Reunion

When I think of the word Reunion, I think of the different guys I have worked around in the almost 35 years I have been an electrician. The reason that thought comes to mind, is that a special group of Wiremen (Union Electricians), throw a party every year that lasts a week. You pay a set fee, this year it was $200.00, and you get three meals a day, all the beverages you could ever want, and the opportunity to see people you have worked with, from all over this country of ours. It is a real family affair, with kids running all over the place. As the roots of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers run very deep, so do the roots of the IBEW Reunions. Many, many young men and women who used to come to the reunions with their parents, are now wiremen, themselves, and are bringing their kids.

There is something at an IBEW Reunion for everyone. From board games, to field games, to fishing, to golfing, there is no time to be bored. The music is also very good and almost nonstop. Mostly Country with a little old Rock and Roll thrown in. Chances are, you ask a wireman why he doesn't play music all the time, he'll tell you he likes what he does, and wouldn't change a thing.

I miss more reunions than I should. It is a wonderful opportunity to see different parts of this country of ours, while seeing old friends you don't see very often. This year it was 55 short miles from Paris, at Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch, and there were over 2000 union craftsmen, plus their families, in attendance. A good time was had by all!