“I’ve always enjoyed reading the ‘My IBEW Story’ feature, and it inspired me to share about a special bond of Brotherhood that began decades ago.

That’s when 45 young men, myself included, were indentured and began our IBEW apprenticeship. Little did we know at the time, but a dozen of us would form a bond that would last more than 50 years.

Our class was initiated into Local 369 in September 1971, and from that day forward, we rarely missed a union meeting and we weren’t afraid to speak our minds. Our business manager back then even called us ‘young rebels’ and predicted we’d be the downfall of the local.

Well, those ‘rebels’ went on to serve Local 369 with pride, producing two presidents, two business managers, a treasurer, three executive board members, building corporation members, election judges and countless committee members. We may have been outspoken, but we had a purpose — to make Local 369 the best in the country.

We worked together on projects — nuclear power and Ford auto plants, to name a few — around Louisville, and we had good times working together. What truly held us together, though, was more than just union work. We were close in age, proud of our local and genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, often over a cold beer. Over the years, we gathered as often as we could with our wives and children — at picnics, social events or lending a hand on projects at one another’s homes.

Our wives formed their own strong friendships as well, still meeting regularly for lunch (and I’m sure talking about how special their husbands are). Our children grew up together and built their own lasting bonds, and now even our grandchildren are connecting by meeting at school events and forming yet another generation of friendships.

The truth is our paths likely never would have crossed if it hadn’t been for the IBEW. The Brotherhood brought us together, and it’s something we’ve carried with us throughout our lives.

Some of our brothers have passed on, and not a day goes by that we don’t think of them. Rest in peace, brothers.

There are still six of us left, and we continue to get together regularly — whether it’s for golf, the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby or the Christmas parties I’ve been hosting since 1973. Recently, one of the guys turned 85, and we tricked him with ‘Christmas in July’ — actually a surprise birthday party — to celebrate.

Thanks to the IBEW, this brotherhood became something truly special: a lifelong bond. For that, we owe a deep, fraternal debt of gratitude.”