"I grew up in New York City, and I knew by age 22 that a career in building maintenance wasn't for me. Around this time, I moved to Staten Island, and a family friend who worked at Jersey Central Power & Light suggested that I apply to Local 358 and its apprenticeship program. He was an IBEW member with a great career, so I took his suggestion and applied. I was accepted shortly after that into the Northeastern Apprenticeship Training program, or NEAT.

NEAT's quality of training really prepared me to complete and excel at day-to-day jobs. The hands-on work we did, coupled with the safety training we received, made for a really gratifying career choice. After finishing my 7,000 hours of training, I became a journeyman lineman and was on my way to a successful career in the IBEW.

In 2000, Local 358 merged with Local 456 and I met a whole new crew of brothers and sisters. For the next 21 years with Local 456, I took positions for various line contractors such as journeyman lineman, foreman and general foreman. I was also a shop steward. No matter the position, I always learned a lot and enjoyed my time within the Brotherhood.

Along the way, I found the time to get married and have two children. The opportunities Local 456 granted me, along with my strong work ethic, allowed my wife and me to raise our children comfortably and send both of my sons to prestigious universities. They both went on to graduate from college, and I'm the proud father of an electrical engineer and a journalist.

For my final two years working in the Brotherhood, I took to traveling for work, completing jobs in cities such as Atlanta, Milwaukee, Dallas, Cincinnati, Houston and Detroit. Even in those last couple of years, there were things to learn and new friends to make. When I turned 60 in December 2021, I decided to retire after a great 38 years in the IBEW. I couldn't wait for retirement because I knew that the IBEW would be there for me. And I'm still there for the IBEW, too, staying involved with my fellow retirees, traveling together, attending retiree meetings, and celebrating with my brothers and sisters at holiday parties.

Local 456 provided me an exemplary finish to an amazing career, but the trade I learned, friendships I've gained and memories I've made will last me a lifetime. I will always think back fondly, with a smile on my face, about my time spent in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers."