Malcolms Reflections: Fascinating Folks and a Nuclear Submarine Encounter

Published: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 1:12 pm

Journalist's Summary

In a recent reflection, a writer recounts two distinct, yet equally compelling, encounters. The first centers on Betty Evenson, a 63-year-old widow who runs a gas station, post office, and ham-sandwich stand in rural Wyoming. Evenson, the sole resident of her micro-community, is also a prolific writer of romance confession stories. Her tales, fueled by the conversations she overhears from truck drivers, have captivated readers for years. Evenson's writing process is deeply personal, drawing on her own experiences and the belief that stories must resonate with genuine emotion.

The second encounter involves a phone call from the late Texas billionaire Ross Perot. The call was prompted by the writer's detailed reporting on the lives of U.S. troops. Perot, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, expressed his admiration for the military and his desire to support them. He shared how he would visit wounded soldiers in hospitals, offering them comfort and, if they desired, a job. Perot's actions, including arranging for Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders to visit a hospital ward, highlighted his commitment to the troops.

The writer also recounts a unique experience: a ride on the USS Jefferson City, a nuclear submarine. The writer was given a tour of the vessel and the opportunity to use the periscope, offering a glimpse into the world of naval operations.

BNN's Perspective:

These stories, though seemingly disparate, offer a glimpse into the human experience. The writer's encounters with Betty Evenson and Ross Perot, while vastly different, both highlight the importance of connection, empathy, and the power of storytelling.

Keywords: Betty Evenson, Ross Perot, nuclear submarine, writing, romance, confession stories, military, USS Jefferson City, journalism, Wyoming, Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, empathy, storytelling.

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