The National Sisterhood United for Journeymen Linemen is a powerful organization that deserves incredible recognition, but wants for none. The NSUJL was founded in 2012 with the mission to honor and assist the families of fallen or injured IBEW Journeymen Linemen, Utility Linemen, Groundsmen, Operators, LCTT, and/or their spouses and minor children. Whether it is financial, physical, or emotional support, the National Sisterhood United for Journeymen Linemen is sure to provide.
The IBEW Hour Power crew was fortunate enough to be invited to the annual benefit rodeo where a fellow brother or sister climbs the pole and hangs a symbolic lantern in remembrance of a fallen linemen.
Thank you, to the NSUJL for all of the work that you do and for letting us be a part of this powerful event.
To learn more about how to get involved with the NSUJL, click here.
To download this video, click here.
It just seems like the weight of the world is on those linemen when they go up and hang that lantern.
I feel like I am at peace. Just being here and supporting him and supporting all of the other fallen linemen and their wives or mothers. I feel like we need to give respect to them.
It’s important for me to come to this event because I want to contribute. This was a brotherhood that he believed in.
Nick Smith: Lineman, IBEW 1245
“We had a fallen brother yesterday so were fortunate enough to climb for him and hang his lantern and just represent the local. It’s probably the most heartfelt thing I’ve ever done, the heaviest lantern I’ve hung in my life.”
The IBEW at its core is about the bond between its membership. Countless clubs and other sub-groups have been created over the years to that end and the National Sisterhood United for Journeymen Linemen is one of them.
This group has perhaps one of the heaviest burdens of any…remembering those who’ve lost their lives on the job and providing support to those left behind.
Rachel Johnson: President/Founder, N.S.U.J.L
“I’m Rachel Johnson and I’m a lineman’s wife.”
Kim Munday: Recording Secretary, N.S.U.J.L
“I’m Kim Munday and I’m a lineman’s wife.”
Rachel Johnson: President/Founder, N.S.U.J.L
“The national sisterhood united for journeyman lineman is built on solidarity and this event encompasses solidarity.”
Kim Munday: Recording Secretary, N.S.U.J.L
“We are a non profit group that helps families when they need us the most.”
Rachel Johnson: President/Founder, N.S.U.J.L
“This isn’t something we get paid to do, it’s something we want to do.”
Kim Munday: Recording Secretary, N.S.U.J.L
“When I see all these people coming together after all these states it’s really humbling to me to know that they are all coming together to help these families in a time of tragedy.”
Angela Moreno, Husband Tim Marino Killed, Local 222
“Hi I’m Angela and I’m here to honor my husband Tim Marino from IBEW local 222 Florida. The wives had reached out to me and there are absolutely no words to how beautiful it is. When I first got that phone call it meant everything to have that sisterhood to back me up. I didn’t feel like I was alone anymore. It feels to be when I come that everyone unites as one, I’ve met so many amazing women and men it’s one in a lifetime.”
Jennifer Sharpe, Father Red Sharpe Killed, Local 42
“Hi I’m Jennifer Sharpe and my father was an IBEW local 42 charter member. I came out here because my local brothers were honoring my father Red Sharpe. The anticipation was nothing compared to actually being here and watching each and every lineman climb for a fallen lineman.”
Dela Marth
“Hi I’m Dela Marth and I’m from Los Angeles, California and my son is Brandon Orozco and he’s from Local 47. I’m out here because my son passed away 3 and a half years ago, we have been coming for three years so we will continue to support him and the fallen lineman. It’s incredible what the NSUJL do out here for all the families of the fallen. It’s so emotional here to see all of these other families and we are all going through the same emotions together and I feel like if I can help one person and one family get through the journey that’s one family that I’ve helped and has touched my heart. It brings my son to my heart even more.”
Tracy Kape
“My name is Tracy Kape and I’m here to honor my son Chase Kape. As a mother it makes me so proud of what he did. Chase had a hundred dollar smile, he was always positive and he had a goal in life. He was going to achieve many things and his life was cut short. He was 23 years old but it doesn’t matter if they are 53 it’s a dangerous job and it needs to be respected.”
Part Memorial. Part competition. But the National Sisterhood United for Journeymen Linemen is 100% doing the right thing to honor fallen members and keep alive the IBEW spirit. The NSUJL is using the rodeo to raise money to put back into their non-profit organization to help families.
Rachel Johnson: President/Founder, N.S.U.J.L
“My hope is that people will see this video and know that what we say we are going to do we really do. And that the families have unending support whether it be emotional, financial or physical and it takes the brotherhood and sisterhood coming together so we can continue to aid these families.”
Brotherhood… Sisterhood… It is about having someone’s back and supporting them and their families when they are in need. A big thank you to the lineman and members who support the sister who volunteer their time.
For IBEW hour Power, I’m Matthew Walton.
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