Stories on this Page:

• Suzie Ellis, Making Blankets for Project Linus
• Teamster’s Son Wrestles His Way to the Ivy Leagues
• Gene Casper
• Dan Stadler
• Justin McDermott
• King County Signs
• Christine Prince-Holmgren
• Diane Bolton, Rick Higgins, Phil Segadelli, Leonard Williams
• Joe Donley
• Rolly Brazel
• Les Albright
• Fred Sheppard
• John Erland
• John Hamilton
• Kandy Paulson

Suzie Ellis, Making Blankets for Project Linus
Suzie Ellis, a Teamster since May 1998 and currently working at CTI has this to say about her activities with Project Linus:

I joined the group Project Linus August 2010. Project Linus is a volunteer non-profit dedicated to making blankets for children that are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.

I was shocked to see all the volunteers. There were a lot of bins of fabric to choose from. I found out that people donate the fabric and yarn 'for our group so we can sew, knit or crochet blankets. Our chapter coordinator, Linda Lane, is awesome. She welcomed me, showed me around and introduced me to to the group.

Linda mentioned a project that was just starting. Our chapter was sewing Christmas stockings (in our spare time) to send to our military serving overseas. I gathered a bit of Christmas material and a pattern. started cutting out material. I decided to cut out all the material, then started sewing and sewing and sewing. Final count of Christmas stockings I sewed by November meeting was 300 stockings. That project being done, I started on the quilt making. I have sewed 4 quilts so far.

I joined Project Linus (wwwprojectlinus.org) to take my mind off that fact that work was slow and I needed something to get me out of my head (not working drives me crazy). Everybody in this group are great! If you have any questions, donations of material, etc, email me ... redsuzie56@hotmail.com

 

 

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Teamster’s Son Wrestles His Way to the Ivy Leagues
It is every parents dream that their kids achieve their goals, and for Matt and Corinna Hartmann, their dreams are no different.  Matt, a Teamster for more than 15 years and a current member at UPS Cartage Services in Sea-Tac, and his wife Corinna, have been blessed with 3 children: Conner (18), Tristan (15) and Nathan (11).

Their son, Conner, is a senior at South Kitsap High School where he excels in academics and wrestling.  In addition to a couple of academic awards, Conner has received 1st place 2011 Free Style Weight Class #189, 2nd place 21010 Weight Class #171 and 1st place Free Style Club Level Weight Class #171.  Conner has recently received acceptance letters to Duke University, the University of Chicago, Williams College and is awaiting a letter from Stanford University.  The acceptances will help reach his goal to wrestle in a Division #1 college or university while he works his way towards a degree in Political Science or Journalism. 

Conner works for a program called “Hire a Wolf” where he performs various jobs such as building or yard work.  He volunteers at community service events and assists coaching at John Sedgwic Jr. High. 

He is looking forward to traveling to Fargo, North Dakota to wrestle in the Jr. Division #189 weight class summer camp. 

Connor, the Union is proud of your success and wishes you well in your future endeavors.

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Gene Casper
By Bill Byington, Business Agent
On Friday October 29, 2010 Issaquah Center Package Car Driver Gene Casper retired after 42 years with UPS. 

Gene along with his wife Mary received congratulations and well wishes on his retirement from his co-workers as well as a presentation of a Retirement Certificate from Local 174 by Business Agent Bill Byington. 

Gene began his career at UPS in 1968 as a package car driver.  He originally delivered the Capitol Hill area of Seattle before in 1971 moving to East Center.  In the late 1980's Gene transferred to the Redmond facility where he completed his outstanding career. 

Gene and Mary recently celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary and plan on catching up on home projects, along with spending time with their six grand children.  Gene is also looking forward to continue playing the piano at his church.  

Local 174 wishes the best to Gene in his retirement and congratulates him on his years as a Brother Teamster.

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Dan Stadler
By Bill Byington, Business Agent
On October 8, 2010 Article 22.3 full-time inside employee Dan Stadler retired from UPS after 31 years of service.  

After College Dan started his career with UPS in the Tukwila Building on February 12, 1979 as a part-timer.  After twenty-two years in the part-time ranks, Dan took a full-time inside position in the Tukwila location, where he remained for his final nine years. 

Dan is looking forward to purchasing a condominium in Phoenix Arizona, where he plans on spending winters away from the grey and rain of the Pacific Northwest.   Dan’s future plans include playing tennis and mountain biking, along with volunteering to work with kids. 

Local 174 congratulates Dan on his well-deserved retirement and wishes him luck on his future endeavors.

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Justin McDermott
By Bill Byington, Business Agent
Part-time employee Justin McDermott was recently elected as a shop steward on the Boeing Field Sunrise Sort.  Justin has been at UPS since 2001 and has worked in several different positions at BFI including Tug driving and working on the top deck loading and unloading the Boeing 767 aircraft from Ontario California daily.  Justin is also a member of the BFI Sunrise Safety Committee along with being a “Wellness Champion” a position that encourages employees to live better by encompassing both health and safety through out their day both at work as well as at home. 

Justin’s purpose in becoming a member of the BFI Safety Committee as well as getting involved as a Local 174 Shop Steward was that he wanted to be more active in the issues and concerns of his co-workers relating to Safety and fair treatment in the work place.

Justin grew up in the Kent area and graduated from Kent Meridian High School in 1987.  He graduated with an Associates Degree in pastry preparation and baking from South Seattle Community College and also has an Associates Science Degree from Highline Community College.  Justin has also attended Eastern Washington University.

During his off time Justin enjoys various hobbies such as Art, gardening, and camping.   He has also recently taken on the ominous task of home improvement by doing a complete kitchen remodel at his home.

Teamsters Local 174 is proud to have Justin McDermott as one of their newly elected shop stewards serving our members on the BFI Sunrise.

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King County Signs and Markings
By Larry Boyd, Business Agent
This Featured Member is really a group of members: the King County Signs and Markings crew: Jeff Bernhardt; Jon Wager; Christian Loko, Dave Thorbeck; Lamont King, John Wade; Scott Benson; Wesley Harvey; Ula Tuifua; Kory Larson; Brian Morrow and James Sorenson.

The work within King County that accounts for the upkeep and maintenance of many of the roads in the County are performed by the 174 members. They repair and replace signs necessary for the public safety as well as doing the placement of stripping and markings on the road surfaces.

Without the work of these folks it would be extremely dangerous for the general motoring public to get from here to there without multiple accidents or possibly death.

(You can read about past Featured Members here.)

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Christine Prince-Holmgren
By Bill Byington, Business Agent

Christine Prince-Holmgren is a Local 174 shop steward at UPS on the Twilight sort at the Boeing Field Gateway operation.  She has been a member of Local 174 since November of 2005 and a steward on the Twilight Sort since 2009. 

She also is employed at Group Health Cooperative in the pharmacy warehouse where she has also been a member of UFCW Local # 1001 and has participated as a member of their bargaining committee for two contract negotiations.

It is Christine’s belief that is important for all members to be involved with their Local Union and to take an active part on the shop floor.

Christine graduated from Evergreen High School and attended Highline Community College where she took classes in Business Transportation, as well as attending Bryman University.  When she is not working her two jobs, Christine’s interests include hiking, skiing and ice skating.   

Teamsters Local 174 is fortunate to have Christine Prince-Holmgren as one of our hard working stewards. She does an excellent job of representing our members at UPS/ BFI.

(You can read about past Featured Members here.)

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UPS Feeder Drivers Retire
By Jeff Sullivan, Business Agent

On February 27, 2010 a retirement celebration was held at the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife to honor five former Local 174 UPS feeder drivers. Leonard Williams, Ray Wartinger, Rick Higgins, Diane Bolton, and Phil Segadelli were honored by the 140 guests as the latest group of UPS feeder drivers to reach this milestone. Also honored were feeder drivers Barry Foster from Local 231 in Bellingham and Mike Sack out of Local 38 in Everett.

This event was well attended by family, friend’s, co-workers, and retired Teamsters. A good time was had by all.

The festivities started with cocktail hour at 6pm followed by a buffet dinner. After dinner the retirees were asked to sit at the head table and each were individually introduced by the Master of Ceremony Mike Responte. Each retiree had a few words for the guests and the night closed out with open mike after the completion of dinner.

The Local 174 retirees were presented with a certificate of appreciation from Local 174 signed by Secretary Treasurer Rick Hicks and President Ted Bunstine. Also included with the certificate was as a letter from Rick informing the retirees that the Local 174 executive board has approved and paid one year of retirement dues to the retirees club.

Local 174 would like to thank feeder drivers Mike Responte and Shelly Chandler for their time and effort in planning and making this event successful.

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JOE DONLEY KEEPS ON TRUCKING
Over 2,000,000 Accident-Free Miles So Far For 24-Year Veteran Local 174 Driver At Peninsula Truck Lines

By BRIAN DAVIS, Business Agent

Joe Donley with BA Brian Davis and ST Rick Hicks

Veteran Local 174 Member Joe Donley has driven a long way safely for his employer, Peninsula Truck Lines. To be exact, he has driven more than 2,000,000 accident-free miles, which is no minor accomplishment on today’s crowded and frantic highways.
       Joe, an Auburn P&D driver, started with Peninsula Truck Lines in October 1983. In his earlier years he had many regular P&D routes, and later he spent several years on dedicated Kenworth runs. He currently works on the AM dock and handles P&D throughout the Auburn/Seattle area wherever he is needed.
        Joe has not had an accident, as we noted earlier, in his entire 24 years of employment with Peninsula Truck Lines.
        When asked to compare what it is like to drive in today’s atmosphere compared to when he first started driving, Joe told us, “The roads are much busier and congested today, and there are more drivers who are disrespectful than there used to be.” 
        He assured us that he always enjoyed his job in past less hectic driving days, and that he still enjoys his job now. He said, “My job keeps me busy moving from place to place and I like that. New things happen all the time to keep things interesting.” Asked how he has maintained an accident-free career, Joe told us, “The most important thing to do in today’s ever-changing world is to remain patient.”
        He added, “Always being a defensive driver, developing good driving habits and being extremely lucky are some of the chief keys to remaining accident-free.”
Joe also told us that being a Teamster gives him a good feeling, and said he knows that benefits and job security don’t come easy for Local 174 and he appreciates the fact that Local 174’s elected leaders and staff work hard for him and his co-workers. 
        Joe is an example of how Teamsters do it longer and better than others out in the industry. His example is one that we all can look to and say, that is how it should be done. Congratulations, Joe, on your remarkable accomplishment and we wish you many more safe, accident-free miles as your career continues.

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ROLLY BRAZEL
HORIZON DRIVER SPENDS 5 OF PAST 7 YEARS IN ‘WAR ON TERROR’

By BILL McCARTHY, Communications Specialist

Rolly Brazel with S-T Rick Hicks and VP Mary Stuart-Fairburn.

Those at the September 9, 2007 General Membership Meeting heard from one of Local 174’s many “heroes” who are now or have been serving in the U.S. Armed Services during the post-9/11/2001 “War on Terror.” He was Rowelette “Rolly” Brazel, 18-year Tacoma Teamster driver, who first spent 13 years with Local 741 and the past 5 at 174 after the merger of the two Locals, all with the same employer. His employer has had three incarnations during his 18 years — 8 as “Sealand,” then 3 as “CSX,“ and the past 7 as “Horizon Lines.” Almost all of the past 5 of his 7 Horizon years have been spent actively serving  in the War. 

Rolly had asked to step to the microphone at the GMM to thank Local 174 for paying his dues during his two 2-1/2-year tours. The Local happily pays dues like it did for Rolly for all its active Service men and women.

Discharged At 60
Rolly won’t be going back to the War again. He is now too old. His second tour ended when the Army discharged him on his 60th birthday, as per the age rules, on June 4, 2007. He is happy to be back in Tacoma with wife Donna, 55, and in shouting distance from their four adult children and grandchildren in their various hometowns. Their four “kids” are Romel, 39; Roselind, 35; D.J., 31 and Djonovan, 28. Rolly is glad to just be driving civilian trucks these days, but said he gladly would have continued with the Army if Uncle Sam had let him. The Service-oriented Rolly originally joined the Marines in 1967, remaining with them till 1973. Then he retired from the Armed Services for 17 years until rejoining it, with the Army Reserve this time, in 1990.

All 174 members living here in the safety of America’s Homeland owe Rolly and others like him who fight for our Freedom much gratitude. No matter what people’s individual views of the hostilities involving the U.S. in Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, or elsewhere are — everyone admires the courage of the men and women in our volunteer Military Service. Many of them have served in the Middle East during our “War on Terror.” Nearly 4,000 of them have died, nearly 30,000 of them have come back wounded physically, and 100% of them have been injured mentally and financially. Our Freedom has cost many of our active Armed Forces members a lot already, and some of their future troubles will be big ones.

Rolly like many other patriots joined the Service to aid America — but as his lengthy stay in uniform indicates, he has sacrificed more than many, because of his extraordinary expertise.

Master Sergeant Brazel
Rolly entered the Army with two special talents. He was a very skilled Medic, and he also was a born teacher. The Army utilized his unique abilities gratefully. Rolly, who reached the rank of Master Sergeant, and other instructors together trained hundreds of fellow Medics. Those Medics then traveled wherever needed by the Army to assess security, safety, and medical supply vulnerabilities of American and Allied soldiers and make sure all that could be improved, was.

Rolly’s first 2-1/2 year tour involved two years at Fort Lewis and 6 months in the Middle East, most of the time in Iraq but some of it in Afghanistan. His second 2-1/2 year tour was all spent at Fort Lewis.

He said, “Like the others serving, I just did the job my country needed done. I don’t argue about why we are at war, but the fact is, we are, and our Forces will do whatever we can to achieve our military goals.” He keeps his family matters private, except to admit, “It hasn’t been easy during the past few years, but we have coped with the challenges.”

Rolly personally was in many dangerous situations in Iraq during his first tour. He recalled, “My Medic team members and I were all over Iraq, including in the Green Zone at Saddam Hussein’s big main former Palace in Baghdad. We were in the field most of the time. Rockets and mortar rounds around us got to be routine.”

He added, “It is painful to watch the ever-increasing death and injury tolls on both the U.S. and the Iraqi sides. Many thousands of families have been hurt. The scope of the tragedy grieves me deeply.”

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LES ALBRIGHT
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!

By BILL McCARTHY, Communications Specialist

Les and Jean Albright

No one knows how Les Albright, who is now an energetic 85-year old, has done it and still continues to do it. That even includes his wife Jean, who is 83 and knows him best. He has been amazing Local 174, Joint Council 28, and the Teamsters General Retirees Club with it for years. It, for those unfamiliar with Les, is his hobby as a Master Collector.

Les, for decades, has collected many things — in fact his and Jean’s home in North Seattle looks a bit like a Museum. Knickknacks of many kinds are proudly displayed in abundance.

Les is a guy who lives in the present, looks forward to the future, but believes it is vitally important that we remember and value the past. Also, he just simply likes to collect things — including fancy rocks, weird pencils, teddy bears, Washington State sales tax tokens from a past era, dated railroad nails, garden hose nozzles, colored glass insulators from the tops of phone poles, and some 5,000 buttons from many sources, such as political campaigns.

Fortunately for Local 174, one of the main things Les has collected through the past six decades or so, has been 174 mementoes — old contracts ... literature from political contests and initiative campaigns both inside 174 and in the Seattle, County and State Arenas ... outside community newspapers and 174 magazines and newspapers ... and his specialty, the Local 174 Union Buttons given to 174’s members through the years. On November 13th of this year, Les gave Local 174 a batch of his historical 174-related “stuff,” something he does every now and then — kind of like a necessary clearing-out to give him room to collect still more. Back in 2002 Les gave Local 174 a collection of its Union Buttons passed out from 1964-2002, which have been mounted and are on display in the Local Office. The things he gave 174 this time — picked up to Les’s surprise by 174 staff members who arrived at his home in the 174 Teamster Truck — included more 174 Union Buttons to update the Button Display, and big piles of old contracts, literary publications and handouts important to 174. They are now in the Local Office, too, near Les’s previously donated items. Thanks, Les.

Also, if you visit the Albrights’ home, you’ll see some of Les’s handcarved and handpainted Native American-style art, including the two pieces in the photo on this page ... handmade designed scale-model homes ... and Northwest scenic photos he’s taken over the years during his travels. Les packs a lot into his days.

Les joined 174 in 1947 as a toll collector on the Mercer Island Floating Bridge. In 1949 he moved on to driving trucks for Troy, Empire and Kirkland Laundries. In 1952 he worked as a rug delivery driver for D.A. Burns & Co. From 1953 till 1982, when he retired, he drove general delivery trucks for Frederick & Nelson. He and Jean have been married 65 years. Les continues to be known in retirement to veteran JC-28 folks as the “Local 174 Button Guy.”

Les tells anyone who’ll listen how grateful he is for the earlier regular active income and benefits, and now the retiree’s pension, provided over the decades by the IBT and Local 174 — helping him, Jean, and in the past son Richard and daughter Cathy, live great lives.

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FRED SHEPPARD
YELLOW TRANSPORTATION 2007 DRIVER OF THE YEAR

By ROGER PARDO, Business Agent

Fred Sheppard with Yellow Transportation co-workers and their BA. Left to right: Bill West, Fred, David Collamore, Larry Nelson, Eric Staley, Gary Bolen, and BA Roger Pardo

Local 174 would like to extend our congratulations to Fred Sheppard, a Teamster Local 174 member working at Yellow Transportation’s Tukwila facility. Brother Sheppard was recently awarded Driver of the Year honors at Yellow Transport.

Driver of the year at Yellow is an honor awarded to only fourteen drivers systemwide! Fred’s accident-free record since 1989, positive attitude along with his eagerness to assist his fellow employees as well his dispatchers with knowledge gained from his years of experience, excellent customer service, and his high level of professionalism were a tremendous factor the selection process.

Fred has also participated in the Washington State Truck Driving Championships, is active in his community, and has been an Eagle member for 25 years.  Fred and Myrna, his wife of 30 years, have two sons, Jake and Josh. The Sheppards all love the outdoors — camping as well as hunting and fishing. If you see Brother Sheppard performing P&D services for Yellow Transportation in the West Valley area of Kent, join his co-workers and this Local in expressing our support!

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JOHN ERLAND
A HERO AMONG US

By DAVE JACOBSEN, Business Agent

John Erland

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JOHN HAMILTON
PASSIONATE RESERVIST AND STEWARD

By MICHAEL GONZALES, Organizer

John Hamilton

John Hamilton is a Steward and mixer driver at Salmon Bay. He has been a Teamster for five years and is one of our most active members. Not only is John part of our Political Action Committee, but he also has other causes he is passionate about. One of these is the Helmets to Hardhats program. This program was set up to help our Nation's Veterans' transition into good family wage jobs in the building trades.

As a Reservist himself John knows the majority of Vets who have served our Country understand teamwork, unity and self sacrifice. John has used his knowledge of this program to help out under-employed Vets and Reservists he meets on jobsites who are not working "Union." Still, this program is not perfect and on his own time John is encouraging more individual Unions and Councils to step up and make a great program even better. Local 174 would like to commend John for all his hard work on behalf of the members and Veterans alike.

[John was presented a Local 174 Coat at the April General Membership Meeting as a thank-you for his humanitarianism.]

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KANDY PAULSON
A REPORT ON LERC SEMINAR

By KANDY PAULSON, Local 174 Member

Kandy Paulson

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