« Return to Newsletter

Recognition of Excellence: Annual Safety Award, Communications Leadership, and VSRA Instructors

VSRA's January General Membership Luncheon featured several presentations recognizing excellence across the Membership, including the 2016 Annual Safety Suggestion Award Winner and the outgoing Foundation Board Chairman: 

2016 Annual Safety Suggestion Award Winner
Erica Ray of AMSEC accepted the 2016 Annual Safety Suggestion Award and a check for $1,000. Erica suggested that non-conductive plugs be put in place of the fuse and fuse cap with a red tag attached; when working with motors that operate using 440V that can still be operated when the fuse has been removed and the fuse caps are secured in place.  Using the non-conductive plug with a red tag attached will eliminate the cap completing the circuits. Her nominator, Richard Betts, also accepted an Award for recognizing Erica's great Safety Suggestion, and received a check for $400.

Outgoing VSRF Chairman & Long-Standing Board Member
Bill Crow and Ray Wittersheim recognized Mr. Terry Stead, outgoing VSRF Chairman and a long-standing Foundation Board Member and Volunteer, who retired at the end of 2016. Terry has been a critical component to the success of the Foundation, spearheading workforce development programs aimed at introducing maritime welding curriculum to high school students during their two-year technical school tenure. Terry also worked hard to introduce the Technical Schools Ship Skills Handbook in Welding, which has been distributed by the Foundation to schools across the state of Virginia. Terry's passion for developing the next great generation of ship repairers in Hampton Roads, his selflessness in travelling around the Commonwealth to meet students and introduce Ship Repair careers, and his dedication to recognizing excellence in the workforce through programs like the Tradesperson of the Year Awards, all make him a shining example of the Strength Behind the Fleet. Thank you, Terry - you will be missed!


« Return to Newsletter