We are all veterans. Some of us are from the military, some from the shipyards, some from grocery chains, and some from various other experiences, but we are all veterans of something or somewhere. We have “been there and done that.”

Ninety percent of us are parents, grandparents and great grandparents. I don’t think any of us are great-great grandparents, but some might be. We have grown older and wiser as the years pass. What a wealth of knowledge. When we get together, we can solve any problem that this great country, state, parish and city has. The trouble is that too few people with the power to begin change will listen to us. That is why we turn to the students to lend us their ears.

We walk the halls of this great University five days a week, just waiting for a student to seek our advice. Sometimes it seems like they are afraid to consult us because they think we may not want to share our vast knowledge. Wrong! We are just dying for them to confide in us. I guarantee you, if we don’t have the answers, we darn sure will get them for you. We are willing to go out of our way just to prove to you that it’s part of our job and that we truly care.

Growing older and becoming senior citizens has given us a lifetime of experience. It comes with the territory. Some people regret becoming senior citizens because they know it brings them closer to meeting their master. However, we custodians don’t look at it that way. We stay focused on the youth, and they keep us thinking and feeling young. It may be all in our minds, but it still gets the job done. Sometimes there are language barriers because they talk faster and lower; however, all we have to do is turn our hearing aids up and “Bingo!” We are listening, and they are talking, and vice versa.

We want to let the students and professors know that we are here on campus to help you out if you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask us. You might be surprised how much difference we may make upon your lives. I know you certainly have made a difference in mine and in most custodians’. Give it a try; you might like it.

Sincerely,

LeRoy Fremin

Peltier Custodian

“Semper Fi”