Local 3 New York Member Portrays Custer

Local 3 NY member David J. Schmidt’s passion for the Civil War and painstaking research helps bring history to life. Wearing the garb and accessories of the era, Schmidt portrays Union General George A. Custer in Civil War reenactments up and down the East Coast.

“It all started with my love of American history,”said Schmidt in a recent interview with a local newspaper. “I started out by researching the Indian Wars. I then became heavily interested in the Civil War.”>

After becoming involved with the Civil War Heritage Foundation, Schmidt assumed the role of Custer at the group’s Civil War reenactments. The group scrutinizes the historical details at their events, including the interactions of soldiers, politicians, doctors, nurses, and civilians. “We’re a living history organization,”says Schmidt.

Texas Member Proud of Gold Card

Beginning his career as a Union tile setter and bricklayer in 1947, Local 1 TX/LA/NM member Pete Gomez worked his way from tile finisher to foreman on jobs in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. After retiring in 1995, Texas Stone and Tile Company called Gomez out of retirement to help train a new generation in the dry mortar method of laying brick pavers. “I’ve spent over fifty years in a trade that I have absolutely loved. My advice to the younger generation is to be proud of your work. If you have to take a few more minutes to do the job right, then do it,”says Gomez.

Local 2 Alberta Members Honoured

Local 2 AB Business Manager Peter Homan and Executive Committee members Brian Sinfield, Chris Siever, Lyle MacPherson, and Walter Meznaric recently presented service awards to members of the Calgary-based Local Union. From left, Sinfield, 25-year member Les Pruden, Ron Siegmund (representing his father, 40-year member John Sigmund), 40-year member Karl Brau, Siever, 25-year member Heinz Lauper, MacPherson, 40-year member Frank Ambrosone, 40-year member Valentino D’Orazio, 40-year member Mike Pockar, and Meznaric.

Local 4 Alberta President Crafts Custom Patio

Local 4 AB President Herb Kind built this custom-crafted patio fireplace complete with glass block walls and lighted piers last summer.

Local 1 Oregon Presents Service Awards

From left, Local 1 OR Business Manager John Mohlis, 50-year Gold Card member Bill Bogh, 25-year members John Weihl, Dale Shiprack, and Mark Bader, and 40-year member George “Bob”Schell.

Local 9 Pennsylvania Honors the Swidzinski Family

The officers of Local 9 PA recently honored three members of the Swidzinski family for their service to the Local and the union masonry industry. Frank Swidzinski, right, received his Gold Card and a gold watch for 50 years of service. His son Dale, left, received his 25-year pin and Dale’s son Brian, center, holds a plaque honoring his win at the Local Union’s recent apprentice contest. The Swidzinski family owns and operates Swidzinski Masonry in Butler, PA.