I found your website and couldn’t resist contacting you. I can’t believe your office is still at the old location on Arctic Blvd.

I graduated from West High in May of 1981. That summer I signed up on your list and paid my dobie dues. On Nov 4, 1982 I was hired by Jim Schraeder at the Anchorage Pioneer Home. I worked there for 4 years. I left to attend college and hoped to hire back on as an Electronic Tech at the division of telecommunications for the state troopers which local 71 supported at that time. I had spoken to John Marone who was the boss out there and he gave me a brief tour and seemed very supportive.

I paid my dobie dues while in college, but Alaska does not hire that many electronic techs. Fortunately with my good grades the FAA picked me up and have have been working here for 31 years. I worked in Anchorage and Ketchikan climbing antenna tours and flying in float planes and helicopters in the old days. Now I mostly sit at a desk surrounded by computers (kind of like Homer Simpson).

I am eligible to retire in 6 months. I may work another year just to pour more gravy on a fairly decent pension.

My time with Local 71 allowed me to save money and cash in my pension which I used for expenses while in college. (I still delivered pizza for Guido’s pizza for pocket change on weekends).

I will always be grateful to local 71 for helping me achieve my successful career.

Thanks and best wishes to all of you. Also, say hi to the gang at the Pioneer Home if anyone remembers me from more than 30 years ago.