SOAR Director Expresses Gratitude

It is with mixed emotions that I write this column. I have spent a great deal of time these past six years; working shoulder to shoulder with President Entrekin through some very difficult times. I have the utmost respect for Connie and his ability to rally our members on the issues that most affect our members. His dedication to working families and retirees is second to none.

Not only have I had the opportunity to know Connie on a professional level, my wife Carol and I have gotten to know both him and his wife Barbara on a personal level, and have thoroughly enjoyed their company. As we have travelled across this great union of ours, we have bonded in a way that makes it very difficult for me to see him move on.

I want to thank Connie for all he has done for our organization and the positive influence he has had on me. He has strengthened my resolve and commitment to the work that we do on behalf of our retirees and working America.

On behalf of all of us, I say thank you Connie for your service and we wish you and Barbara the best as you enter this next phase of your lives together.

I also would like to congratulate Bill Pienta on his appointment as SOAR president. I have known Bill practically all my working life. We were members of the same local union and served as fellow officers of that local for many years, prior to our appointment to the union’s staff. Bill’s experience as a local union leader, servicing staff and district director will serve him well, as he faces the challenges that will confront him in his new role in our union.

As Director, Pienta had a reputation of being a fighter and strong political activist. He has a straight forward approach to getting the job done. His ability to deliver a message and motivate activists will serve him well as our president.

I look forward to working with President Pienta as we face the challenges of protecting and enhancing the quality of life of our retired members and working families. Please join me in congratulating Bill on his appointment and welcoming him to his new position!

Jim Centner, SOAR Director

Connie Entrekin Retires as SOAR President

After spending 55 years of my life in the trenches, I have decided to slow down and spend more time with my wife Barbara and family. I have always advocated that we need to look around for new leaders and know when it is time to step aside. For me, that time has come.

I informed USW International President Leo W. Gerard of my decision and have recommended to him that recently retired District 4 Director Bill Pienta follow me in office. Leo supports this recommendation and has asked both Bill and myself to attend the USW Executive Board meeting scheduled for the end of July. I served with Bill on the International Executive Board for a number of years and saw firsthand the outstanding work he did as Director of District 4. I believe he is the right person to lead SOAR, as we face the challenges that lie ahead. I urge you all to give him your full support.

But before I leave, I want to take a moment to honor USW/SOAR President Emeritus Lynn Williams. His strength of character and leadership qualities made the transition into this job seamless. I thank him for his guidance and support.

I also want to thank all of you for the support you have given me these past six years and urge you to continue your involvement with SOAR.  I have really enjoyed my years as President of this wonderful organization. As I have travelled around this great union, I have met many of you and applaud the good works you do on behalf of our nation’s retirees and working families.

SOAR must continue to grow. It has never been more important to our retirees and union. Retirees and working families are under unprecedented assault. Corporations are using the excuse of the global economy to gut our contracts and abandon their obligations to their retirees. Congress is attempting to balance our nation’s budget on the backs of the working class, while cutting the taxes of corporations and the wealthiest Americans. We can’t stand back and let that happen. We need to continue to fight back! SOAR provides us with the vehicle to make our voices heard.

In closing, I want to wish Bill Pienta great success in his new role as SOAR president and congratulate him on his appointment. Again, thank you for the support you have given me and for your continued support of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees.

Connie Entrekin, SOAR Emeritus Member