Posted:
October 25, 2013
The following letter dated Oct. 12, 2013, was sent by American Maritime Officers member Rick Araiza to AMO National President Tom Bethel.
The last few years, and especially the last few weeks, have highlighted for me a very satisfying career to date. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to put down a few words of thanks, acknowledgment, and praise for our leadership.
This recent epiphany began with a personal journey to Washington, DC, to thank our National Vice President, Government Relations, Mike Murphy, face to face for his time and assistance during a moment of need while renewing my MMC.
Singularly, the smartest thing I've done in a long time, inasmuch as I was able to witness you and your entire team at work, candid, and human.
My wife and I arrived at L'Enfant Plaza, only to be warmly and graciously met by yourself and Mike Murphy.
Mike was generous with his time and genuinely interested in our being properly entertained and informed about current issues.
During the visit, we stopped by to say hello to Legislative Director Paul Doell, whom we have known for many years. Paul, always generous and hospitable, true to form, extended an invitation to us both to join him on his rounds the following day, which we accepted. We were given the privilege of attending fundraisers on Capitol Hill. It was an experience, which, I feel, I waited much too long in my career to enjoy. However, any sooner and I may not have appreciated it as much. It was an opportunity to have a peek behind the curtain and see pieces of the machine, which in many ways help to create some of the opportunities that we enjoy as mariners. It was overwhelming, to say the least, and humbling.
There were an assortment of senators and congressmen, some big, some small, and some very very tall, along with the entourage of interested groups. During the course of my observing, the topics of discussion, however diverse, maintained a tangent to the Maritime Industry. The reasons for being at these particular events were apparent. What was not apparent was the amount of intelligence, degree of finesse, and level of experience it took to get a seat at the table. That piece of the machine was introduced as Brenda Otterson, Legislative Consultant to American Maritime Officers Service. It was quite apparent Brenda is key to facilitating any hope for success on The Hill. I would bet on that success in any exchange between the aforementioned assortment of legislators.
I had the pleasure of sharing a meal with Paul Doell and Brenda Otterson at the Republican Club, and witnessed her masterful art of multi tasking in a dauntingly high level environment. She made it look easy. To use a personal analogy, she is like my wife, times 10. Awesome. I have always understood the need to donate to the PAF, and now, having witnessed the use to which these funds are put, I have no doubt that the need exists for such a gesture. If this sounds like a pitch, it is. To quote a contemporary speaker: "... give, as you wish to receive ..."
Upon returning to the office, I met John DeCrosta for the first time. He is our Director of Political Affairs. John and I share the same affliction - our fathers, and grandfathers, were newspapermen.
Prior to departing Washington, I was asked if I would like to attend the upcoming AMO National Executive Board and AMO Plans Board of Trustees meetings in Dania Beach, an invitation I accepted. Attending the meetings afforded an even clearer picture of what I had glimpsed in Washington, and how it knits into what we as members might perceive as the business of running a business. I had the privilege of also meeting Mr. and Mrs. F. Anthony Naccarato (Crowley), Ed Hanley (Maersk Line, Limited), Mr. and Mrs. Todd Johnson (PGM), Bob Rogers (TOTE Services, Inc.), Norm Gauslow (OSG), Melissa Clark (TOTE Services, Inc.), industry legends, some in fact, and some in the making.
The definition of "transparency," at this point, took on a whole new meaning, and my appreciation for what it takes in Washington to husband our needs as mariners, matured. It was a banner day that I will cherish, and gladly share.
At the meetings in Dania Beach, I was asked to say a few words to the group. It was a privilege to do so. As I looked about the room, I saw the faces of so many that required mentioning, for they have made it possible for me to enjoy the fruits of their labor, for the better part of my career, and for being good shipmates. There is National Vice President, Deep Sea, Joe Gremelsbacker, who has always been there to toss a lifeline when the tide turns against. My career has been, let's say, "colorful," and the tide has been against on more than one occasion. During recent history, Joe had cause to introduce me to Mr. Mike Reny of our USCG Legal Aid Program. Mr. Reny, is "the voice of reason," and a powerful ally. Together they helped me stem the tide, and provided a bulwark of non-judgmental support, which allowed me to deal with the necessaries. National Executive Vice President, Bob Kiefer, always cordial and informative. National Assistant Vice President Danny Shea, whom I have had the privilege of sailing with, and can claim as an old shipmate and mentor. Dave Weathers, always in attendance when the ship I am on is in his region, has been a consistent and significant support mechanism.
Then there is Steve Nickerson, who along with Jerry Pannell, both, unsolicited, saw to it that I was cared for after I returned from ground zero on September 11, 2001 - a gesture for which I am eternally grateful.
I have known our dispatchers Robert Anderson and Brendan Keller since they began in these positions, and have only casually glimpsed into their world. To observe them over the course of three days, fulfilling their duties, demands they be added to this list. Their doors are, figuratively and literally, open all the time.
The list could go on ... I have a new found respect for the subtleties of Charles Murdock ... Matt Burke, solid as a rock, José Leonard, etc.
As my wife and I pulled on to our driveway, the penny dropped and I said, "...you know what, Tom Bethel is a sailor ..."
In short, we have made gains, and we have a winning team.
It was a wonderful few days, and of the many people I had the chance to talk with, all were very complimentary of your leadership with a resounding vote of confidence in you at the helm. If I can support you or the team's efforts in any way, it would be an honor to do so. I remain at your disposal.
Membership report on experience with AMO on Capitol Hill, attendance of union's National Executive Board meetings
The following letter dated Oct. 12, 2013, was sent by American Maritime Officers member Rick Araiza to AMO National President Tom Bethel.
The last few years, and especially the last few weeks, have highlighted for me a very satisfying career to date. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to put down a few words of thanks, acknowledgment, and praise for our leadership.
This recent epiphany began with a personal journey to Washington, DC, to thank our National Vice President, Government Relations, Mike Murphy, face to face for his time and assistance during a moment of need while renewing my MMC.
Singularly, the smartest thing I've done in a long time, inasmuch as I was able to witness you and your entire team at work, candid, and human.
My wife and I arrived at L'Enfant Plaza, only to be warmly and graciously met by yourself and Mike Murphy.
Mike was generous with his time and genuinely interested in our being properly entertained and informed about current issues.
During the visit, we stopped by to say hello to Legislative Director Paul Doell, whom we have known for many years. Paul, always generous and hospitable, true to form, extended an invitation to us both to join him on his rounds the following day, which we accepted. We were given the privilege of attending fundraisers on Capitol Hill. It was an experience, which, I feel, I waited much too long in my career to enjoy. However, any sooner and I may not have appreciated it as much. It was an opportunity to have a peek behind the curtain and see pieces of the machine, which in many ways help to create some of the opportunities that we enjoy as mariners. It was overwhelming, to say the least, and humbling.
There were an assortment of senators and congressmen, some big, some small, and some very very tall, along with the entourage of interested groups. During the course of my observing, the topics of discussion, however diverse, maintained a tangent to the Maritime Industry. The reasons for being at these particular events were apparent. What was not apparent was the amount of intelligence, degree of finesse, and level of experience it took to get a seat at the table. That piece of the machine was introduced as Brenda Otterson, Legislative Consultant to American Maritime Officers Service. It was quite apparent Brenda is key to facilitating any hope for success on The Hill. I would bet on that success in any exchange between the aforementioned assortment of legislators.
I had the pleasure of sharing a meal with Paul Doell and Brenda Otterson at the Republican Club, and witnessed her masterful art of multi tasking in a dauntingly high level environment. She made it look easy. To use a personal analogy, she is like my wife, times 10. Awesome. I have always understood the need to donate to the PAF, and now, having witnessed the use to which these funds are put, I have no doubt that the need exists for such a gesture. If this sounds like a pitch, it is. To quote a contemporary speaker: "... give, as you wish to receive ..."
Upon returning to the office, I met John DeCrosta for the first time. He is our Director of Political Affairs. John and I share the same affliction - our fathers, and grandfathers, were newspapermen.
Prior to departing Washington, I was asked if I would like to attend the upcoming AMO National Executive Board and AMO Plans Board of Trustees meetings in Dania Beach, an invitation I accepted. Attending the meetings afforded an even clearer picture of what I had glimpsed in Washington, and how it knits into what we as members might perceive as the business of running a business. I had the privilege of also meeting Mr. and Mrs. F. Anthony Naccarato (Crowley), Ed Hanley (Maersk Line, Limited), Mr. and Mrs. Todd Johnson (PGM), Bob Rogers (TOTE Services, Inc.), Norm Gauslow (OSG), Melissa Clark (TOTE Services, Inc.), industry legends, some in fact, and some in the making.
The definition of "transparency," at this point, took on a whole new meaning, and my appreciation for what it takes in Washington to husband our needs as mariners, matured. It was a banner day that I will cherish, and gladly share.
At the meetings in Dania Beach, I was asked to say a few words to the group. It was a privilege to do so. As I looked about the room, I saw the faces of so many that required mentioning, for they have made it possible for me to enjoy the fruits of their labor, for the better part of my career, and for being good shipmates. There is National Vice President, Deep Sea, Joe Gremelsbacker, who has always been there to toss a lifeline when the tide turns against. My career has been, let's say, "colorful," and the tide has been against on more than one occasion. During recent history, Joe had cause to introduce me to Mr. Mike Reny of our USCG Legal Aid Program. Mr. Reny, is "the voice of reason," and a powerful ally. Together they helped me stem the tide, and provided a bulwark of non-judgmental support, which allowed me to deal with the necessaries. National Executive Vice President, Bob Kiefer, always cordial and informative. National Assistant Vice President Danny Shea, whom I have had the privilege of sailing with, and can claim as an old shipmate and mentor. Dave Weathers, always in attendance when the ship I am on is in his region, has been a consistent and significant support mechanism.
Then there is Steve Nickerson, who along with Jerry Pannell, both, unsolicited, saw to it that I was cared for after I returned from ground zero on September 11, 2001 - a gesture for which I am eternally grateful.
I have known our dispatchers Robert Anderson and Brendan Keller since they began in these positions, and have only casually glimpsed into their world. To observe them over the course of three days, fulfilling their duties, demands they be added to this list. Their doors are, figuratively and literally, open all the time.
The list could go on ... I have a new found respect for the subtleties of Charles Murdock ... Matt Burke, solid as a rock, José Leonard, etc.
As my wife and I pulled on to our driveway, the penny dropped and I said, "...you know what, Tom Bethel is a sailor ..."
In short, we have made gains, and we have a winning team.
It was a wonderful few days, and of the many people I had the chance to talk with, all were very complimentary of your leadership with a resounding vote of confidence in you at the helm. If I can support you or the team's efforts in any way, it would be an honor to do so. I remain at your disposal.