heat on!!!!!! I don't trust them till it's on paper and signed....You Got That Mr Bhalla

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  33. Mira Loma checking in. Yes, health care costs went up - both premium and copay for some. We are going to shut down November 23,24,25,26. No word on whether we will close for Christmas/New Year yet. We've never been given the courtesy of advance notice in the past and I don't expect that to change now. Or maybe it will... Union cards have been showing up lately.
    Good luck with your negotiating.

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  34. Thanks Mira Loma for the info and please stay in close contact. Also thanks to all of you in Newburgh who are calling me and emailing and texting me. We will be starting up on November 29th.

    If you have questions or ideas, talk to your reps. They WILL give you general answers concerning negotiations but they cannot give specifics. They will pass your concerns to all of the other reps.

    Also - If you have any issues you think need to be addressed in bargaining you can put them up here for discussion.

    Stay solid, Stay tuned, Stay strong

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  35. GOOD MORNING ALL there is a bit of a differance we are taking a contract and the fact that dan and dave go to st. louis.since dan's been here they come back and say here it is. at least we can have a voice in what we would like even though we don't get it all.keep STEWARDS AND REPS posted. be PROACTIVE NOT REACTIVE meaning voice now don't wait to say jeez i thought about that.IN MY OPINION WE ARE ON THE BRINK OF SUCCESS NOW WE MUST REMAIN FOCUSED AND CARING FOR EACH OTHER>OUR ABILITY TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN IS NEARING STAY ALERT /// MOST OF ALL BE SAFE TY <DAKOTA

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  36. WE JUST GOT OUR UNION CARDS HERE AT WINDSOR.
    WE HAVE NO OTHER CHOOSE.NEWBURGH IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT HAPPENS WE ARE NOT GOING TO WAIT !!!

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  37. Hey Windsor,
    Go get em boys. Its about time that all companies wake up and stop the greed of the CEOs and upper management. A smart move by this company is to admit that unionizing is the way to go. Not only should they embrace the idea, they should work with the unions and create a new type of agreement that would set an example for all to follow. One that will bring the company unparalled success and its employees proud to work for a company who wants employees, hourly and salaried alike to be happy and satisfied with their wages and benefits. To feel pride in their jobs and a sense of accomplishment, and to be the best in all aspects of their business

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  38. I dont think they admitted anything. I think the employees did, but not the management in Newburgh. The company doesnt want the union, when are you fools going to realize this.

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  39. newburgh union vote will be recorded as the shot that was heard around mcc.i,m glad to be a part of this process.heads up were almost there.

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  40. FOOLS NO. For some people it takes a little longer to see whats right and then some see it but will never admit it for whatever reason, could be fear. foolish pride etc. I know I never regreted voting yes because it was needed. GO WINDSOR were behind you and thank you reps.Sam and all with 363. STAY STRONG STAY SOLID

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  41. I bet you didnt know that some of the managers at Newburgh did want the union 12:52.what matters is that the majority did and we are a union. It doesnt matter now. we have to protect ourselves from being complacent. We have to keep showing eachother and the company that we will never forget the basic ideas of what our original goals where. Fair treatment,job security,wages and benefits and all the things that we the union members decide upon.

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  42. The truth will set you freeNovember 9, 2010 at 2:48 PM

    Good Luck to Windsor. Be prepared to endure numerous hours of meetings with your managers telling you how bad things will be if you vote for the union. They will also tell you how great things are without the union. Hell, you may also get a special guest appearance from Ken the Negiotiator. We at Newburgh experienced all this and more. In the end just remember that you will be far better off and feel much better about yourself and your future if you vote to join the union. Remember the number one priority of your managers is to keep the union out at all costs. PS Get a blog going so you will have a source for the truth.

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  43. Since the shutdown can be called a layoff I guess we can get our waiting period in at unemployment for the year!

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  44. andthehorseyourodeinonNovember 9, 2010 at 4:18 PM

    go windsor go mira loma! finally people all across the country are seeing what this new "company" is all about. i too agree that some of management at newburgh was hoping for and wanted the union to get in,they are starting to see the light. stay solid stay strong stay united we are 363!

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  45. Go Windsor,if you guys want support you got it! Oh yeah its time. go IBEW! Union strong!

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  46. I want to have 30 days notice for lay offs in the contract.Is there a law that dictates this?

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  47. Also, shouldnt the company replace any tools stolen or broken at work?

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  48. END OF NOVEMBER
    THE START TO REMEMBER
    A NEW ERA BEGINS
    OF CHANGE IN THE WIND
    SOON NO MORE UNKNOWN
    A CONTRACT WILL BE SEWN
    OF SWEAT AND DEVOTION
    TO BIND US IN WORD
    OUR EFFORTS WILL BE SERVED

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  49. There is no law about layoffs until you get into a large percentage of people being permanently laid off.

    We need language in the contract about layoffs

    Go 363!

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  50. I agree there should be something in the contract about layoffs. I agree there should be notice of at least 30 days before a "shutdown" or a layoff for a short or long period. this is important

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  51. good evening team members and union brothers and sisters.contract talks are nearing.as i had hoped you are becoming one. this is very important , one of our strengh's is being UNITED AND ACTING AS ONE.as stated we may have changed metal container 4ever.be VIGILENT be INFORMED be assured we will wil prevail and be stronger than ever. talk to your reps and stewards // stay informed //stay together // be safe ty DAKOTA

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  52. I think the message about advance notice for shutdown is a good thing and we as the negotiating committee should address it. Look at our warehouse, looks pretty full to me, since the end of September. We all know when the low sales season is. 45 days notice is not too much to ask. At least everyone can prepare. It seems like we get shut down for doing our jobs too well. Too many cans in the system? C'mon we put up what we are tasked to do. Sales? Thought they were already sold. If Pepsi contracted to buy them, let Pepsi eat the loss.
    Hey ODE TO US: what, did you watch the mockumentary sequel to "This is Spinal Tap? The "Wind IS Blowin'" thing? Well be as odious as you can be oh poet laureate.
    Windsor, Mira Loma! Good luck we support you, even the negative blogger at 12:52 PM today, he/she just doesn't know it yet.
    Hey tool time: Depending on who you bought your tools from, usually free replacement if broken, check into it. Stolen? Lock your box.
    Mira Loma and Windsor, yes , be prepared for organized, repititious, trying to drill it into your head anti-union propaganda. If they send a really skinny guy showing videos of downtrodden striking coal miners from Croatia let the next Crew know so they can bring food for Ken, the Negotiator, not William Shatner. Be prepared for Tony to say"I don't care if you join a union or not, I decide who gets what", always a crowd pleaser. Just hang tough and stand firm for what you want. And remember, it's your future, your small measure of control over what the machine wants to take from you.
    GOOD LUCK TO US! GOOD LUCK MIRA LOMA! WINDSOR!

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  53. another glorious day in the hudson valley.i'm a true optomist and believe i can accompish anything i set out 2 do.that being said.there are still a number of people that believe they are better off with dave and dan standing up 4 their welfare. you are true believer's but very uninformed and in my view very gulliable. they like tony said are only going to give you what they want. no if's and's or but's.act like a military division small groups to plan / take in opinions THEN as one accompish your goals.YOUR EMOTIONS ARE STARTING TO SHOW // YOUR NEED FOR ACCOMPHISHMENT ///REASURING THE FACT YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY WHICH IN MY OPINION IS WHAT MY JOB IS ABOUT.////remain VIGILENT //BE STRONG //BE UNITED AS ONE //BE SAFE TY DAKOTA

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