It was early in his plumbing career that Fred “Bud” Powers got called into the Marines during the Korean War. When he returned home to Grand Rapids, Mich., he discovered that the his fellow workers had voted out the union.

“That’s when I walked out of the office and stayed with the union,” he said. “And I’m glad I did.”

Powers was recently honored for his 65 years of service at our annual Service Pin Awards. His decision to stay with the UA took him to Santa Monica, Calif., then Colorado Springs, Colo. Eventually he moved San Jose and joined UA Local Union 393, where he worked until his retirement in 1987.

“It’s a good trade, a good career,” said Powers, who served many years as president and vice president, as well as a member of our Local’s finance and negotiating committees.

The awards are an opportunity to honor the hard work and dedication of our longtime members like Powers. Congratulations to everyone on their new milestones!

Check out more photos of the awards ceremony at http://lightfxphoto.zenfolio.com/servicec . Password: Pin