Plasterers Local 200
Robert Pullen, Bus. Mgr.
1610 W. Holt Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 865-2240

By Tom Castleman

Plasterers Local 200
Like most other Unions we annually graduate apprentices, recognize the fact that they are our future, start a new batch of apprentices. As a result, the cycle of 'come and go' continues. These new journeymen spend the rest of their careers battling economic turmoil, extreme weather conditions and tortuous traffic jams, yet they still manage to survive these uphill battles for several years and in some cases, decades. 

This last October we had our annual 'Apprenticeship Graduation and Old Timers Luncheon' at the Universal Sheraton where we honored our seasoned veterans with the same enthusiasm as we do our accomplished apprentices. 'Apprenticeship' awards included: perfect attendance, outstanding student and apprentice of the year while 'Continuous Service' awards ranged from 25 to 60 years of service. The most awards (22 of them) were given to the 60 year, post 'World War II' members who proudly came from as far away as Michigan just to receive an award. You should have been there to see the humble glow on those 'faces of valor'.
One can simply hope that in the years to come that we will all have the same opportunity to be the recipient of an award such as these. But in the meantime, we still need to help our young (rather than eat them) and continue honoring our elders (rather than forget them).