BA’s Desk: 

Dear Brothers, 

In the Elevator Industry, SAFETY has become a topic that is continually being discussed and debated.  The signatory companies have developed programs that are intended to protect their employee’s and our members.  However, IUEC members continue to die in job related accidents at a pace that is unacceptable.  Brothers, it is time to stop and evaluate the job site and work at a pace that will allow us to follow the safety policies that have been developed.  We all know that companies put demands on our members that are unrealistic.  As I have said before, we do not bid these jobs we install, maintain and repair their equipment.  In closing Brothers, follow the company safety policies and utilize the company provided safety equipment.  The goal of this industry is to install, maintain and repair their equipment with the highest degree of craftsmanship and to return home each evening to our families the same way we left them. 

Fraternally,

Jim Chapman

Local News: (KC, Topeka, & St. Joe)

Ed Buck would like to thank retired Brothers Gene Anderson, Local 28 Omaha, and John “Tiny” McGinnis, Local 12 Kansas City for joining me for breakfast in February in the Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas.  During the meal we commented on the good time we had comparing notes from the past.   Brother Anderson stays near Mission Texas, Brother McGinnis is near Hidalgo and I am near Alamo.  Others whom winter in the Valley and wish to join us next year for another get together, please contact Brother Buck via his email address.   donnaanded@netzero.net. If you don’t have access to email please contact him through the Local 12 office at 816-358-1312.

Retiree’s luncheons:

June 29 - Hometown Buffet, 13720 E. 40 Highway (Noland Rd), Independence, Mo.

See web site for more info. WWW.IUEC12.Com

Land of Oz & Beyond: (Wichita, & Springfield)

I am reprinting an article by The Capital-Journal Newspaper editorial board about one of our Wichita brothers.

Patriot Guard -- Rite guard

The Patriot Guard, a group of motorcycle-riding veterans, was formed last fall to act as a buffer between the picketers of Westboro Baptist Church and the grieving families at military funerals.

But once formed for a reactive purpose, members realized they could also serve an active role by showing their support for the families, regardless of the picketers.

The organization was formed in Wichita by Terry Houck, a member of the American Legion Riders motorcycle organization. Prodded by his wife, he began contacting other veterans and clubs with the idea of putting themselves between the picketers and the funeral sites.

Now he has been joined in the program by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, ABATE and the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association.

Since Oct. 11, when the group first participated in a funeral, the organization has expanded to include ride "captains" in nearly every state. The Patriot Guard now includes 940 riders in Kansas and 6,500 nationally.

Westboro Baptist Church members initially began picketing funerals of people they suspected of being homosexual. They graduated to picketing funerals of people they say didn't do enough to oppose homosexuality and now the military funerals because they say the deaths are God's punishment of the United States for supporting homosexuality.

Houck and other members obtain information about military funerals from Web sites and other sources. They then contact the family and ask if their presence at the funeral would be welcome.

Americans, regardless of their individual views on the current military deployments, should be grateful for the Patriot Guard, whose members ride long distances, often in unpleasant weather, to support families trying to cope with the loss of a loved one.

More information is available at www.patriotguard.org.

Commentary:

Hats off to Terry & his colleagues. It takes a lot of courage to stand up against injustices in this world. I hope each of us will stand tall when it happens to you, someone you know, or those you don’t know.

Opposing views are good…Email me!

Jim Linn

Journal@IUEC12.Com

Farewell to one of the great ones…Richard Tevis retired the day before April Fool’s Day. Some of the guys gathered for lunch together & sent him off in style. Good luck Richard and thanks for all you’ve done for us.

 Rick & J.J. West retiring to a life on the road, “I don’t need a jacket… if it gets cold we’ll just head further South”. To have two great mechanics retire at the same time makes you aware of you don’t know what you got till it’s gone.

A gathering of the TKE clan to wish Rick & his wife a happy retirement, and the barbeque was good too.

Thanks for the years served from ThyssenKrupp Manager Doug Hettinger plus a little extra something for the road.