Retired Local 1 Pennsylvania/Delaware Officer Extols Union Values with Wit and Wisdom

JOURNAL: ISSUE 3 - 2013

Pictured above, Brother Rudolph displays his awards. At right, Brother Rudolph with Local 1 President Dennis Pagliotti, left, and Local 1 Secretary-Treasurer Joe Battaglia

At age 83, the march of time has done little to diminish retired Local 1 PA/DE Tile/Marble/Terrazzo Finisher Business Agent Jim Rudolph's love of and commitment to his Union. "If anything, it's stronger than ever," says Local 1 President Dennis Pagliotti, who marvels that, "to this day," the 51-year member from Ridley Park, PA "still attends every BAC meeting and function." Not only does Brother Rudolph attend, Pagliotti adds, but "he is one of our most compelling voices on the history and value of Union labor, and an unfailing source of motivation to his fellow members that you are never too old to accomplish your dreams."

A naval submarine reservist from 1948 to 1951, Jim's greatest aspiration was to become a Naval Air Cadet. His hopes were dashed, however, when he was told that married men were not eligible for the program. On September 28, 2013, Jim's lifelong dream of flying a fighter plane came true. Jim flew the "Never Miss" P-51 Mustang for 40 minutes of air time.