JFK Mechanic Letter to Reding

[Wretched Wrench]

As far as Al making more if he was retired I doubt it.

I doubt it, too. Since the concessions, our retirement isn't what it used to be. Plus, our retirement medical isn't very good or stable. I don't think he is a veteran, so there is no VA medical to fall back on.

But thats not why he stays, he truly does love working on airplanes.

Does he actually WORK on airplanes, or is he a crew chief?

 

[midnights]

Does he actually WORK on airplanes, or is he a crew chief?
When I worked for him 10 yrs ago he was one of the few that actualy came out to help hook up tow bars, push airplanes, move entrance stands and so on....we had crew chiefs half his age that would bark orders and go eat bagles and coffee....Everyone who works in A/C maint could learn alot from him...I know I did......congrats AL!!!!

 

[Ken MacTiernan]

Gless was there.

None of the top company officials were though. Crandall was at his 50th. Just goes to show how management now views longevity.

As far as Al making more if he was retired I doubt it. I believe that in addition to his pay he collects social security. But thats not why he stays, he truly does love working on airplanes.

I stand corrected. I am glad that Gless was able to attend and show his respect.

 

[Bob Owens]

I doubt it, too. Since the concessions, our retirement isn't what it used to be. Plus, our retirement medical isn't very good or stable. I don't think he is a veteran, so there is no VA medical to fall back on.
Does he actually WORK on airplanes, or is he a crew chief?

He is a veteran of Korea where he worked on Helicopters serving a MASH unit.

 

[Wretched Wrench]

He is a veteran of Korea where he worked on Helicopters serving a MASH unit.

I salute his service, and I'm glad he has VA medical to fall back on if AA pulls the rug out from under retirees on medical insurance.

 

[eolesen]

Well, don't forget that there's also Medicare... IIRC, he's been eligible for at least 10 years.

 

[Wretched Wrench]

Well, don't forget that there's also Medicare... IIRC, he's been eligible for at least 10 years.

I know little about Medicare, but I knew a fellow who stayed working long after 65 due to medical expenses for his ailing wife. He said Medicare was inadequate, and he had to work to be able to afford her care. I did not press for particulars.

 

[Mitchb]

Hello, I happened to stumble on to this board while searching through the internet. My name is Mitch Blackman. I am Al Blackman's son. I would like to thank those of you who celebrated Al's 65th anniversary with him on July 17th. Al appreciated the recognition by his coworkers.

Please allow me to give you a brief insight into Al Blackman from an 'inside perspective'. Al does not continue to work due to a lack of other interests or because his wife throws him out of the house. He does so because he identifies his personal self worth, to a large extent, with being productive. Over the years I can recall many of his work related stories going way back where he would come home and talk about things that happened on the job. The common thread through all of them - over the years was how he, with the combined effort of his coworkers, were able to accomplish something on the job. Sometimes simple things such as making a repair that avoided a delay to fabricating parts in a structural repair that would otherwise have resulted in a costly and time consuming ferry to Tulsa. Al is, and has always been, most proud of his efforts that contributed to the success of the company. And he has always enjoyed working with like minded individuals. He comes to work every day eager to face new challenges which present new ways to make a contribution.

Over the years, looking at Al Blackman's career from my unique perspective, I would have to conclude that Al is as close as you could come to a model employee. He is and has always been eager to come to work. He wants to be part of a team that can accomplish good things. He has always been committed to the greater good of the airline. He has always been willing to put in extra effort to realize a successful outcome of events. He has always been aware that the success of the airline comes from the combined efforts of individuals and he has always been more than willing to contribute his unique talents to this end. Al is mostly modest and does not seek or expect praise for his accomplishments. Al is the kind of guy who comes to work everyday and gives the best he can.

Al's contribution over 65 years is a rare and significant milestone that may never again be repeated. In today's business climate, it is not surprising that this event passed without any meaningful effort to recognize this by the company's top officers. The people running American today are not airline people. They are business school graduates who are concerned with little besides the company's spread sheets and their own prosperity - often at the expense of those who make the airline what it is - employees like Al Blackman. The people who built the airline and this industry have come and gone. Had someone with the stature and significance of a CR Smith NOT recognized Al in some meaningful way - then this would have been a great dissapointment. I believe American's top officers and those on the board who are supposed to be leading this company can learn something significant from Al Blackman. 65 years of dedication to the greater good. CR Smith would be proud.

Regards

Mitchell Blackman

 

[Bob Owens]

Hello, I happened to stumble on to this board while searching through the internet. My name is Mitch Blackman. I am Al Blackman's son. I would like to thank those of you who celebrated Al's 65th anniversary with him on July 17th. Al appreciated the recognition by his coworkers.

Please allow me to give you a brief insight into Al Blackman from an 'inside perspective'. Al does not continue to work due to a lack of other interests or because his wife throws him out of the house. He does so because he identifies his personal self worth, to a large extent, with being productive. Over the years I can recall many of his work related stories going way back where he would come home and talk about things that happened on the job. The common thread through all of them - over the years was how he, with the combined effort of his coworkers, were able to accomplish something on the job. Sometimes simple things such as making a repair that avoided a delay to fabricating parts in a structural repair that would otherwise have resulted in a costly and time consuming ferry to Tulsa. Al is, and has always been, most proud of his efforts that contributed to the success of the company. And he has always enjoyed working with like minded individuals. He comes to work every day eager to face new challenges which present new ways to make a contribution.

Over the years, looking at Al Blackman's career from my unique perspective, I would have to conclude that Al is as close as you could come to a model employee. He is and has always been eager to come to work. He wants to be part of a team that can accomplish good things. He has always been committed to the greater good of the airline. He has always been willing to put in extra effort to realize a successful outcome of events. He has always been aware that the success of the airline comes from the combined efforts of individuals and he has always been more than willing to contribute his unique talents to this end. Al is mostly modest and does not seek or expect praise for his accomplishments. Al is the kind of guy who comes to work everyday and gives the best he can.

Al's contribution over 65 years is a rare and significant milestone that may never again be repeated. In today's business climate, it is not surprising that this event passed without any meaningful effort to recognize this by the company's top officers. The people running American today are not airline people. They are business school graduates who are concerned with little besides the company's spread sheets and their own prosperity - often at the expense of those who make the airline what it is - employees like Al Blackman. The people who built the airline and this industry have come and gone. Had someone with the stature and significance of a CR Smith NOT recognized Al in some meaningful way - then this would have been a great dissapointment. I believe American's top officers and those on the board who are supposed to be leading this company can learn something significant from Al Blackman. 65 years of dedication to the greater good. CR Smith would be proud.

Regards

Mitchell Blackman

Thanks for setting the record straight. With your fathers energy and attitude they should plan for 70 and 75 year pins, maybe by then they will stop talking about DC-3s.

 

[Hopeful]

Mitch,
Your description of your father's work ethic says it all. He is a dedicated man who loves what he does. It is an honor knowing him and working with him.