Sporting Life

JOURNAL: ISSUE 1 - 2015

On the job, BAC members give their all to keep the Union’s proud tradition of craftsmanship, skill and productivity as trowel trades’ “best hands in the business.” Off the job, they bring the same enthusiasm and focus to their many hobbies and sporting pursuits.

To kick off this year’s “Sporting Life,” the Journal is highlighting two BAC members featured on the national hunting and fishing television series “Brotherhood Outdoors.” Their stories are representatives of many members; love of outdoor activities along with their appreciation for all that their Union membership brings to their quality of life on and off the job.

BAC Members Featured in Brotherhood Outdoors Show

Jay Blankenship of Local 39 OH poses with his trophy.

BAC members Jay Blankenship of Local 39 Ohio and Gerald “Jerry” Vassallo of Local 5 New Jersey were recently featured on separate episodes of “Brotherhood Outdoors,” national hunting and fishing television series produced by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and aired on the Sportsman Channel.

As an USA partner, BAC is a strong supporter of the organization’s efforts to bring together the union community to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage.

In season 5, Brother Blankenship’s Tennessee turkey hunt was part of the show’s 2014 Labor Day Marathon, a salute to American workers and celebration of youth in the outdoors.

“Union brotherhood means to me the bond, the loyalty of Brotherhood – this is what this is all about,” says Blankenship, a 12-year BAC member who chose a career in bricklaying after a talent for the trade surfaced during a summer job.  He credits the Union for giving him the opportunity to make his career goal become a reality. “The impact of this Union on my family and personal life… words cannot describe… we have been able to succeed, and we have been able to go up beyond expectations.”

As an instructor for the Ohio-Kentucky Administrative District Council, Jay values the chance to pass on the caliber of craft training that helps the BAC apprentices in his program achieve their own career objectives. “Jay has been teaching for more than a year now and so far the men and women in our program have performed outstandingly,” says Local 5 Ohio Field Representative Vincent Isaac.

Jerry Vassallo of Local 5 NJ, center, with “Brotherhood Outdoors” hosts Julie McQueen and Daniel Lee Martin.

Brother Blankenship’s skill with a rifle and a knack for conversing with gobblers are on full display as he successfully bags a turkey and a wild Russian boar. Watch the full episode at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fExDKOints

Brother Vassallo joined the Union in 1965 and remains grateful for the benefits that now allow him to live comfortably in his retirement, much of which he spends giving back to others. A Vietnam War veteran, Vassallo is involved with the American Legion, the Vietnam Veterans Association and Paralyzed Vets of America. He also volunteers for New Jersey’s Take a Youth Hunting program, which gets youngsters outdoors and introduces them to their first hunting experience.

“My union was the most important thing in my working life. With good, safe and secure working conditions, as well as great wages and benefits, I now live a comfortable life in my senior years,” Brother Vassallo said.

Brother Vassallo went on a Texas wild hog hunt featured in Season 7, which was broadcasted in February. The full episode will be available online in May at: www.thesportsmanchannel.com/

Local 3 New York

At left: Local 3 member Tim Lando with a 60-lb. Golden Carp at Keuka Lake last June. Middle and right: Local 3 members Charlie Klaus, left, and Benjamin Crane pose with king salmon they caught on Lake Ontario.

Local 5 New Jersey

Local 5 member Brian Fahy, Sr. with his son Brian Jr., who was the playoff MVP of the street hockey championship team, Coyotes, in the West Deptford, NJ Beaver Division in December 2013.	Local 5 member Raymond McElvaney won the 1st place on the opening day of 2014 trout season at Pleasant Valley Lake in Vernon, NJ. Pictured, Brother McElvaney poses with his trophy and a 27-inch, 7.14 lb. rainbow trout.
Michael Hinrichsen of Local 5, center, harvested this 10-pointer with his two sons, Mike, left, and Justin.	Local 5 Journeyman Eric Diaz caught this 84-inch striped marlin off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.

Local 2 Michigan Local 2 MI member Lyle Vance caught this 7-lb. walleye in Saginaw Bay, MI last March.

Local 5 New York Local 5 New York President Mike Clifford with a steelhead trout he caught on the Niagara River.

Local 1 Minnesota/North Dakota Retired Local 1 MN member John Ferguson had a successful hunt during Maryland’s Deer Muzzleloader Season.

Local 1 New York

Local 1 member Christopher Picca bagged this deer during the bow season in upstate New York.	Stanley Cheperuk of Local 1 bagged this deer in the Catskill Mountains.
Local 1 member Richard Linde had success on the water and on land (Chenango County, NY).