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I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Carl Stachowski during a layover at Los Angeles International Airport awhile back. I was in California on business, and Carl happened to be visiting some family. In seeing that Carl was all alone and a tad bit uneasy, I thought I’d take a moment to introduce myself and chat to pass the time. After exchanging introductions, Carl began telling me all about his years of service in WWII. As you can see in the photo, he proudly displays “his” ship’s name on the ball cap he’s wearing.
Carl then asked what I did for a living. I told him I was the Founder, President and CEO of International Procurement Services, Inc. in Cedar Rapids, IA. I explained how successful my company has been in working with Original Equipment Manufacturers to keep outsourced goods here in the United States, as well as work with those same companies to bring good paying manufacturing jobs back home that had been lost to Asia, Europe and Mexico.
I then explained to Carl how I was also a candidate for the United States Senate. His first question in regard to that was, “Republican or Democrat?” I told him I was a Republican, and he immediately shied away from me stating proudly that “he was a Democrat.” I asked Carl if it would be okay to just sit and discuss our differences, since we obviously had some time to kill. With his approval, we began talking about taxes which he strongly believes should be reduced. We discussed big government, which he is firmly opposed to. We talked about the war in Iraq, which he wants to win and come home with honor. We talked about the war on terror, which he defiantly wants to win and keep those who want to kill us from succeeding. We discussed border security, which he strongly believes in. We discussed protecting the unborn, he happens to be pro-life, and we discussed marriage being defined, as between one man and one woman only, which he “overwhelmingly” agreed with.
After our conversation, I told Carl that it seemed as though we were on the same page. He replied, “Steve, you mean to tell me that I’ve been voting Democrat my entire life and I’m really a Republican.” Well, I told Carl that it certainly appeared to be that way, but that was a decision he needed to make on his own, but to feel free to contact me at any time for any reason.
Carl and I met face to face for no more then an hour or two and have not seen each other since. We do however, enjoy writing each other from time to time just to catch up. I thought you would find it interesting to actually read the first letter I received from Carl, after that brief but extremely gratifying visit.
Carl Stachowski is not only a real friend but a truly “Great American!”
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