IN THIS ISSUE:

FROM THE OFFICERS PAGE 2

RETIREE & BEREAVEMENT PAGE 3

FLAG DAY PAGE 4

FROM YOUR LOCAL PAGE 5

VETERAN’S COMMITTEE PAGE 6

UAW/GD COUNCIL CONFERENCE PAGE 6

TROOP SUPPORT ICE CREAM SOCIAL PAGE 7

EVENTS FROM 2013 PAGE 8 & 9

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM PAGE 10

VETERAN’S CONFERENCE PAGE 11

PUBLISHED BY THE MDA-UAW LOCAL 571, GROTON CT MAY-AUG 2013 PRESIDENT’S CORNER A MEMORIAL FOR RANDY JACQUES Many members have been inquiring on the “Even Better” efforts and the company has been REMEMBERING OUR MEMBERS given the okay to move forward with the initiative. Team leads, co-leads, and team members Article Written by William E. Louis “Solidarity is forever, our union, our have all been chosen and have started to meet and work on putting together their agenda bond, our memories make us strong. We would like to thank those in and goals for going forward. An announcement should have come out from the company Let us take a moment and honor our Norwich for the memorial in with names and information, and we would like to thank all of those who applied to be part brothers and friends.” - Scott Gardner memory of Randy Lee Jacques. Photo Courtesy Of: Crystal Bednarz of the change teams. We appreciate your willingness and interest in helping this effort. Also, Donald Engle While on his way to work, on July 15 2013, he had a if you were not picked for team leads or members, you still may be called upon to help in (April 15, 1952– July 13, 2013) motorcycle accident and never made it in. focus groups. Randy Jacques (July 17, 1969 - July 15, 2013) Randy’s wife, April, stopped by the memorial in Norwich to write a note on the Moves from Norwich to New London. Norwich should be empty by the end of September with just about everyone moving into the New Emil Yanke, Retiree pavement. “Thank you. Randy is looking down on all of us. His spirit will live on in our London site. The company is continuing to address the parking issues by adding more areas. This effort is not an easy one but is a priority for (Oct. 13, 1929 - July 19, 2013) hearts forever.” the company to address moving forward. We all hope that the move goes smoothly for everyone. Paul Losacano, Retiree Regarding the work scopes going forward. The company is looking at the effects of lost work (USS Miami, 774 Hotel Services, VPM moving (Nov. 25, 1942 - July 20, 2013) out, MTS coming down, and USS Springfield) and what it could mean to us. We know that the MTC has been hit hard from the latest loss of Robert Smith, Retiree RETIREES work and we will continue to work with the company to try to avoid any impacts to our Union Brothers and Sisters. There is still no Federal (Mar. 13, 1929 - August 12, 2013) MAY 31, 2013 WILLIAM CRANDALL JULY 24, 2013 PAUL PESCATELLO Budget for 2014 and we have many questions with no answers at this time. Richard Rice, Retiree (Oct. 21, 1938 - August 21, 2013) New tools and processes. We are continuing our efforts with the company to be more involved in the new processes and technology MAY 31, 2013 JAMES PROCIOUS JULY 26, 2013 AGOSTINHO SILVA changes. Doug Witt has been heading up a group of MDA folks to put together a presentation that will be flowed down to our Union MAY 31, 2013 GALE HOY JULY 31, 2013 LLOYD AUXIER members explaining our new tools and processes. It is a high level presentation that should, hopefully, educate our members on where we MAY 31, 2013 WILLIAM FISKE JULY 31, 2013 PAUL BERGEL are today and why we are doing the things the way we are. We have each design discipline giving an example of their work, workflow, PMI, 2013 RETIREE LUNCHEONS status on roles and responsibilities, issues we are facing and more. The Company and Union are working together to send people, Union and JUNE 18, 2013 PAUL HARRINGTON JULY 31, 2013 JAMES VOCOLINA SEPT 12– Richmond Country Club Company, to the R.U.G. one day conference in Worcester, MA. This is a mini PLM World Conference with attendees sharing NX and Team JUNE 26, 2013 JOSEPH POST JR. AUG. 19, 2013 VIRGINIA PAYNE Center updates and is available for us to share our concerns and issues along with much more. We are looking to better understand the new 74 Sandy Pond Road, Richmond RI tools and to bring back the information to the general users. - William E. Louis, President JUNE 28, 2013 ROCCO GENTILELLA AUG. 21, 2013 SHARON CLARKE OCT 10– New London Holiday Inn JUNE 28, 2013 CHARLES SHINDELL JR AUG. 22, 2013 RONNIE ODDO “PRIDE, OWNERSHIP, AND ACCOUNTABILITY” 35 Governor Winthrop Blvd, New London CT NOV 14– Ocean Beach ON BEHALF OF LOCAL 571 WE’D LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND BEST OF LUCK LOCAL 571 MEMBERS AT LARGE 1225 Ocean Avenue, New London CT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Josh Wessell ...... 860-867-2321 DEC 12– Groton Inn & Suites WITH YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS! President Chris Ferguson ...... 860-433-2479 William E. Louis ...... 860-448-0552 Keith Cunningham ...... 860-433-3608 99 Gold Star Highway, Groton CT First Vice-President Kenneth Rowland ...... 860-448-0552 GRIEVANCE REPRESENTATIVES THOMAS A. EDISON IS LAUNCHED Principal speaker at the ceremony was Guests were welcomed to the launching by Second Vice-President Bond, Jack ...... Second Shift ...... 860-433-3021 James H. Wakelin, Assistant Secretary of the Division General Manager Carleton Shugg, David M. Reagan ...... 860-448-0552 Carbone, Wayne ...... Bldg 801 NL ...... 860-867-2691 Daughter Sponsors Ship Named Navy for Research and Development who who pointed out that June 14, just one day Recording Secretary Dwyer, William……… Bldg 802 NL…………………………………860-867-4142 For Inventor cited the achievements of Thomas A. Edison prior to the launching of the Edison, marked Patricia A. Clay ...... 860-448-0552 Evans, David W...... Bldg 800 NL ...... 860-867-1754 The Polaris-firing nuclear powered and said he was sure the inventor would be the ninth anniversary of the laying of the Financial Secretary Garduno, Michael .... Vergason ...... 860-885-3822 submarine Thomas A. Edison roared into proud to have the ship bear his name. keel of the USS Nautilus by then President Wayne J. Burgess ...... 860-448-0552 Husereau, Joseph .... Bldg 1, 1A, 1B, 7,8N ...... 860-433-4098 Harry S. Truman. the Thames River June 15,1961 to become “This ship is a part of a terribly sure Treasurer 8S, 30, 38, 113, 128 the eleventh nuclear submarine launched weapons system, a system with the single Shugg told the guests that Edison would Robert J. Faraci ...... 860-448-0552 129, 130, 184, 260 by Electric Boat and the 131st undersea purpose of defeating those who are bold have been proud of the technological Trustees Coates, Hospital, Machine vessel to be built in Groton since the enough or foolish enough to initiate a achievements that have taken place since. Paul R. Smith ...... 860-867-3057 Shop, Robinson, Cloud 9 company located here 50 years ago. general nuclear war.” Frank Pace Jr., End of Part 1 of 2 William Dwyer ...... 860-867-4142 Marmaud, Joseph .... Bldg 221, Black Hole, 45A ...... 860-433-4584 The sponsor of the 6,900 ton ship was Mrs. chairman of the board of General Dynamics William R. May ...... 860-867-1822 Col. Ledyard, Purchasing John Eyre Sloane of West Orange, N.J.— the Corporation, termed the launching of the (Excerpts for this article were obtained from the Sergeant At Arms Offsite: QP, VA, SC daughter of the famed inventor who the Edison “another brick in the edifice of June 1961 issue of “The EB Scope” VOL. VIII NO. David W. Evans ...... 860-867-1754 May, William R...... Bldg 800 NL ...... 860-867-1822 submarine is named. peace this nation seeks to erect.” 6. Thomas Alva Edison was one of the most Guide Ogden, Dan ...... CSC, Norwich ...... 860-823-2458 famous inventors of all time. Edison had a Pace escorted Mrs. Sloane from the ros- Pamela I. Gonski ...... 860-433-3688 Ryan, Paul K ...... Bldg 801 NL ...... 860-867-2898 A pleasantly warm June sun shone over the submarine named after him because he was an more than 5,000 guests assembled in the trum to the sponsor’s platform for the original member of the U.S. Navy’s first Naval Retiree Chapter Representative Smith, Paul R ...... Bldg 801 NL ...... 860-867-3057 christening. Mrs. Sloane paused briefly for Consulting Board—later to become the Office of Omar D. Hall ...... 860-448-0552 Wessell, Joe ...... Bldg 88, 128, 129, 189, 197 ...... 860-433-6247 North Yard for the ceremony, which began at 11:30AM and climaxed promptly at noon the benefit of photographers, but at the Naval Research. The 2nd part of this article will Secretary conclusion of the countdown broke the cover Edison’s achievements in anti-submarine when Mrs. Sloane firmly gripped the warfare during World War I.) — Bob McClung Barbara Barnes ...... 860-448-0552 CONTACT YOUR GRIEVANCE REP FOR YOUR NEAREST COUNCILLOR champagne bottle and broke it across the champagne bottle with a solid hit. nose of the Thomas A. Edison. 2 LOCAL 571 FALL 2013 FALL 2013 LOCAL 571 3 UAW/General Dynamics Council Conference Yes, that’s right, the Flag Day buttons that the MDA union gives to May 13-16, 2013 the members here at Electric Boat. I’m The UAW/General Dynamics Council Conference was held May 13 American-born and raised to believe in through May 16, 2013. This year, our representatives were: Barry my country’s values, beliefs and Bayly, International Representative with Region 9A and Wayne freedoms. Learning about our flag Burgess, Financial Secretary with the MDA-UAW Local 571. from grade school and showing These conferences are held bi-annually as a means to update the respect for my country make it very attendees on any new developments at General Dynamic’s facilities easy for me to wear the Flag Day which are represented by UAW locals. Representatives from the buttons. I’m not overly patriotic, but local unions and company reps meet and discuss new develop- President William E. Louis presenting Karl Carter would like to believe that I’m above ments and have the opportunity to ask questions on issues they with the 2013 Flag Day Button. Photo Courtesy Of: EB Photography Dept. average when it comes to my may not have a full understanding of. patriotism. I have not only worn my Hi my name is Karl Carter and I This year’s conference was well attended and much of the buttons here at work, I have worn discussion was centered on the transition of the Employee Health work at Electric Boat. Prior to working them in many local establishments, and Insurance Plan to Fidelity. All employee plan information is now here at EB, I proudly served twenty receiving questions and compliments accessible at gdbenefits.com. years in the United States Navy, sailing for wearing the buttons. Only because The company also gave a business update including discussion on on some of the submarines that were I forgot I was wearing my badge built here at Electric Boat. the international business sector, United States job locations and (smile). I have a Flag Day button for workload. I started with Electric Boat in the every year that I have been a member Ships Test Organization (STO of the MDA which gives me a count of Leadership of the council would like to hold one of its upcoming conferences in Groton, CT with the possibility of having an Electric Department 272) for about one year. nine, and I have made jokes about my Boat shipyard tour.— Wayne Burgess, MDA-UAW Financial Secretary DEATH BY CHOCOLATE After which I transferred to the ten year button being made of gold or TRIFLE Research and Development being three times the size of the others Department 431 where I have been for (smile). I did not start wearing these The Three Servicemen the last nine years, giving me a total of for any special attention, just thought Located in Washington 1 Package Fudge Brownie Mix ten years and counting with Electric it to be a cool place to collect my Flag D.C. this bronze statue, Boat. You may have seen me around Day buttons. If you see me with my Kahlua or Tia Maria (Optional) which was created by 3 Packages Jello: Dark Fudge Chocolate Mousse Mix the shipyard; I’m that easy going, buttons you will notice the older Frederick Hart, goes 4 Heath Candy Bars or Skor Bars cooperative, and approachable buttons having more of an antique or along with the Vietnam 16 oz. Tub Cool Whip Veterans Memorial. co-worker that is a pleasure to work aged look. So I will continue to wear Bake brownie mix following package instructions. After with and I also display and wear the my buttons with honor and pride.— The figures featured in brownies are baked, poke finger size holes into brownies Flag Day buttons around my neck. Karl S. Carter, T/A MECH TEST, D431 the sculpture represent and fill holes with Kahlua or Tia Maria. Let stand. both U.S. Marines and Make the 3 packages of Jello mousse mix and set aside. Army personnel who “Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on Crush candy bars in wrappers with a mallet. Bring out Cool IF YOU HAVE ANY served our country May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, Whip. Assemble in large trifle bowl as you would a trifle. during the Vietnam Layer broken clumps of brownie mix, then add a layer of SUGGESTIONS FOR HOW THIS National commander of the Grand Army of conflict. the Republic. Memorial Day, originally Jello, sprinkle with candy bars, and add a layer of Cool NEWSLETTER CAN BE called Decoration Day, is a day of The statue faces the Whip. Continue layers, topping with Cool Whip. Make a remembrance for those who have died in Vietnam Memorial day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. IMPROVED, our nation’s service.” Wall, with the soldiers Recipe From: Dorinda Eiden — www.usmemorialday.org, History Sec- looking on at the Photo Courtesy Of: William Louis E. PLEASE CONTACT tion names of those we lost in the war. Seen in the photo, is Camron C. Louis BARB BARNES AT raising the flag at the MDA-UAW Union [email protected], Hall. I am proud to see him taking part in Photo Courtesy Of: Barb Barnes observing our fallen heroes and ALL IDEAS ARE WELCOME! remembering their sacrifices for all of us. — William E. Louis

4 LOCAL 571 FALL 2013 FALL 2013 LOCAL 571 5 December of 2006, The Electric Boat News  Ocean State Job Lots, Walmart and Magazine featured an article titled “EB Foxwoods have all provided items to Employees Play Santa, Send Care Packages to help fill the care packages. Troops Deployed in Iraq Afghanistan”, commending them for being highly organized.  Our own volunteers who provide soda and desserts. They’re focus has mainly been sending care packages which is typically done four times a In addition to the list above, the New London year at Easter, 4th of July, the Fall and especially food service provider, Eurest, has provided ice at Christmas. Since its inception, they have cream, apple pies, pizza and hot dogs at a very shipped over 4,200 care packages containing good price. over 40,000 pounds of care items and paid over At Waterford Dental Health for our Troop a staggering $27,000 in shipping costs. As Don Support efforts, new customers can take $50 DiGenova stated, “shipping is approximately dollars off the bill and they donate $50 dollars one third of our expenses”. But they haven’t to Friends at EB. Contact Todd Rich for cards or ICE CREAM SOCIAL RAISES MONEY just supported Troops directly - they have also more information at 867-1947. supported two local Boy Scout Troop Support FOR TROOPS Eagle Projects and provided over 4,000 pounds Many thanks to all who participated, especially Article Written by Carol A. Mauro of school supplies to the children of Al Kasik, those who donated their time and labor to Iraq and shipping baseball equipment to the making it happen. Keep in mind that all the Everyone loves ice cream, right? Well when Philippines to support our combat on Terrorism people who donate their time, whether setting summertime rolled around and the hot dogs there. In addition, several hundred stuffed up, serving or breaking down have done so on and hamburgers were a-plenty at picnics, who animals were shipped to a friend of an EB their own time. Some of the key players are (in wanted them at work? Not the Friends at Employee who then distributed them to local no particular order): Mike Bonin, Ken Burrows, Electric Boat’s Troop Support Group! There children in Afghanistan several years ago. Sara Burns, Charles Cocca, Chris DiGenova, was some innovative thinking and instead they Vic Fetter, Pauleatha Glover, Ray Hamilton, decided to boost their fund-raising efforts with There was a large effort for SSG Jon Meadows, Nate Kirmmse, John Kressley, Briget Little, an Ice Cream Social – BRILLIANT! an EB employee who worked in Security and Kayla Mineau, Marilyn Moran, Shelley Nobile, most recently in the Transportation Dept. I had the pleasure of talking with Don DiGenova Todd Rich, Deb Sealey, Steve Stewart, Tim th, (D545) for more than 10 years. After being for the August 15 2013 Ice Cream Social held Taylor, Jim Williamson and Sue Denoia. Other injured in his recent tour of duty in Afghanistan, in the New London Cafeteria. He went on to volunteers include Deanna Willbanks and Jon is now recuperating. Because of all the tell me how The Friends at Electric Boat Troop Jennifer Navin, but volunteers are always additional financial burdens he and his family Support Group was founded to demonstrate needed! have had to deal with, Troop Support events their support for the troops in Afghanistan, Iraq were held in Groton organized by Bill Dodge Please contact Don DiGenova at 867-1887 in and other locations worldwide by supporting and in Norwich organized by Marilyn Melesko New London, Bill Dodge at 433-6202 in Groton the morale of our locally-deployed service as well as New London that were organized by for more information on how you can help. All personnel. th Don DiGenova. pictures for the August 15 Event can be found And so it began in the fall of 2004 with the on our FaceBook page. On Thursday August 15, 2013 the Troop support of a fellow co-worker who deployed to Support Ice Cream Social in New London raised Iraq that same year. Don DiGenova and Bill $825. This money will be used to support Sgt Dodge questioned what they could do. They David Tupper & family. began by holding small pot-luck lunches on occasion at the Groton location. When they Don went on to say that “As Troops start to started to get larger in number, management make the transition home, efforts will be said they should hold them in the Cafeteria. focused on them. Friends at EB will be working Turned out, that was the best thing that could with Wounded Warriors, Work Vessels for have happened to their effort. Veterans and Grossman’s Seafood. We assist other organizations, and those organizations “EB has been very supportive of everyone off assist us”. the clock” said Don. He went on to state “It’s as grass roots as you can get. That’s what people Significant contributions have been received do it for – so many sacrifices for us by being from the following local businesses: From left to right are : Bill Dodge, Don DiGenova over there; it’s a way to give back”. and Todd Rich Photo Courtesy Pat of Clay  Frito Lay of Norwich for providing In October of 2012, I had the privilege of attending my ship’s reunion in San Diego, CA. I served The “Friends at EB” as it has come to be known, chips for free or reduced cost aboard the USS Taylor DD 468 and was deployed to Vietnam in the years of 1967, 1968 and hosted hot dog and chili luncheons to raise “In the food line, managers, sailors,  Mohegan Sun for providing dozens of 1969. At our reunion’s farewell dinner, representatives from NASSCO shipyard presented a funds to ship care packages overseas to an union members, and other employees increasing list of co-workers, friends and family cases of soda proclamation to the reunion association. members called to combat duty including the rub elbows and contribute to the  The Girls Scouts for providing individual augment sailors deployed from the This proclamation was given on behalf of all General Dynamics shipyards as a way of thanking thousands of boxes of cookies and well-being of those who serve our New London Sub Base. the Taylor crew members for their service.—Wayne Burgess cards to go along with the care country in uniform.“ - Tim Kesling Because of their very successful efforts, by packages

6 LOCAL 571 FALL 2013 LOCAL 571 7 PICNIC DAY SOLIDARITY SOLIDARITY DAY PICNIC LAKE COMPOUNCE FAMILY DAY On July 27, 2013 the MDA hosted its 4th 4th its hosted MDA the 2013 27, July On On July 27, 2013 the MDA hosted its 4th On June 29th, 2013 MDA members and Annual Solidarity Picnic at Washington Park Park Washington at Picnic Solidarity Annual Annual Solidarity Picnic at Washington Park their families enjoyed a day full of rides, in Groton, CT. Attendees enjoyed food, food, enjoyed Attendees CT. Groton, in in Groton, CT. Attendees enjoyed food, food, and fun at Lake Compounce in provided by Old Tymes Restaurant of of Restaurant Tymes Old by provided provided by Old Tymes Restaurant of Bristol, CT. From waterslides, to roller CT. Norwich, Norwich, CT. coasters, to the merry-go-round there was plenty of fun to be had for all ages. There was also plenty of fun to be had for all all for had be to fun of plenty also was There There was also plenty of fun to be had for all ages! Activities included 2 moonwalks, dunk dunk moonwalks, 2 included Activities ages! ages! Activities included 2 moonwalks, dunk More photos from this event can be found tank, games, raffles, and much more! more! much and raffles, games, tank, tank, games, raffles, and much more! at our website located at Children were especially able to enjoy face face enjoy to able especially were Children Children were especially able to enjoy face http://region9a.uaw.org/local571. painting and a stilts walker making balloon balloon making walker stilts a and painting painting and a stilts walker making balloon all. for hats hats for all. Photos By: William E. Louis

More pictures from the event can be found found be can event the from pictures More More pictures from the event can be found online at our website located at at located website our at online online at our website located at http://region9a.uaw.org/local571. http://region9a.uaw.org/local571.

Louis E. William and Clay Pat By: Photos Photos By: Pat Clay and William E. Louis

PROGRAM PATHWAYS CAREER 2013 LAKE BLACK AT SCHOLARSHIP FAMILY 2013 2013 FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP AT BLACK LAKE 2013 CAREER PATHWAYS PROGRAM Since the opening of the Walter and May Reuther UAW UAW Reuther May and Walter the of opening the Since Since the opening of the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center many UAW members have have members UAW many Center Education Family Family Education Center many UAW members have participated in the Family Scholarship program. This year year This program. Scholarship Family the in participated participated in the Family Scholarship program. This year several families from the MDA attended the program from from program the attended MDA the from families several several families from the MDA attended the program from 2013. 12th, July to 7th July July 7th to July 12th, 2013.

Dept. Photography EB By: Photo Photo By: EB Photography Dept. FREEDOM WALK Career Pathways in a Union sponsored joint joint sponsored Union a in Pathways Career Career Pathways in a Union sponsored joint On June 22, 2013 members of MDA-UAW management management - labor labor-management Local 571 took part in the 50th anniversary initiative at Electric Boat Boat Electric at initiative initiative at Electric Boat march in honor of the original Walk to that offers a dynamic dynamic a offers that that offers a dynamic Freedom led in Detroit by Dr. Martin Luther summer work and and work summer summer work and King Jr. learning opportunity to to opportunity learning learning opportunity to The march celebrated what is known as the High School students in in students School High High School students in original debut of the “I Have a Dream our region. Through the the Through region. our our region. Through the Speech.” A speech where King told program’s paid summer summer paid program’s Lake Black at Families By: Photos Photos By: Families at Black Lake program’s paid summer Clay Pat By: Photo enjoy to able were Attendees Attendees were able to enjoy Photo By: Pat Clay thousands that it was time for society to get internships, carefully selected selected carefully internships, internships, carefully selected workshops for the adults and plenty of activities for the the for activities of plenty and adults the for workshops workshops for the adults and plenty of activities for the serious about providing equal opportunities High School Juniors were given the opportunity to work work to opportunity the given were Juniors School High High School Juniors were given the opportunity to work for all regarding jobs, education, and more. children. Shannon Cave stated, “my experience in Black Lake Lake Black in experience “my stated, Cave Shannon children. children. Shannon Cave stated, “my experience in Black Lake UAW Local 571 571 Local UAW - MDA experienced with side - by - side side-by-side with experienced MDA-UAW Local 571 awareness of my own misconceptions about the the about misconceptions own my of awareness - self brought brought self-awareness of my own misconceptions about the Designers and exposed to our drafting standards, standards, drafting our to exposed and Designers Designers and exposed to our drafting standards, current and continued need for unions. I’m happy to be be to happy I’m unions. for need continued and current current and continued need for unions. I’m happy to be procedures, and modeling techniques from July 8 thru thru 8 July from techniques modeling and procedures, procedures, and modeling techniques from July 8 thru enlightened.” enlightened.” 2013. 16, August August 16, 2013. Photos By: William E. Louis

2013 FALL 571 LOCAL 8 8 LOCAL 571 FALL 2013 FALL 2013 LOCAL 571 9

MDA-UAW Local 571 John F. Saffomilla UAW Veterans’ Conference at Black Lake

and E. Roy Colville Scholarship Program Article By: Ken Rowland, First Vice President Article written by: Patricia Clay, Recording Secretary, MDA-UAW Local 571 Photos Courtesy Of Ken Rowland

Photo Courtesy Of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Since the early 1970’s, numerous children of our brothers and “My Mother has been a member of the MDA-UAW Local 571 for 11 years. During that time she has had the security of guaranteed sisters have received financial assistance through the MDA-UAW During a great late summer week myself and Grievance Representative Jack Bond attended the annual UAW Veterans’ Conference at the yearly wage increases. She also has the ability to purchase medical, Local 571 John F. Saffomilla and E. Roy Colville Scholarship Walter & May Reuther UAW Family Education Center at Black Lake in Onaway Michigan August 25 thru 30, 2013. We attended workshops on dental, vision and life insurance for our family. My family has Program. issues ranging from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Legislative Initiatives, Benefits & Medical, and Veterans’ Committee functions. benefited greatly from having quality, affordable insurance. In Speakers at the conference included Maurice “Pops” Alexander who served under General George Patton in WWII in France. Pops gave an In honor of our former Presidents, the John F. Saffomilla and E. Roy addition, I have really enjoyed the MDA summer outings at Lake enthralling speech, regaling the audience with tales of the “Army of Deceit”, which used piped in sounds of tanks and artillery to confuse the Colville $2,000.00 Scholarship Program was established. This Compounce. My sister and I have looked forward to this event every enemy about the strength and location of Allied forces. Another story concerned his encounter with General Patton (their blood, his guts) in program awards six (6) scholarship winners each year. The process summer for many years”. starts in February of each year and the deadline for entries is the Germany while preparing to cross the Elbe River. Retired Army Major General Robert Smith III, chief of the Veterans Services Division talked end of April. A union notice and applications can be found on our “In my household, we’re safe in the knowledge that the unions listen about programs available for veterans and legislation pending. Lawrence Millben and William Henderson, two members of the famed website, with your Grievance Representatives and at the union to the people and fights for what we need. Even today, unions fight Tuskegee Airmen also gave interesting speeches. In 1948 Lawrence won the first “Top Gun” competition held. Special guest speakers were the office (only one scholarship per family, per year). We also send our to get good wages for workers and they and their families can live 7 surviving (of the 9) Baese Brothers, who served the country in conflicts ranging from WWII to Korea and Vietnam. Each of the brothers, the scholarship information to seventeen schools in Connecticut and off of. With the rising cost of living in the country, it’s a constant oldest of whom was 92, related stories of their roles in the military and the comrades they served with. battle that only the unions are successful in fighter for. Perhaps Rhode Island. The theme of the conference “Home of the Free, Because of the Brave” was one of gratitude to those who have served and sacrificed for our most important, though, is the safety and security that unions have country, many making the ultimate sacrifice, in order that we have the freedoms and liberties we are afforded today. We owe it to those Once the application deadline has past, we have a panel of judges brought to the workplace. Every seventh grade student in Veterans to inform them of programs available to help with any service related maladies they may have, and to help Veterans in our who evaluate all the applicants and select our winners. There are Connecticut learns about the horrific incident at the Triangle communities by reaching out with support and taking time to thank them for their service. six winners announced, usually in the May time frame. A runner up Shirtwaist Factory, when 146 men and women were killed due to selected by the judges as well. the unsafe practices being enforced in the building. Locked in, the Relating the experience at Black Lake would not be possible without the efforts of former UAW President Walter Reuther, who led the effort This year, we had fifteen (15) applicants for the Scholarship workers had no choice but to jump from several stories up or be to build the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center, a retreat for union members and their families where the focus can be on Program. To quote Mark Sullivan, one of the judges, “Each of these burned. After that day, which brought New York City to its knees, our members and the issues facing them. The Reuther brothers, Roy, Walter and Victor, were all champions in the fight to establish the UAW students are very accomplished both in the classroom as well as people listened to the unions.” as the bargaining agent for workers at General Motors. This fight led to assassination attempts on both Walter and Victor. Thank you to the Reuthers and all the other leaders of the UAW whose sacrifice helped us to achieve the benefits we have today as UAW members. their community and give every indication they will continue that “Before the creation of the union, families all over the United States track in college and the career that follows. Congratulations to the suffered the hardships of work, the lack of adequate family time, National WWII Memorial local for both attracting such qualified applicants and choosing to and the terribly low wages and tough hours. In turn, this caused a recognize them in such a positive manner”. This sums up how we great deal of strife within these families, and made a person’s work The Washington D.C. Memorial at the union office feel about this program as well. almost completely take over their life. However, when the union opened on April 29, 2004 and is Within the application process includes a two page essay on: “How was finally created, employees could finally work reasonable hours the only 20th Century event for a tantamount amount of money, and have the ability to speak do unions improve the quality of life for working people and their commemorated on the National families?” This year, like other years, applicants had very interest- out and have their voices be heard, therefore making a person’s Mall’s central axis. ing and informative essays on unions. Mentioned some thoughts work life much easier and further improving the lives of both the of our young people… workers and their families tremendously.” “The World War II Memorial

“Unions primarily benefit their members, that is, the workers. They “Unions can organize skilled, local workers to provide people with honors the 16 million who help give the workers a voice in the workplace, similar to how the local jobs which, in turn, sustain the local economy. Unions can served in the armed forces of the negotiate adequate and reasonable benefits to ensure that the people have a say in a democracy. Unions are able to compromise U.S., the more than 400,000 who with their employers to raise wages for the workers, and because of employee’s best interests are addressed while supplying the died, and all who supported the this, union members are known to have higher wages than employer with a known quantity of skilled workers. If needed, non-union members”. unions have the ability to defend the individual as well as the war effort from home. Symbolic membership as a whole through an independent review of cases of the defining event of the 20th “Because my father is a member of the MDA, he has been provided and to offer legal counsel. Unions can also negotiate larger cases century the memorial is a with a higher salary and an eight hour shift so he can be home to with might impact a larger group of individuals and possibly lead the monument to the spirit, spend quality time with his family at three thirty. Not only is he way to change in the policies of their associated companies.” provided with these, but also dental and medical insurance along sacrifice, and commitment of the with a solid 401K retirement plan; things a lot of new workers for big Bravo and well said by all. To us, it is clear that some of our American people.” businesses are not provided with today. Not only does he have an children of the future understand the importance of a union as we - wwiimemorial.com outstanding working environment, but he also has the ability to do. Our children are our future and the MDA-UAW Local 571 is make our home life the best it possibly can be”. proud to contribute to their education. Photos Courtesy Of Barb Barnes

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