Bob's Blog

Most folks don’t know that Al was raised by his dear Grandma in a rough barrio in South San Antonio.
A true blue Texan, through and through, that’s quite proud of his roots.
But these days, you’re more likely to find him with a congressman representing the USDA on Capitol Hill in a nice fancy suit.
“The Administrator”, in fact, of FSIS; working hard to improve, move the Agency forward, and a big fancy star.
But he’d be the first to tell you that he never expected to get this far.

Now don’t you dare mess with his kids, Brandon, Aaron, and Amanda,
With all of their accomplishments, he is quite proud a Dad, there can be no question of that, hands down.
But you may not have known that years ago he was just “Little Al”, since his Dad was also in USDA, and also quite renowned.
No secret that Al encourages all to strive like he, to be the very best.
That he is a high achiever, there can be no doubt, we can surely attest.

Now if you know Al, you’d say he’s calm, collected and cool.
But he’s probably like that because he’s been there, you see.
He started as an GS-5 USDA slaughter inspector in Dalhart, Texas, in a slaughter plant, just like you and me.
Did he strive to be the best inspector, even back then?
Those of us who’ve known him for thirty-something years, can just about guarantee.

Now Al has done these things for the USDA not because they were easy.
But because some things, at times, had to be done that were tough.
Climbing the career ladder to the top as he did, as everyone knows, is not a simple task, and was surely a “little” rough.
But he did it for the consumer in mind, food safety above all, getting the job done.
Now he’s more humble than I, but surely when he got the top job, probably felt like he hit a great home run!

Another thing you may not know about Al is that he has always been a scrapper, always fighting for the average “Joe”.
His message to the people in the field that are wanting to get ahead, and get promoted
Would be to “Go for it”, and ensure that you make that plan.
Now Al, when it’s all said and done, I hope someday when you are old and gray, that you realize and know,
That we were all quite proud of you, for surely you did the very best for our USDA, and for your fellow man!

Robert Collazo, 8/22/10

There’s a tune in my heart,
And it’s all about you and me.
Won’t you dance?
It’ll be really nice, you’ll see.

I’ll take you for a ride, and sweep you off your feet.
We can dance slowly and sweet.
Then, we’ll go worldwide.
Together, you’ll see, we’ll have a window seat.

There’s a tune in my heart,
And it’s all about you,
We’ll make it magical through and through,
In our special field of view.

So, come dance with me,
Won’t you take a chance, sweet Marie?
It will be so fine, you’ll see.
Together, our life will be so complete.

Robert Collazo, 8/11/10

Even though I’m a proud American 3rd generation,
For some strange reason,
I know it’s nothing compared to high treason,
But I just can’t seem to take the Mexican part out of me.

Listening now to my Dad’s Mexican music from long ago,
Makes me feel proud; almost like I’m glowing, you know.
From my manner of thinking, to so much else, to the food I like to eat,
So, why should I be so discrete?

My Boss at work, my Son, wonder the same.
But when it’s bred deep inside, why should I tone down the flame?
It’s my way of enjoying my way of life,
So, why cut it out with a knife?

My wife also wonders when that part of me will cease, and come out.
But right or wrong, I know that part of me will always belong.
Know why? Because I’m proud of my heritage, and can just about guarantee,
That I’ll never get that Mexican part out of me.

Robert Collazo, 8/8/10

Surrounded by folks at the unemployment line.
Almost out of money, out of time,
Going to lose my house next week,
Is it really just a victimless crime?

The world is getting tougher,
Do we all have to suffer?
If I could just get the bank to refinance,
Why can’t they just take a chance?

Only sad things to hear about these days.
It all just seems a haze.
I’m really getting tired hearing about this kind of stuff
Everybody has had enough.

So, why can’t we just go back?
Somewhere where we only have good news?
To the far end of the rainbow, away from all the ‘blues’,
When the world seemed sane, and life was really good.

Robert Collazo, 8/7/10

Everything I see in you,
I hope I am to you.
Everything I see in you.
I hope you see in me.

Seems right that we make such a great fit,
I know that’s the reason long ago that I had to commit.

Remembering our times past,
All of our good times we amassed.
But surely more will be surpassed;
Or is still more or less like a bomb blast?

Seems right that we make such a great fit,
I know that’s the reason long ago that I had to commit.

Robert Collazo, 8/4/10

Seems like another normal day at work.
Cases to review; calls to make; it never seems to be dull around here,
Where, of course, everything is just a little berserk.
Suddenly it pops into my head….Am I at the sunset of my career?
Will I miss all this excitement & stress someday near?

Looking back after all these years,
It does not seem that long ago that I reported to that chicken plant as a USDA Inspector & met Javier back in ‘78.
I can still feel all the eyes looking at me as the new rookie on that line, and recall the pit-in-the-stomach fears,
Where I didn’t know a chicken from a hen or a duck, but soon learned those skills;
Then, after only 5 years there, moved on to San Antonio, to that old cow and swine kill, where I met Al.

By then, I was slaughter cross-trained in different species; and they figured I could help elsewhere.
So, I recall Al sending me 400 miles away to the Texas panhandle where I met Louie, Big Joe & Felix,
On those fast slaughter beef kills where you could not relax, for time did not permit.
Nevertheless, what mattered most then, as it does now, was working with the best of folks.
Thinking back, all the friendships started back then, have lasted to this day… like a sweet bouquet!

It was right after the Texas panhandle that for the next 7 years my wife, Son, & I, all lived in Cajun Country.
Baton Rouge was where I met Ronnie, Randy, Bill & Jane; & felt like a new country; a new way of living and enjoying life.
The nicest people there, that took us in like family; we all loved it, and it felt so right.
We did not have much money, but life was so good back then; & with all the Louisiana parties, we felt no strife.
Best of all, I did not have to get all bloody, and work in a slaughter plant anymore, and I actually got to wear a tie.
There I gave the “oath of office” to many, many new hires, including Ron, who years later would return into my life;
Supervising Ron, Big Joe, Kurt, Ed, James, Larry, Shaun, Little Joe, Mac, and Jaime later on for many years, surely made my decision to retire, as easy as pie!

Back to Texas, working with Ken; then Louie & Big Joe again; my family put up with so much for my government time.
Gone from home weeks at a time to so many states that I no longer recall, I have more than a few grey hairs.
The 32 plus years have come and gone like a blink of an eye, and have taken their toll, for I am well past my prime.
No matter; however, for time does not stand still for no one, or so I have been told.
I’m thankful though to have known so many of you who have been there for me like gold.

Even my lunch breaks working on crossword puzzles with Temetha & Linda, (catchatory!), I will miss dearly.
Funny that once I made the decision to retire, and knew I really would not be here next year,
Relished moments more with my bunch in TX, to you across the nation; my good friend Kay, Craig, even Ziggy & Scott in DC.
Of course, after work, no one can obscure great memories of us drinking beer!
Throughout all the years and hard work together, I have felt very honored and quite proud to have served my USDA.
You all have no idea, and cannot comprehend the impact you have had on me, which I most certainly will revere.

Guess it comes down to what my parents preached; to always do your best, to treat others, as you would family.
I have tried to do that, and will be signing off soon; but so very glad that Javier talked me into staying all those years ago!
Nevertheless, many thanks to him; and all of you that have brought me closer to my destination.
You, along with my family, have guided my path all these years like a very clear harvest moon.
Know that I will carry a little piece of each of you with me, for you all have been my strength and my core.
For without any of you, I could not have soared!

To all my USDA colleagues, friends, and family across the country, thanks for all the good memories!  Keep in touch!

Robert Collazo, 4/23/09.  Revised on 6/16/10, and other dates…

My brothers and I, while growing up, didn’t know it at the time,
Whether we were rich or poor, we just knew we were pretty content.
We knew we weren’t exactly upper class but we never took any back seat.
Because my Dad worked very long and hard to ensure that; but to a greater extent,
That our childhoods were the happiest growing up on that little house on 38^th street.

I wonder now, even in yesterday’s economy, the cost of raising four kids,
Including the best of private schools just so that we would grow up righteous and straight,
For that was the only way he saw that it should be, it must be conveyed.
One of the few things I recall well was that my brothers & me would await,
For him to come home from work to us so that we could all talk & most of all, play.

Truth be told, looking back on those days,
I still wonder how he did it.
He was totally unselfish and “everything for my kids”, he would say.
Either way, we grew up feeling most secure with him, I must admit.
For Dad was like our giant oak, protecting us from the world with his love everyday.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
Thanks for all your sacrifices you made for us.
We all love you!  Con Mucho Carino, Mi Padre!

Robert Collazo, 6/19/10

Growing up with my brother Frank, life was never dull, and always fun.
He was at times rebellious in his youth; and always had his unique brand of humor.
Thinking different than most folks, he was very competitive, thus was never one to be undone.
He was very protective of his brothers; for he was, and still is, the family anchor.

Through the years, we have shared many experiences, my brother and I.
From our kid’s parties, to our fishing sagas, to now our barbecue outings.
We’ve grown and matured much more than we could have imagined on 38th street.
What we did not know then that family was everything, but now it has made our life more complete.

Of course, my brother was always thought of being “Fearless, Fast, Fantastic Frank”.
Though back then, he sometimes had his mind made up early.
Much wiser, and more open-minded now; and can still out-joke you pointblank,
He is our family jewel; a Grandpa many times over with a beautiful family, and life has brought him many, many blessings!

I hope you had a fantastic 57th birthday yesterday, My Dear Brother.  I love you.

Robert Collazo, 3/31/10

From the first time I met Joe, I knew he was not ordinary, by any means.

Born in Texas, Joe was raised in a small town called Cuero in the “straight and narrow”.
A proud Tex-Mex Hispanic that can still recall the old simple ways of life,
Joe can still verbally state the old Spanish “Dichos” – old sayings that his Grandpa used to tell him.
He is very proud of his close beautiful family, most especially, Sylvia, his wife.

Early on, he learned to wire houses, lay carpet; paint, put roofs on houses,
Working different jobs, just to make ends meet and provide for family back when.
All throughout this, he worked for the State for twenty-six years.
I was told that Joe never failed to amaze folks, even back then.

When Joe retired from the State, he was not one to sit at home and dally.
We hired him and he came to work for the feds as our modern day “Columbo”,
I clearly recall the time in a US Attorney’s office, Joe arguing a case and leaving everyone speechless,
With a closing argument better than the best Harvard lawyer, that most certainly was not routine!

Our “no middle name” or “just plain” Joe, is none of that, for sure,
Recalling funny moments, wearing two pair of glasses; his funny jokes and times at play.
Or the times he’d clumsily knock his head on overhead cabinet doors.
When not in, you can bet the office is most certainly quiet on that day!

Certainly, I’ve been blessed by knowing great folks like Joe in my life,
I can also surely vouch that Joe is no ordinary Joe, by any means!

Robert Collazo, 2/11/10

Pete was my “Primo-Hermano”, which according to our Mexican tradition,
Literally translates as, “Cousin-Brother”, which is how I felt about him.
He was the first Collazo grandson, and so very proud of that fact.
Pete would say to us younger cousins, that he recalled PaPa Gerardo Collazo,
Picking him up and riding atop his big shoulders,.
I imagine what a sight that must have been, and we were all in awe of him.

As the “elder” Collazo cousin, we all got guidance from him.
Pete would give it to you “straight”, and not beat around the bush,
Would give you clear advice; no matter the price.
He was definitely a man of principles and honor, no matter what.

A few years ago, I recall Pete was in the hospital pretty sick.
In a coma-like state for a few weeks, and when he finally came out of it,
He stated that he had met the Lord;
That the Almighty was a great big Black “Person”, with a loud, booming voice,
Who told him it was not his time, to go back home, and wait later for his reward.

While in that coma, we didn’t know if he could actually hear us.
Nevertheless, we would read and talk to him.
When he finally came out of it, I asked him if he recalled our readings and talks,
Pete stated he wasn’t sure about actually hearing me, he declared,
But he knew for certain what we said, and he felt our presence there!

This very day Pete is with the Lord and in spiritual grace, and peace.
Hanging out with his Son, David, at his side,
Both are visiting with all our Collazo relatives of old.
So, let us keep Pete in our hearts; and don’t be sad or be dismayed,
For we know that we will all see him again one day.

Bob Collazo, Jr.  12/9/09.

Gail/Kyle – This is dedicated to you both.  Keep in touch.  Love you,  Bob