Jan/Feb - Pipeliners Local Union 798

PIPELINERS UNION 798
Volume XLIX, Number 1
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014
www.local798.org
65 Years
The Legacy Continues
Pipeliners Union 798
4823 S. 83rd E. Ave.
P.O. Box 470798
Tulsa, OK 74147-0798
PH: 918/622-1900
FAX: 918/627-9327
Please visit the
Local 798 Web Site at
www.local798.org
for updated pre-job
information
BUSINESS MANAGER
Daniel C. Hendrix
FINANCIAL SECRETARYTREASURER
Wade Pilgreen
PRESIDENT
Preston Richard
VICE PRESIDENT
Paul Davis
RECORDING SECRETARY
Guy Williams
INSIDE GUARD
Bobby Taylor
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Larry Edwards
Charlie Garrett
Mitch Leihr
Randy Mathis
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Thomas Brian Anderson
Buster Chapman
Billy E. Hawkins
EXAMINING BOARD
Clark Eastwood
Mike Miller
BUSINESS AGENTS
Chad Gilbert
Chris Lancaster
Black Schroeder
Rick Taylor
Darrell Turner
Phillip Wallace
798 ORGANIZERS
Ronnie Hill
Terry Langley
Jerry Ryan
DISPATCHER
Kevin Leeper
Out Of Work List:
918/663-3200
Dispatch FAX:
918/610-2740
Jobline:
918/610-2745
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I want to start out my report by thanking the Election Committee, Farron Hollabaugh, Louie
Langley and Kent Jewell, for their professionalism shown during our election process. All three
of these men, through their actions, assured the candidates and your local union that the election
followed all laws and regulations of the Department of Labor. When our election was final everyone knew it was fair and square and the results were certified to be true and accurate. I would like
to welcome the new officers who were elected and to thank the outgoing officers for their service
to this great local. Once again, I would like to thank the membership for their trust in Wade and
myself by having no opposition to our respective roles that we serve in.
By the time this report reaches most of you, Christmas and New Yearís will have come and gone. January and February will
be two strong winter months as many of our projects that started in 2013 will continue to furnish wages and man-hours for
our membership up until spring. As I am writing this report, we will close out the year with 8.6 million man-hours or stronger.
Going forward the work outlook is still bright. After discussing this with the contractors who sit on our pension and welfare
plans, we collectively believe the year 2014 could be another 8 to 9 million man-hour year.
A small segment of our work is maintenance or integrity digs on existing pipeline systems. Nearly all of this work entails
utilizing a low hydrogen process (uphill) of some type, either wire or stick rod. This work is currently being manned in many
instances by travelers from Building & Trade locals who are very familiar with this type of welding process. Local 798 welcomes the opportunity to share in this abundance of work with our Brothers and Sisters, but I caution our
members, that going forward this type of work is going to grow exponentially and could very well be 40%,
50% or even 60% of our work outlook in the not so distant future. Please utilize your Training Center and its fine
instructors so that you will have the skill sets needed for all of the work, not just a portion of it. There are great work opportunities for decades to come, and I urge you to not let this boom within a boom pass you by.
Although it may seem a ways off, the 2014 Steward School will be here before you know it. I want to encourage each of you,
regardless of classification or years of membership, to make your plans now to attend. April 7th will be our Voluntary Fund
Charity Golf Tournament followed by Lincoln Electric BBQ on the 8th. Steward School will began on Wednesday the 9th
through the 11th with our annual Crawfish & Shrimp Boil hosted that afternoon by Miller Electric. We will finish that evening
with our regular membership meeting. The ladies of 798 will have their annual charity Basket Auction on Wednesday evening
and Thursday evening Local 798 will host the Retiree Dinner in honor of our 50+ year members and all are invited for an evening of great entertainment. The exact schedule of events will be posted on our website as soon as time and space permit.
Once again, thanks for your support and loyalty to not only Local 798, but to me personally. I pledge to you that going forward
I will do everything within my ability to help this Local continue to be the voice of the American Pipeline worker. As always I am
proud to say “I work for you, the finest pipeliners in the world.”
Fraternally,
Daniel C. Hendrix
Business Manager
2013 Officer Election Results
President
Preston (The Prez) Richard
Randy Evans
Bobby L Harvey
Vice President
Paul Davis
D.L. “Bo” Johnston, Jr.
Recording Secretary
Guy S. Williams
Frank F Bowker
Business Manager
Daniel C Hendrix (Unopposed)
Financial Secretary-Treasurer
Wade Pilgreen (Unopposed)
Inside Guard
Jerry “Dale” Crabtree, Jr.
Bobby Taylor
Bradley J Ellis
Executive Board
Charles E Yates, Jr.
Troy Post
1039
489
418
1267
625
1503
425
1779
1802
868
866
93
1038
1028
Randy Mathis
Mitch (Groovy Man) Leihr
Charlie Garrett
Larry H Edwards
Kenneth Glaze
Guy Simms
Terry R Mullins
Terry Thibodeaux
Matt Ingram
Benji Rodgers
Finance Committee
Billy E Hawkins
W.F. (Buster) Chapman
Brian Anderson
Woodrow Woody Bratcher
Ed Coker
Examining Board
Mike Miller
Clark Eastwood
Phillip B Lancaster
Roger E Wheeler
Roger D Burrow
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 2
875
861
770
762
612
373
315
314
304
155
1408
1191
1076
889
844
1103
903
775
541
324
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope each of you enjoyed a little time off to spend with your family members over the holidays, and got some much
deserved rest from all the work we have in place at this time. I would like to take this time to congratulate the elected
officers who will serve this union for the next three years. I know without a doubt they will do the right thing each day
for the membership. I look forward to working with each of them throughout this term. As for the members that were
seeking office and were not elected or re-elected, I thank each of them for a job well done and I appreciate each of
them taking time from their daily lives to take part in this great organization. Also, I appreciate each of you that took
the time to vote. It is the one thing that every member should take part in.
I have been visiting with several contractors the last few months and most of them are predicting about the same
amount of work in 2014 as we had in 2013. With that being said, I hope you will take the time to come to the training center and work on your skills
early this year. Don’t wait until the heat of the moment and then to be forced to come and miss out on one day of this work. Most of these contractors are
looking at and bidding on more integrity work than any time in the past. This work requires you to be able to use low hydrogen proficiently, so if this part
of your skills needs tuned up then be sure to call Farron at the Training Center and set up a time to practice. He has some of the best instructors in the
nation and remember – this training center is owned by you, so you need to take advantage of this great facility.
The latter portion of 2013 we had to sell several new books to keep up with the amount of work. I would like to welcome each new member of Local 798
and thank them for making this great commitment. I would hope each of you realize that by making the commitment you have, this will in turn pay you
back multitudes for the remainder of your life. If you are unsure of anything or just need to ask a simple question, be sure to contact Danny, your BA or
myself and we will provide you the answer you need. We are definitely here to serve each of you on a daily basis.
Danny and I attended a Trustee meeting last week and the fund still remains super strong. The actuaries ran some preliminary numbers for the end of
2013 in preparation for the trustee meeting, and if the market remains steady until the end of the year they are predicting the fund to be around 120%
funded at that time. A few years ago the trustees hired a second set of eyes, Ed Burton, to look at how all the funds are invested. He is currently a professor of economics at the University of Virginia, sits on numerous boards and endowments across the nation, and acts as an advisor to several more.
During our meeting he stated, “out of all the funds I have had the pleasure to work with, this is the very best fund I have ever been associated with.”
Hearing this statement from such a highly respected and educated individual really made me feel proud of our pension fund.
After leaving the trustee meeting, over the next few days I pulled up several pension funds on the web site. As I pulled up each site I would see $70 $75.00 per Journeyman credit year, etc. It did not take me long to realize we are all in a great position to have one of the best retirements in the nation.
We are truly blessed! I also had some numbers pulled from a few members that have around 30 credits and are nearing retirement just to see how much
money has been contributed to the pension fund on their behalf for the 30 credits. Yes, it was a large amount. On average each of those members will
draw out the amount contributed in just five short years after normal retirement age, and then hopefully they will be able enjoy a great retirement for many
years beyond drawing out their initial investment. Also, when doing this research, I noticed this fund started to go in the right direction in 2007. I know
there may have been a little luck involved, but I think each of us need to give Danny Hendrix, David Barnett, and Grant Sample a very big “THANK YOU”
for having the foresight to add the money from negotiations to the benefits funds so that we can be where we are today. I have always thought to be lucky
you still have to do the right things and make the right choices, and they did! As we go into this year and you run across a good non-union hand (that
you think will be a good union member) be sure to share this information with them. Let them know they need to make the move now so that they can
also enjoy these benefits when they grow old, just like every working American should.
The General Fund is doing very well. We are now approaching the $72,000,000.00 mark, and I think we will surpass that mark by the end of 2013. Our
investments continue to do exceptionally well, especially with the market increases this year. Most of you know, when I report at the meetings it is on the
cost basis method of accounting, so I cannot report on investment gains that are not realized. The unreportable investment gains are up another four million dollars. So again, we are truly blessed as an organization.
The Voluntary Fund is also well funded and continues to serve the membership better than ever. If you know any member that has fallen on hard times
be sure to take the time to send a short request letter on their behalf. In 2012 we made it possible for you to log on to the web site and view your hours.
In 2013 the contributions you made to the Voluntary fund can be viewed on the website as well. Please note that if you contribute the last few weeks of
2013, some of this money could show on the website as contributed in 2014. When you receive your statements for 2013, the last few contributions you
made in 2013 may not be on that report but will be reflected on your 2014 statement. If you have any questions any time about the amount you are seeing on the website be sure to contact me. Just keep in mind that what you are seeing on the screen is usually 4 to 6 weeks behind. We are doing everything possible to make sure you know the money you contribute is going back to the membership during their hard times.
Just a note on the statements we provide annually: we have been doing some research on sending out these annual statements electronically by email if
you have provided our office with an email address. After talking with several members, they overwhelmingly preferred this method. But if you do not
have an email address on file, you will receive the dues and voluntary fund statements as usual by conventional mail to the mailing address you have on
file at our office. But I do encourage each of you that have not taken the time to register and set up an online account to do so at your convenience.
In closing I would like to thank all of you for supporting me the last few years and throughout my career. I hope each of you know I am truly honored and
blessed to serve you every day. I wish everyone a very prosperous and a safe 2014. As always, if you need anything do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Wade Pilgreen
Financial Secretary-Treasurer
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 3
Have a safe and enjoyable Holiday season. Pay attention to the other driver. See
ya’ll soon.
CHAD GILBERT
AZ, CO, NV, NM, UT, WY
Business Agents’ Reports
798 Business Agents
24-hour answering service
918-663-6520
Jobline: 918-610-2745
DARRELL TURNER
AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, SC
918/270-6737 918/663-6520 Press 4
Another year is coming to a close, and Pipeliners
Union 798 says “job well done brothers and sisters”.
Except that we, as an organization, won’t see much
of a slowdown this winter. There are areas of the
country that are booming while other pipeline localities are slow, but we are excited about the immediate
job opportunities because there are many. There is
expected to be winter work in my jurisdiction including Georgia and Alabama. Possibilities also exist
for a job or two in Florida. Mississippi promises
an excellent job late winter or early spring for Gulf South Pipeline Corporation.
Louisiana’s pipeline work is very slow, considering the vast volumes of gas and oil
in that state, and South Carolina shows no promise for work anytime soon.
I spend much of my time on the road taking leads from 798 members and checking them out. This is an outstanding way to remain in touch with the membership in
my jurisdiction as I verify jobs, contact nonunion contractors, and track welder activities. With that being said, please try to be as accurate as possible when providing
me with information. And when you ID a member as working nonunion, rest assured
that your name is going on the charges after I confirm the accusations.
Every single day Local 798 is discussed in board rooms, bar rooms, union and
nonunion right of ways, and any other place that pipeline welding is mentioned. It
is not brain surgery: Pipeliners Union 798 is the industry leader. That honor did
not just happen. For us old timers, Cliff and Doyle fought the good fight and put us
there. We have a dynamic duo leading Local 798 today who never cease to amaze
me. Danny and Wade tirelessly fight to better represent every member, no holds
barred. Just when it seems they have maxed out, their leadership and knowledge of
the industry produces new and better results for our membership.
But they need our help. There is a movement in the United States House of
Representatives to destroy over time laws. This nasty and mean spirited bill was filed
by a US Representative from Alabama. There is also a National Right to Work bill
making its rounds. The national Republican Party supports these bills and intends
to push them to the front burner in 2014. We must let our Congressional members
know how much we despise these bills and how they will cripple our way of life.
Closer to home, I have taken on the fight of my life. I am a candidate for
Alabama Senate District 13. With the blessings of the United Association, Local
798 Pipeliners, Alabama Pipe Trades, and several other unions, we must stand up
and stop the onslaught against working people in Alabama. All labor, union and
nonunion, have been attacked in my state with a vengeance never seen before. Our
legislature is pressing for “right to work” to be written into our state constitution.
Working dues have been made illegal for state workers. All unionized construction
and any union recognition with state government has been decertified. In fact, the
state of Alabama is pushing for a wholly nonunion environment. It is assumed by
some state officials that the mega pipeline project coming to Alabama will be built
nonunion. That is where Local 798 enters the picture. My opponent is the sponsor
of these labor busting bills, and that is why I have stepped up. I have to do this for
“all of us”. Go to www.electdarrellturner.com/ to help. We must win this one.
918/270-6736 918/663-6520 Press 3
I would like to start my report by congratulating
everyone who ran for an elected office. It’s not easy to
put yourself “out there” and seek support and votes.
To those elected, I am looking forward to working with
you for the continued success of our local.
I would like to thank Danny Hendrix for the progress we have made during his leadership. Over the
past seven years he has sacrificed an enormous
amount of time and effort to achieve great advancements for our members. Under his leadership our local has flourished and continues
to grow. We have all witnessed his dedication and commitment to our local. His job
as Business Manager is extremely difficult at times, and he handles it with professionalism and grace. As members we should never take for granted those in leadership who are working on our behalf.
The work outlook in the West is starting to look better with Snelson being the successful bidder on the 32 miles of 24 inch congested work that’s close to Denver for
Xcel Energy. This job was acquired due to our organizing efforts. We worked on getting this job, and others in the area, for over two years. Over this time, community
leaders have been supportive and repeatedly told gas companies they want well-built
pipelines whose contractors furnish good wages, healthcare and retirement for their
workers.
I would like to thank Ronnie Hill for his assistance in getting the jobs to go union.
We would not have unionized the work without his efforts. Also, Dennis Stiles and
the Western Ranchers Alliance have made a tremendous impact at city and county
hearings. These members care about the workers and getting jobs in these counties
so workers can support their families. Without dedication like theirs we would not
have been successful and the work would definitely not have been union work. My
thanks for their tremendous dedication to Local 798.
All this sounds great, but we cannot sit and be inactive because of our success.
We must hold the gas companies accountable if they choose to use contractors who
do not furnish good wages, healthcare and retirement for their employees. Working
families in the Pipeline Industry should not suffer so billion dollar companies can
make another dollar. We will stand and fight this kind of disrespect. If we don’t
“stand up and speak up” they will attempt to take what we, and many others, have
worked so hard through the years to obtain. We cannot let that happen.
We are pushing FERC with our organizing efforts to approve the Sierrita Pipeline
in Tucson, AZ, that consists of 60 miles of 36 inch. We have been told by the State
Department there are no objections to the Presidential Permit, and I feel with the help
of our legal personnel and the operating engineers we will obtain the FERC permits
the first quarter of 2014. Kinder Morgan wants an in-service date of September
2014. Personally, I think it will be extended to December 2014. I will keep you upto-date on the project.
My wish for you all is a safe and prosperous 2014. Please feel free to call me if
you have questions and/or concerns.
New Pre-jobs:
US Pipeline:
Hudson, CO. 27.5 miles of 16 inch and 5.5 miles of 8 inch. Enterprise Gas, high
scale rates and working 7-11’s. Welder Foreman, Brent Harper. Steward, Guy
Williams.
BLACK SCHROEDER
TX
409/753-2264 918/663-6520 Press 2
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year!
I would like to congratulate all the new elected
officers and also the ones that were re-elected. This
election showed what true democracy is really about;
everything ran smoothly thanks to the great job of our
Election Committee. I would also like to congratulate every single member that took the time to vote
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 4
since you are all part of this democracy. Our Business Manager Danny Hendrix and
Financial Secretary & Treasurer Wade Pilgreen went unopposed sending a strong
message that this Local Union is united.
The work in Texas has finally started, although a couple of the jobs were delayed.
We have been plagued with bad weather and an exceptional amount of rain on several of the projects. A lot of people are getting sick due to the drastic changes in the
weather and the viruses going around. When you go to work on a job make certain
you get the Welder Foreman, Steward, and office numbers so if you are sick you can
let the contractor know. This is very important because it could cost you your job by
not calling in.
We are in the process of filling the Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion with oil
from Cushing, OK to Nederland, TX. We have 17 UA members working on this
job. Thanks to TransCanada for awarding this job to Geeding Construction, a Fair
Contractor.
The work outlook still looks very good for 2014. There are still several large projects coming up for bid. While we work hard to get our fair share of the work, everyone needs to be mindful that we have to keep our quality and union professionalism
intact every single day.
If I can help anyone please don’t hesitate to contact me. If you are unemployed
call and get on the Out of Work list and call the Job Line every night. The Job Line
is filling every one of the jobs in Texas.
Pre-Jobs:
Sheehan Pipeline:
Pampa, TX. 22 miles of 26” Hydrostatic Testing for Kinder Morgan.
Superintendent, Tubby Long. Welder Forman, Brett Mason. Working 6-10’s.
15% reduction. Started 10-24-13. Job Complete.
McCizer Pipeline:
– Nash, TX. 12” Replacement & Assessment Digs for Center Point Energy.
Superintendent, Dewy McCabe. Steward, Chuck Hinton. Working 6-10’s. NPLA.
Started 10-21-13. Job Complete.
– Hooks, TX. 1200’ of 4” Replacement & Rehab for Center Point Energy.
Superintendent, Larry McCabe. Steward, Darrell Glaze. Working 6-10’s. NPLA.
Started 12-2-13. Job Complete.
Geeding Construction:
OK & TX. Commissioning of the Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion from Cushing,
OK to Nederland, TX. Superintendent, Greg Geeding. Steward, Carey Miller.
Working 7-10’s. NPLA. Started 11-4-13. Complete Feb.
Snelson Companies:
– Merkel, TX. 82 miles of 20” Mainline for Bridge TX Pipeline (Spread 1)
Superintendent, Rick Melroy. Welder Foreman, Chris Jost. Working 6-10’s.
NPLA. Started 11-4-13. Completion 4-1-14.
– Early, TX. 80 miles of 20” Mainline for Bridge TX Pipeline (Spread 2).
Superintendent, John Kennedy. Welder Foreman, Matt Johnson. Working 6-10’s.
NPLA. Started 12-10-13. Complete 5-1-14.
Price Gregory Int.:
Baytown, TX. 48 miles of 36” Mainline & Dir. Drills for TransCanada Keystone
Houston Lateral. Superintendent, Tommy Hardwick. Welder Forman, Billy
Clendening. Working 6-10’s. Project Labor Agreement. Started 11-20-13.
Complete 5-31-14.
RICK TAYLOR
CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NY, PA, RI,
VT, VA, WV
918/270-6739 918/663-6520 Press 7
The December meeting was again a great time to
visit with friends. This election cycle is over and congratulations are in order for those who ran for office,
those who won, and those who took the time to vote.
It has been a good work year for those who wanted
to work; over 8 million man hours have been logged
as of the end of November. Our Pension & Health
Care are strong and our wages are good. I personally think our local is the best of the best. The next
few years should yield the same benefits with 9 to10 million man hours projected for
2014. The work outlook is very promising and I hope we have members who will
again step up and man the work. I appreciate all those who have made this Union
what it is. We should all continue to abide by our contract and work Union.
Work in the northeast has slowed down due to the weather and holiday seasons.
The best advice I can give to those looking for work is to check the job line each
night for any job openings.
I want to wish each of you a wonderful new year. I hope you get time to spend
with your families and make more great memories. If I can be of any help to you,
please call.
As always: Be Safe! Be Proud! Be Union!
Pre Jobs:
Ace Pipeline:
– Natrium, WV. 60 miles of 8” pipe for pigging for Dominion. Welder Foreman,
Richard Williams. Superintendent, Jeff Wade. Working 6-10’s. High Scale
Wages.
– Evans City, PA. 27,200’ of 8” pipe new lay for Poly Cor. Welder Foreman, Chad
Thomas. Superintendent, Sam Jarvis. Working 5-10’s. High Scale Wages.
Appellation Pre Fab:
Long Eddy, NY. 2” to 30” piping Compressor Station for Millenium Pipeline
Company. Welder Foreman, Tim Ungard. Superintendent, Chuck Oldroyd Jr.
Working 6-10’s. Station Agreement.
B Miller Excavating:
Salem, WV Phase II 5 miles of 16” & 20” pipe new lay 24” HDPE for Antero.
Welder Foreman, Alex Yoak. Superintendent, Brian Miller. Working 5-10’s. High
Scale.
Bill Hawk Inc.
Zelienople, PA. 9,200’ of 20” pipe new lay for Poly Cor. Welder Foreman, Doug
Gochneaur. Superintendent, Charlie Snure. Working 6-10’s. High Scale.
Michels Pipeline:
Tioga, PA. 3,000’ of 3” pipe new lay & miscellaneous piping for Shell. Welder
Foreman, Mike Green. Superintendent, Jayme Fye. Working 5-10’s. High Scale
Wages.
Pipeline Constructors:
Moundsville, WV. Pipeline Interconnects & Meter Station for Northstar Industries.
Welder Foreman, Charles Haynes. Superintendent, Larry Nolen. Working 6-10’s.
High Scale Wages.
Union Pipeline:
Beaver Falls, PA. 33,000’ of 8” & 9,772’ of 20” pipe new lay for Poly Cor. Welder
Foreman, Brian Filipowski. Superintendent, Rich Grasselli. Working 5-10’s. High
Scale Wages.
Voshell Bros. Inc.
Dover, DE. 2” to 16” piping upgrade Station for Eastern Shore Natural Gas.
Welder Foreman, Ken Jones. Superintendent, Gale Voshell. Working 5-10’s.
High Scale Wages.
PHILLIP W. WALLACE
AR, IA, KS, MN, MT, MO, NE, ND, OK, SD
918/270-6738 918/663-6520 Press 6
I am writing this Blue Light Report after returning
from the December Union Meeting. There were 146
people in attendance, and that is good considering the freezing weather and all the work still going
on. I would like to congratulate all the officers that
were voted in by the membership, and thank everyone that ran for office. It’s good to see more people
taking interest in this local. We need more young
people taking interest and coming to the meetings. If
you’re not working, you need to come to every Union
Meeting you can. Every time you come to Tulsa you will meet someone new and who
knows, the next guy you meet may be hiring you next year.
The work is still holding up in my area. The Flanagan Pipeline is going well and
all three of my spreads are at about the same mileage, around 70 to 80 miles laid,
and all have low repair rates. Three of the four Stations are pre-jobbed and have
kicked off. This Project will go through the winter into next spring. I would like to
remind everyone the Flanagan Pipeline was done under a Project Labor Agreement,
that means 100% of the Pipeline and Station work is being done Union.
The sleeving and rehab work is going strong thanks to PHEMSA and DOT cracking
down on the major oil and gas companies. Sometime in January we will be putting
on more crews doing sleeve work and pipe replacement. It’s a shame someone has
to die in a pipeline explosion like the eight people that were killed in San Bruno,
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 5
California, before the big companies will spend money on maintenance keeping these
out-dated pipelines in service. All these sleeving jobs require uphill welding skills
with 7018 and 8018, so if you do not have these skills you have the best Training
Center in the world at your disposal in Tulsa. Take advantage of the training opportunities available. This work is not only in North Dakota and Minnesota, I have sleeving work in Iowa, Missouri, and Oklahoma going now and more to come in 2014.
Local 798’s members worked over 8 million man hours in 2013 and your Business
Manager, Danny Hendrix, predicted at the December meeting that we would work 8
million plus in 2014. So get ready to have a great year in 2014.
Here’s hoping you and your families had a Merry Christmas and will enjoy a
Happy New Year. Don’t forget to send prayers to our Troops overseas and also our
Brothers and Sisters that have sickness in their family.
Always remember, United We Stand Divided We Fall!
New pre-jobs:
Geeding Construction:
Mason City, IA. Koch. Sleeving. Superintendent, Greg Geeding. Welder
Foreman, Johnny Mason. Job Steward, Bill Ross.
Michels Pipeline:
– Harrisonville, MO. Flanagan Pipeline Pump Station. Superintendent, Craig
Watson. Welder Foreman, Leon Gibson. Job Steward, Craig Meyers.
– Salisbury, MO. Flanagan Pipeline Pump Station. Superintendent, Rodney
Jacobs. Welder Foreman, Paul Dowell. Job Steward, Gary Burrows.
Price Gregory:
Flanagan Pipeline Pump Station. Superintendent, Larry Wright. Welder Foreman,
Shaun Peek. Job Steward, Rusty Wallace.
CHRIS LANCASTER
IN, KY, MI, NC, OH, TN
918/270-6735 918/663-6520 Press 1
I am writing this report from home after returning
from the December Union Meeting. I want to congratulate the newly elected officers, as well as the reelected ones. Also, thanks to all the other candidates
for their interest and concern for this great union.
Everyone who ran should be congratulated - it is
uplifting to see the interest our members have in our
Union. It was good to have the opportunity to visit
with those able to attend the meeting. I know many of
you were on the jobs and couldn’t attend, but I hope to
see you at the January meeting or in the field
As the year comes to an end, I hope everyone has had a prosperous year. There
has been a lot of work and I hope everyone has taken advantage of these good times,
because many of us can still remember those lean time when jobs were hard to come
by. The work for next year looks as good as this past year. There is going to be lots
of work in Ohio and Michigan as well as other parts of the country. If for some reason you weren’t able to take advantage of the work this year, I hope you will be able
to next year!
I will close hoping everyone had a Merry Christmas, and will enjoy a Happy and
prosperous New Year. It has been a pleasure serving you and this great Local Union
this year. Happy Holidays!
If I can be of help, don’t hesitate to call. And thank you for your patience and help
through the past year.
I have held the following pre-jobs:
Otis Eastern:
– Findley, OH. 10-12” Anomaly Digs. Welder Foreman, Jonathan McElroy.
Superintendent, Scott Middaugh. Working 5-10’s. Approx. completion: 2-20-14.
– Meade, Sulpher Springs, IN. 250’ of 24” replacement. Welder Foreman, Joel
Rickey. Superintendent, Paul Naber. Working 6-10’s. Approx. completion: 1224-13.
CBC:
– Cadiz, OH. 3000’ of 20”, 5000’ of 16”, 300’ of 6” and 959’ of 4”. Welder
Foreman, Doug Boulet. Superintendent, Mitchel Elliott. Working 6-10’s. Approx.
completion: 1-11-14.
–Scio, OH. 25,000’ of 24”. Welder Foreman, Charlie Simmons, Jr.
Superintendent, Marty Elliott. Working 6-10’s. Approx. completion: 1-10-14.
Henkels & McCoy:
– Flint, MI. 6100’ of 12”. Welder Foreman, Richard Warren. Superintendent,
Jerry Bash. Working 6-10’s. Approx. completion 1-11-13.
– Wayne, MI. 32 - 12” Anomalies. Welder Foreman, Gary Mullins.
Superintendent, James Batton. Working 6-10’s. Approx. completion: 1-25-14.
– Lake George, MI. 2400’ of 36”. Welder Foreman, Danny Fate. Superintendent,
Jeff Fate. Working 6-10’s. Approx. completion: 12-15-13.
Roberts Pipeline:
Dundee, MI. 16” Integrity Digs. Welder Foreman, Jessie Tunny. Superintendent,
David Hill. Working 5-10’s. Approx. completion: 12-31-13.
UPI:
Howell, MI. Deactivation of 3500’ of 30”. Welder Foreman, Dan Pawloski.
Superintendent, Josh Hansen. Working 6-10’s. Approx. completion: 12-21-13.
Michels Pipeline:
Cambridge, OH. 14.31 miles of 24”. Welder Foreman, Tracy Lester.
Superintendent, Steve Whitson. Working 6-10’s. Approx. completion: 2-2-14.
Charps Welding:
Dundee, MI. 16” Integrity Digs. Welder Foreman, David Odegard.
Superintendent, Mark Olsen. Working 6-10’s. Approx. completion: 12-31-13.
Minnesota Limited:
Manistique, MI. 17 Integrity Digs. Welder Foreman, Tommy Yaklin.
Superintendent, Lloyd Pederson. Working 5-10’s. Approx. completion: 2-2-14.
Sheehan / Pampa, TX
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 6
Rockford Lancaster, OH
Standard for Excellence
My generation was born lucky! Most of our struggles in life have been con- uphill welding - come to Tulsa. This boom will be different than the last with
fined to personal issues, both self-created and those placed on us by some
the diversity needed to stay busy. Pipe is harder! Welding with the auto
outside influence. The luck part is timing! We didn’t have to go to war,
bug, hand-held wire and L.H. are necessary skills. Please do not limit your
we were too young for Viet Nam, and too old for the continual Middle East
employment opportunities by lacking these skills.
conflicts. We saw our country develop a moral conscious through the Civil
If you are young and just getting started – learn your craft and get your
Rights era, Clean Air Act, OSHA, and many others. When we entered the
finances in order. Someone saw something in you that made them believe
work force, unions were at their strongest and work was plentiful. Those of
you were worthy of being a part of the 798 pipeline family. Honor their
us that started working in the 70’s got to enjoy the conclusion of the pipeline willingness to vouch for you. You are our future! Use this time to buy that
boom of the sixties by constructing the Alyeska Pipeline.
house and get your business in order so that you can become strong union
I was fortunate enough to work on the Alyeska project a portion of 2 differleaders. You will need to step up sooner than you can imagine!
ent years. I didn’t stay up there as much as I could have
Going into 2014, I can give all of you that use the Dispatch
because with everyone wanting to work in Alaska, jobs were
Office some advice. Don’t try to play the system! Don’t use
plentiful in the lower 48 states. If you called Monk (the
unemployment to try to jostle for employment. Work every
Dispatcher at that time), you pretty much got a job. I knew
chance you get. Work is plentiful. Running the bases is far
people that stayed as much as they could in Alaska and
more effective than swinging for the fence every time you
paid their house off; others that paid cash for homes. They
come up to bat. Typically, the smaller jobs that are congestBy Kevin Leeper
set themselves up for life. They were good pipeliners and
ed or in rough terrain are the best and longest jobs. Read
they never had to work rat to pay their bills. They were not
your Dispatch Policy! I conduct the business of dispatching
raised to think that they needed a flat screen, an I-Pod or any of the other
exactly as it is written in black and white. There are no loop-holes to get an
trinkets that modern society lauds as “necessities.” They were raised to
unfair advantage, so conduct your business by that policy. If I can help you,
believe that owning a home was primary and all other material items were
I will, but it will be governed by what is required of me in that policy.
luxuries. They were right! People that work for a living have a choice: they
The Dispatch Office is open Monday – Friday and half day on most Satcan make a few major purchases or lots of little ones. Typically they can’t
urdays. We can be reached at (918) 610-2761 during those hours. If you
afford both.
are looking for work, call the Jobline Monday – Friday at (918) 610-2745
Another reason I feel that we were so lucky is because my generation has
between 5 PM and 7 AM Central Time. If you are choosy you will eventually
been given a second chance to secure our future. Most of us have a good
get a job. If you are not, and apply for everything, it doesn’t usually take
10 years of work left in us and probably enough work to carry us through.
long to get a job!
At some point, a big portion of our work will be anomaly digs and not
Have a Happy and Prosperous 2014!
cross-country mainline work. If you are not proficient with low-hydrogen,
Dispatch
Report
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 7
Ace Pipeline / Carrollton, OH
PIBF NEWS
Robert “Bob” Kime, Director
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
Increase
The $3,000 annual HRA benefit for active members,
members paying COBRA, married retirees and $1,500
for single retirees and retired widows was approved at
the last board meeting for the year 2014.
HRA claim submissions increases substantially during the
end of the year, therefore, please allow additional time
for processing of your claims before making inquiries
regarding the status of your claims. Claim status can
be obtained by logging into the “member only” area at
www.pibf.org. It is also recommended that you keep a
copy of the HRA claim that you file with PIBF for future
reference or in the event you would need to re-file your
paperwork.
PIBF Website Changes
The PIBF website will have new “member only” features
in 2014. Security on the member log in and password
information will be enhanced. Other features in the
member’s only section will include the pension calculator. The changes in the members section could take
place as early as mid-January 2014.
Reminder of Address and Telephone Changes
PIBF has informed the membership numerous times,
but this is another reminder to the members to keep
PIBF informed regarding address and contact information changes. Many members think if they inform the
Local, PIBF is given that updated information. Contact
information is not shared! Therefore, you need to tell
both the Local and PIBF of any changes in address or
phone numbers. Even if your pension payment is on
direct deposit, PIBF still needs a current address on file
for mailing required disclosures and tax forms. Health
claim and pension payments may be delayed if current
information is not on file.
401(k) Withholding
The PIBF staff notifies the contractors when a participant
is getting close to the maximum 401(k) withholding for
the year. Generally, the contractor’s payroll department
stops the withholding, however, PIBF recommends that
all members keep up with their 401(k) withholding for
the year and notify the current contractor’s staff that you
are nearing the maximum withholding. You can refer
to PIBF’s website for a listing of annual 401(k) maximum
amounts.
Each year the IRS publishes updated 401(k) contribution limits, as well as catch-up contribution limits for
the New Year. As mentioned above, this information
is displayed on the PIBF website at www.pibf.org. The
401(k) Contribution Limit for 2014 remains at $17,500,
with no increase over 2013. For those of you that are
over age 50 (or turn age 50 before the end of the year),
you are allowed an additional 401K “catch-up” contribution. This catch-up amount for 2014 is $5,500.
918-280-4800 – www.pibf.org
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 8
Steward School
April 9-11, 2014
Registration information will soon be
mailed to all members for the upcoming
Pipeliners Local Union 798 Steward School,
April 9-11, 2014. If you plan to work in the
future as a Steward, Welder Foreman, or
Pipeman, make plans to attend. Please complete your registration information and make
your reservations as soon as possible. Additional
information on all of the events will be included
with your registration packet. Pipeliners Local
798 has group rates at the
following facilities:
Renaissance Tulsa Hotel
6808 S. 107th E. Ave. 918 307-2600.
Courtyard by Marriott Woodland Hills
9041 E 71st St. 918 994-4500
When making reservations, please ask for the
Pipeliners Local 798 Steward School rate.
The 15th Annual Charity Golf
Tournament, benefitting the Harry Faucett,
Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund will be held
Monday, April 7, 2014 at Forest Ridge Golf
Course, 7501 E. Kenosha, Broken Arrow, OK
74014. Registration information will be included with your Steward School registration packet.
Lincoln Electric will host a BBQ lunch and
equipment demonstrations at the Local 798
Training Center on Tuesday, April 8, 2014.
Steward School registration packets can
be picked up at the Local 798 Training Center
from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8,
2014. You can also pick up your packet at the
Renaissance Tulsa Hotel Tuesday evening, April
8, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to
8:00 p.m., and again beginning at 6:30 a.m. on
Wednesday morning, April 9, 2014.
Classes covering the National Pipe
Line Agreement will be held at the Tulsa
Renaissance Hotel beginning promptly at
8:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2014, and
continue through Friday noon, April 11, 2014.
The Family and Retiree Banquet,
honoring members with 50 or more years
of service will start at 7:00 p.m. Thursday
evening, April 10, 2014. Join us for a
delicious dinner and entertainment.
Miller Electric will host the annual Crawfish
Boil and equipment demonstrations at the
Local 798 Training Center on Friday, April 11,
2014 at noon.
The 4th Annual Slick Rig Contest will
be held on Friday afternoon at the Local 798
Training Center. A minimum number of participants will be required for this event to be held.
Additional information will be provided with
your registration packet.
Classes covering the Pipeline Industry
Benefit Fund will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday,
April 11, 2014 at the Local 798 Training Center,
following the crawfish boil.
The April Regular Membership Meeting
will be held at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel at
7:00 p.m. Friday evening, April 11, 2014.
The April Ladies Hospitality will also
be held at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel from
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2014.
Special thanks go to our Sponsors:
Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric, Mathey
Dearman, Pferd, Inc., and Hypertherm,
Inc. Lincoln Electric and Miller Electric have
once again donated welding machines and other
prizes for a drawing to be held Friday evening
at the membership meeting. Help us show our
appreciation by purchasing a chance to win one
of these valuable welding machines. Contact
the Union Hall or Local 798 Training Center
for additional information. All proceeds will
be donated to the Pipeliners Voluntary Fund
Scholarship Program.
Reminder
Your monthly dues and working assessments paid for 2013 are available to you on the Member’s Only Login area of the Local 798 Website.
Once logged in, you can click on the payment history page and enter
any year period to view the total amount of monthly dues paid during
that time. To view your working assessments and organizing fees paid,
you must go to the work hour page and enter the date range you need,
and it will give you the totals for that time frame. Please remember,
hours are typically reported 30 - 45 days behind, so if you worked in
December, those working assessments will not appear until late January
to mid-February 2014.
Your printed year-end reports will not be available until after February
15, 2014. We will be working diligently to get this information out to
all members, so we will be unable to provide the information over the
phone prior to that date. You may, however, obtain this information
when logged into the Member’s Only Login area of the website as
indicated above. Please keep in mind that it is our goal to provide the
membership all the information they need, while striving to do so in the
most cost efficient ways possible.
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 9
Minnesota Limited in Clendenin, WV Submitted by Paul Jacobs, Jr.
Union Pipeline, Gurensey County, OH Submitted by Brian Filipowski
Photos Submitted by Members
Schmid Callery, PA Submitted by James Sansom
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 10
Submitted by James R Hawks
December 2013 Membership Meeting
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 11
Floyd Mike White would like to thank everyone who contributes to the Voluntary Fund
for the help he received when he had health
problems. Special thanks to Charlie Yates, Jr
and all the hands on the Rockford spread.
Terry and Sherry Sampsel say thank you for
the financial help after Sherry’s knee replacement. They appreciate all your kindness.
Michael Dunn and Family want to thank the
Voluntary Fund and all the members who
contribute. Special thanks to Doug Tanner,
Bob Houston, and everyone at CBC Pipeline
in Cadiz, OH.
Robert Fontenot thanks Local 798 and the
Voluntary Fund for the help given him after
surgery and pace maker implant. Special
thanks to Daniel Hendrix, Preston Richard,
Austin Fullen, Richard Prater and all the members who donate to the Voluntary Fund.
Steven and Shirley Taylor write to say
thank you to everyone who contributes to
the Voluntary Fund for the assistance they
received after Shirley was diagnosed with an
irregular heartbeat. She has had a pace maker
installed and all is good. Special thank you
goes out to Danny Hendrix, David Skaggs and
especially Darrell Turner.
Andrew Martin expresses his gratitude to all
of his Brothers and Sisters who give to the
Voluntary Fund. The help was greatly appreciated in his time of need.
John (Pee Wee) and Pauline Davis are grateful to the Voluntary Fund for the check they
received. It was greatly appreciated. It is an
honor to be a member of this great organization. Special thanks to the late Gene Nash and
his wife Anna for their thoughtfulness during
John’s illness.
Lucinda (Cindy) Brumfield thanks everyone who so generously contributes to the
Voluntary Fund for the check she received
after her medical layoff. She also appreciates all the nice messages brought home to
her from members of all the crafts working
on the Precision job in Niles, MI. Pipeliners
really are a caring bunch of men and women.
A big thank you to John Bradford and Steve
Gatehouse.
Gray and Sherry Steward appreciate the help
they received from the Voluntary Fund when
Gray was hospitalized. Thanks to all those
who contribute to the fund; especially the
hands on the Precision job in Jackson, MI. A
very special thank you to Raymond Johnson,
Steve Birgy, Mike Benham, and Paul Mullins.
Drema Dempsey would like to thank all her
Brothers and Sisters of Local 798 for the help
she received during her difficult time. Her
brain surgery went very well.
Willis Hundley writes to thank all the brotherhood who contribute to the Voluntary Fund.
The check he received will be a big help while
his wife fights cancer. He is very proud to
belong to a local union as strong as 798.
Special thanks to Brothers Rick Taylor and
Greg Rose.
Jason McKinney and Family thank all the
members who contribute to the Voluntary
Fund for the assistance they received after
the passing of a loved one. Special thanks
to Jimmy Strange, Robin Bogus and Andy
Anderson.
Barbara Peeden appreciates the help she
received during her time of need. Never has
she experienced such thoughtfulness and caring. The Voluntary Fund helped out a lot.
Thanks to all her fellow member supporters
and to those who prayed for her.
Benny Fontenot would like to thank the
Voluntary Fund and all the Brother and Sister
members who contribute for the help he
received. He is recovering from his surgery
and chemo. Special thanks to Brother Gerald
Martel.
The Family of Wayne Dark writes to say thank
you for all the help and support given during
this difficult time. A special thanks to Penny
Byrd.
Ricky Arlos expresses his thanks to the
Voluntary Fund and all involved for so generous a gift in his time of need. Special thanks
to Chris Lancaster, Boucher Mooney, Stephen
Gatehouse and Clay LaFaye. He is greatly
honored to be just a small part of this trusted
brotherhood.
Mark and Susanne Usery sincerely thank
everyone who contributes to the Voluntary
Fund. The gift they received during Susanne’s
fight against cancer was very much appreciated.
Wallace Wood sends a special thank you to
Local 798 and the Voluntary Fund. The check
sent to him after unexpected heart surgery
was much appreciated. He is doing well and
looking forward to returning to work with his
pipeline family.
Sherry and Marilyn Krogsgaard say the outpouring of support from fellow pipeliners has
been wonderful in their time of need. The
Bible they received when Jerry passed away is
truly a treasured gift; what a beautiful expression of care from the Union their family has
been proud to belong to for 44 years. It is their
faith, family and friends that will get them
through. Thank you with grateful hearts.
The Elliott Family express their thanks and
gratitude to everyone who contributes to the
Voluntary Fund for the check they received
for the passing of Mrs. Adalee Elliott; mother
of 79 year member Emmett Elliott and grandmother of 30+ year members Mitchell, Marty,
and Mark Elliot; also the great-grandmother
to 8 year member DeWayne Elliott. The help
was greatly appreciated. A special thanks goes
out to Elvis Stilwell, Carroll Morris, Stephen
Morris, and Stanley Chapman.
Guy and Janice Harrell thank all who contribute to the Voluntary Fund. They appreciate
the help after Guy had to leave the job in West
Virginia for the funeral of his mother-in-law.
They greatly appreciate the help. Thanks to all
the hands on the Rockford job; they appreciate
all your friendships.
Tommy and Sarah Dobson give thanks to all
the members of 798 who contribute to the
Voluntary Fund. May God bless each of you
for your support in their time of sorrow. A
special thanks to Ed Coker.
Jilliane Fillingim wants to say thank you to
everyone who donates to the Voluntary Fund.
It was very much appreciated.
Terry Harmon and Family express their gratitude to the Voluntary Fund and everyone who
contributes to it. They feel both proud and
blessed to be a part of Local 798. A special
thanks to Terry & Pam Thibodeaux, Benny
Thompson, and Charlie Thomas.
Kenneth and Lee Jones would like to thank
all those who give to the Voluntary Fund and
ask God to bless all that give from a generous
heart. The check will be used to help pay hospital bills. Special thanks to Danny Hendrix
and Wade Pilgreen.
Leslie, LeAnne and Nathaniel Cameron wish
to thank everyone who contributes to the
Voluntary Fund for their generous support
during Nate’s sudden surgery. Although he
will have more surgery in the years to come
with a long recovery ahead of him, the generous gift has been deeply appreciated. A special
thank you goes to Craig Gainer, Shane Barg,
Guy Williams and Troy Post.
The Family of Joseph W. Otte thanks Local 798
and its members for their love and kindness
expressed during the recent loss of their son
and brother, Joe. May Joe’s legacy of fun and
laughter remain in the hearts of those whose
lives he touched.
Doug Simpson, Jr. says thank you so very
much for the funds that were sent. Thanks
to all the Brothers and Sisters who give to the
Voluntary Fund each week. The money was a
great help to him and his family in their time
of need. He is still recovering from surgery but
hopes to be back on the line soon.
Ronald and Justine Dunn thank all the men
and women who give to the Voluntary Fund.
The money received during his hospital stay
was very much appreciated. It is great to be
a part of an organization that doesn’t forget
about its people.
Bryan and Janet Fox would like to say thank
you to all who contribute to the Voluntary
Fund for the help they received when their
father passed away. Special thanks to Van
Smith, Gerald Davis, and the hands on the
Mid-Ohio job in Tippicanoe, OH. Also special
thanks to Wade Pilgreen and Danny Hendrix.
Joe Noggle is thankful for the check he
received from the Voluntary Fund when his
father passed away. Thank you to all the
members who give to the Voluntary Fund and
to those thoughtful people who turned him
in for this unexpected gift. It was very much
appreciated.
Terry Langley sends a note to say thank you
for the gift. He is improving every day.
Glenn Davis wishes to thank the Voluntary
Fund for the check he received when his
wife, Ruth, had major surgery. She is home
and doing well. Special thanks to Rodney
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 12
and Karen Davis for submitting his name. Also
special thanks to Danny Hendrix and Wade
Pilgreen.
Frederick Curran writes to say thank you to all
the members who contribute to the Voluntary
Fund for the help he received during his battle
with cancer. He gives special thanks to Bucky
Price, Geno Lundfelt, and Ron Kenworthy.
The Family of Terry Mullins gratefully acknowledge the kind expressions of sympathy when
Terry passed away. They truly appreciate your
kindness.
Charles Lynch thanks the Voluntary Fund
for the check he received after having knee
replacement surgery. A special thank you
goes out to Ernie Fontenot, Mack Doyle, Wade
Pilgreen, Danny Hendrix and the members of
Local 798.
Jessie (Danny) Dunn would like to thank the
Voluntary Fund and everyone who gives to it
for the check he received after his recent surgery. Special thanks to Jesse Johnston, Danny
Hendrix and Wade Pilgreen.
Kenneth Hamm (Hamm Bone) says thank you
to everyone who contributes to the Voluntary
Fund for the help he received in his time of
need. Special thanks to Barry Forrester, Nickie
Broussard, Tommy Dunn, Mike Miller, and Tim
Adrian.
Roy Leftwich II wants to thank those who give
to the Voluntary Fund and also to the ones
who took the time to think of him in his time
of need.
Raymond Scarborough writes to thank the
Voluntary Fund for help received when he had
cancer surgery. He is recovering nicely and
sends a special thanks to Tommy Boulware.
God bless all of you!
The Family of Daniel Kilpatrick express their
gratitude for the outpouring of calls and support from their Brother and Sister 798 members
when Dan passed away. Dan loved pipelining
and mostly the people he worked alongside. A
special thank you to Mitch Leihr, Alexandrina
Thomas, Craig Lord, James Morgan and Jerry
R. Reece.
Jeffrey L. Pumphrey and Family thank the
Voluntary Fund and all the Brothers and Sisters
who contribute to it. The assistance received
was so very generous and appreciated during
their darkest time and greatest need. May God
bless every one of you. Please remember them
in your prayers as they remember each of you.
Nick and Jonita Walters say thank you to all
the 798 members for the help they received
from the Voluntary Fund after Jonita’s surgery.
Thank you to all who give to this fund; it meant
a lot to them. Special thanks to Steve Hinton!
Allean McBeth and the Family of Arneil McBeth
acknowledges with grateful appreciation the
kind expressions of your sympathy. Thank
you for remembering Arneil as he loved his
Local Union 798. We are truly a big family
of Brothers and Sisters. Thank you for your
thoughts and prayers.
Congratulations!!
Casey Dean Newton was born September 24,
2013. He is the son of Krisdean and Bryce
Newton, Welder.
Harry R. Connaway, Welder, Texico, IL
James C. Gandee, Jr., Helper, Winfield, WV
Clayton J. Landreneau, Welder, Ville Platte, LA
Daniel E. Pawloski, Welder, De Tour Village,
MI
Paul J. Pekinto, Welder, Lumberton, MS
Roger A. Spurlock, Helper, Reno, OH
Diane L. Steele, Helper, Bald Knob, AR
Jesse C. Wilson, 95 year-old Retired Journeyman
Spacer of Jonesboro, AR passed away October
12, 2013.
Kenneth R. Crabaugh, 80 year-old Retired
Journeyman Spacer of Pryor, OK passed away
October 16, 2013.
Daniel S. Kilpatrick, 27 year-old Welder of
Copemish, MI passed away October 29, 2013.
Jerry A. Krogsgaard, 65 year-old Retired Welder
of Victoria, TX passed away October 29, 2013.
Terry R. Mullins, 52 yearold Welder of Mobeetie,
TX
passed
away
November 1, 2013.
Robert E. “Wobbles”
Keeney, 51 year-old
Journeyman Spacer of
Finley, OK passed away
on November 3, 2013.
Waldon E. Teeter, 84 year-old Retired
Journeyman Spacer of Ethel, MO passed away
on November 9, 2013.
Chris A. Mejean, 32 year-old Helper of Elkins,
WV passed away November 10, 2013.
Howard L. Wyatt, 69 year-old Retired Welder
of Mount Olive, MS passed away November
14, 2013.
Charles O’Meara, 70 year-old Retired Welder
of Carriere, MS passed away on November 21,
2013.
Kenneth L. Springer, 43 year-old Welder of
Evanston, WY passed away on November 25,
2013.
Harold L. Jannings, 78 year-old Retired Welder
of Dodge Center, MN passed away on November
27, 2013.
Jerry B. Herring, 72 year-old Retired Welder
of Walnut, MS passed away on November 28,
2013.
Emery “Arneil” McBeth, 86 year-old Retired
Welder of Mt. Pleasant, TX passed away on
December 1, 2013.
Jerry L. Kinsler, 76 year-old Retired
Journeyman Spacer of Tomball, TX passed away
on December 4, 2013.
MO passed away November 25, 2012.
New & Used: RV’s, 5th Wheels, and Travel
Trailers. (865) 521-9112. View Inventory &
Parts at www.rvsforless.net.
SAE 300. 350 hours. $13,000. Call Tim at
(918) 513-2968.
2004 Lincoln 300 D Classic Welder for Sale. It’s
in excellent condition and has 4871 hours on
it. It has a set of new 300 brushes in it now
and comes with a new set of 200 brushes. Also
comes with a 125 foot cable remote. Asking
$6500 OBO. Call Victor at (585) 610-8058.
For Sale: 1968 Lincoln SA250. New armature,
new exciter armature, with remote. Text or call
(501) 658-3616 for more info.
The High Chaparral of Argentina Hunting
Lodge. Brother Fabian Varas, a 10+ year 798
Welder still working, now owns a hunting
guide service in Argentina. 798 Members will
get preferential treatment. (850) 588-3228.
www.HighChaparralHunting.com. Thank you
for your loyal support.
2004 Dodge 3500. 5.9 HO diesel crew cab,
6 speed, 267k miles. Asking $6,000 OBO.
Needs motor work but still runs. Call (785)
204-1892.
Brothers and Sisters, due to limited spacing, SHORT & PERSONAL items are
published as space permits. We try to print some in each category, and will
get to yours as soon as possible. All items must be submitted in writing.
Pipeliners
Voluntary Fund
Scholarship Programs
All scholarship applications
must be received in our office
by January 24, 2014 to be
considered for the 2013/2014
Scholarship Programs.
You
can still obtain an application
on the Local 798 website at
www.local798.org under the
Voluntary Fund tab, or make a
request by phone at (918) 6221900. If you have any questions regarding the Scholarship
Program, do not hesitate to call
the Union Office.
Member
Honored With
U.A.Certificate
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 13
50 +
YEARS
INITIATED
NOVEMBER 2, 1960
Billy G. Limbaugh
Advance, MO
Welder
Sheehan / Beech Bottom, WV
January 10, 2014
Meeting Notice
The Regular January Membership Meeting
will be held at the Pipeliners Local Union 798
Union Hall, 4823 S. 83rd E. Ave., Tulsa, OK
on Friday, January 10, 2014
beginning at 7:00 p.m.
SPECIAL BUSINESS:
Intallation of Officers.
798 Ladies Hospitality
& Motel Accommodations
The 798 Hospitality will be held at the
Renaissance Tulsa Hotel – 6808 S. 107th
E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74133 – beginning at
6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2014.
The Renaissance Tulsa Hotel has
graciously offered a discounted
room rate of $91.00.
To make reservations, call 918 307-2600.
Make sure you indicate you are with
Pipeliners Local Union 798.
I know most of you attend a JSA each day on the job
site, and I hope the foreman overseeing the meeting has
some good topics each day that are related to the work
you will be performing that day. I just recently attended
a PLCA safety class in Dallas and the main topic from every speaker was we need to personalize safety more and
quit implementing more do’s and don’ts. When I was a
foreman in the fields this was one of my main goals: to
help the employees understand I could say “do this” and
“don’t do that”, but ultimately it is up to each of them to
work safely every minute of every day.
If I was telling the employees that when going
to the work site, we would be crossing two
unmarked, heavily traveled railroad tracks
on the way to the R.O.W and they need to
be sure to stop and look both ways prior
to crossing. I, personally, could not stand
there as each one crossed to make sure they did stop,
so ultimately it is each individual’s responsibility to stop
before proceeding across the track. If an employee does
not stop, and a train hits the truck, who is the one that
would be in harm’s way? Not the Foreman; it would be
you. So I think this is a great example each of us should
use on our daily tasks. You should stop and think before
making a move to see who could be impacted if I make
this move improperly, because 90% of the time it would
be that employee. As I attended the PLCA safety meeting, it reassured me that the contractors businesses are
depending more each year on their hopefully perfect
safety records to obtain more work from the clients. For
the contractors to keep their perfect safety records it
really depends on each of you to do your job as safely
as possible. With the highly competitive market these
contractors are in, we need to do our part to make sure
they keep their safety programs some of the best in the
country, so they can continue to be awarded projects, so
we can have a job to provide for our families.
Another topic that was mentioned at this
safety meeting was the impact social media
is having on our pipeline contractors. As all
of you know, you cannot show up anywhere
these days and not see someone with a cell
phone taking pictures. This is just a reminder
that when you take a picture of a possible safety infraction, and post it on the internet, all we are doing is giving our competition more ammunition to use against us
when the Non-Union go to the client to bid against our
fair contractors. So be mindful before sharing pictures
with people that may post them on places they do not
need to be. Thanks again to each of you for the safe
work you do each day on the right of way!
Safety
First
Blue Light Reports • January / February 2014 • Page 14
115-R Rumble of Unity Black
Short-Sleeved T-Shirt. (L, XL,
2XL, 4XL). $10.00
116-C Sportsmaster Masterfleece© Three-Season Jacket.
Jacket
With embroidered 798 logo. Heavy-duty, tear-resistant fabric.
Rain & stain resistant. Lined. (M, L). $75.00
119-C Navy Sweatshirt.
(2XL, 4XL). $25.00
115-H Heart of America
Black Short-Sleeved T-Shirt.
(XL, 2XL, 4XL). $10.00
116 Navy
Logo Hoodie.
(L, 2XL, 3XL,
4XL) $22.00
101-A Navy Summer Cap.
$13.00
101-B Navy / Tan
Summer Cap. $11.00
101-C2 Winter Camouflage Cap. 15.00
101-C Summer Camouflage Cap. 15.00
206 Safety Short
Sleeved Pocketed T-Shirt.
Fluorescent Green with
Reflective Ink. Logo on
front pocket. (Back shown).
(S, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL).
$12.00
101-F Bone Brushed
Cotton Twill “Union Yes”
Sandwich Bill hat. $12.00
101-G Navy Patriotic Cap. 9.00
101-H Navy Blue Cap
101-L Fitted Patriotic Cap. (S/M). w/Red Bill. $9.00
$17.00
101-N
“The Legacy Continues”
Cap. Bone/camo $14.00
101-J White Cap. $16.00
101-K Navy / Tan Winter Cap.
$16.00
101-M ”I’m All In”
sized hat. Back says 60th
Anniversary 1949-2009.
(Large only) $23.00
136 Local
Union 798
Glasses.
Set of 4.
12 oz.
$5.00
129 798 Money
Clip. $11.00
132 798 Computer Bag. $40.00
130
798 Key Chain.
“United We Bargain /
Divided We Beg”.
$8.00
139 Single Lock
Blade Knife.
$10.00
113 JFK Half Dollar
Coin. $3.00
125 60th Anniversary
Case Pocket Knife.
Pipeliners Local 798 on
blade. Numbered.
$71.00
135 798 Logo
Blanket
$31.00
104 Portfolio.
Navy. $15.00
137
798 Lapel Pin.
$4.50
Visit the Merchandise Cart at www.local798.org to view and order available products.
Or call the Union Hall at (918) 622-1900 to place an order.
PRESORTED
FIRST CLASS MAIL
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PA I D
WICHITA, KS
PERMIT NO. 23
4823 S. 83rd E. Ave.
P.O. Box 470798
Tulsa, OK 74147-0798
Bill Hawk / Cadiz, OH