Members' Loyalty Keeps BAC Strong

Loyalty and dedication are the foundation of a strong union. Those members who stay with the Union during the hard times, as well as the good times, help BAC retain its position as the oldest continuous union in North America. The following are two such members. “The dedication of these two 75-year members helped build our Union and keep it strong,” says BAC President John J. Flynn. “They serve as an example for all of us.”

Brother Austin Hobson Honored for 75 Years of Service

Seventy-five-year member Austin Hobson, Jr., receives his Service Award plaque. From left, Local 1 MD/VA/DC Secretary-Treasurer Gary Menna, Hobson, and President Jack Greenstreet.	From left, Local 1 MD/VA/DC Field Representative Byron Holley presents Austin Hobson, Jr. with his BAC watch commemorating 75 years with BAC.

In March 2005, Austin Hobson, Jr., celebrated his career as a bricklayer and his 75 years as a dedicated member of Local 1 MD/VA/DC. In recognition of this special achievement, he was honored by his fellow members for his life-long committment to the craft and Union, and given a 75-Year Service Award plaque and BAC signature watch.

Born on July 10, 1912 in the Church Hill section of Richmond, Brother Hobson prides himself on being a lifelong resident of the Richmond area. He began his masonry career as a bricklayer in his late teens, working for his father, Austin Lloyd Hobson, Sr. When his father died, Hobson took over the family business, specializing in residential work until his retirement in 1976. When he wasn’t laying brick, he taught masonry at the Highland Springs Technical Center and Pre-Apprentice School at the Richmond Technical Center.

At 92, Brother Hobson has a special perspective on both the craft he built his career around and the Union, which he has shared with his two sons. Still active and in good health, Brother Hobson enjoys spending time with his wife, his children, his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He spends his spare time golfing and fishing.

Local 15 Missouri/Kansas Celebrates Brother Robert Bright's Lifetime of Service

From left, Local 15 MO/KS President Steve Mullen presents Brother Bright with a 75-Year Service Award.

Local 15 Missouri/Kansas President Steve Mullen was honored to present a 75-Year Service Award plaque to member Robert Bright.

Brother Bright joined BAC in July 1928 after graduating high school at the age of 19. He went to work for his father, a signatory contractor and BAC member since 1910. When he became a journeyman he earned a rate of $1.50 per hour and considered himself very fortunate to have been able to work through the Great Depression. He specialized in refractory work at the Phillips Refinery in Kansas City, Missouri, the Sunflower Ammunition Plant, and at various cement plants.

Throughout his many years as a bricklayer, he set an example for apprentices and journeyman alike. He stayed active in his community at the First United Methodist Church in Topeka, and served as a trustee on his Local Pension, Health and Welfare Committee for 27 years. He also attended numerous IU Conventions.

The Bright family has and continues to play an active role in the Union - Brother Bright’s grandfather Joseph, his father Theodore, and his late son Bob, Jr. were all loyal BAC members. He is proud that his grandson Stephen is carrying on this family tradition of BAC membership.

This year, Brother Bright celebrated his 96th birthday and 77 extraordinary years of dedication and service to BAC.