When did you begin working for OSM?
1979

What locations have you worked, and what did you do?
I started work in February 1979 in the Hazard, Kentucky, OSM office as a clerk typist. From there, I transferred to the London, KY District Office in April 1979, also as a clerk typist. In the summer of 1981, I transferred to the Knoxville Regional Office to work as Bruce Boyens' secretary in the Inspection and Enforcement Branch/Division. During the RIF of 1982, I was reassigned back to Lexington, Kentucky, as secretary to the Field Office Director in March of 1982. I believe I was one of a very few people actually happy about my outcome in the RIF - I got to come back home. I worked in that position until 1987, and at that time was promoted to the Administrative Services Assistant. I worked as Administrative Services Assistant until 1993, at which time I became the Administrative Officer - the position I still hold today. (NOTE: For a short period in 1989-1990, I worked as the Administrative Officer for the Appalachia Office which was opened in Lexington, but I was transferred back to the Field Office in 1990 when the Appalachia Office was abolished.)

Looking back, what was your most memorable event(s) while with OSM?
One event that stands out in my mind is the day we opened the Lexington Field Office in March 1982. I was one of two or three people who unlocked the doors that first day. When we first walked into our newly acquired space, we sort of thought we should have brought our bowling balls with us. The space was very long and narrow, and those of us still around today always refer to that space as the "bowling alley." We had no furniture, no equipment, no chairs - NOTHING. After the first few hours, the moving van finally arrived bringing lots of needed "stuff" from the Knoxville Regional Office. Needless to say, it was a hectic time, but we enjoyed opening a new office and greeting all of the incoming employees over the next few months. I also vividly recall repeatedly typing changes to the "Kentucky Primacy Agreement" (I can't remember the title of the document) on a Selectric typewriter. Oh, how nice it would have been to have a computer back then!!!!!!!!.

What were the most significant accomplishments you had?
I think my most significant accomplishment is an overall career accomplishment. I started work as a GS-2, part-time, clerk- typist and through the years have worked my way through several different positions to reach my current grade and position. Even though there are many, many employees in higher grades, I am very grateful and proud of what I have achieved throughout my years with the Office of Surface Mining. My job has allowed me to travel to places I may never have visited and to meet many, many people who will never be forgotten.