“Part of growing is learning to ask the right questions. And then to be content when the answer is not immediately clear. That is part of the wonder of discovery.”
Age? Alphabetically? Time and Date of Retirement? Years of Service? There are times when there isn’t a right answer. You just need to push forward.
Congratulations to Team SEMO’s Terry Bunting, John Griffin, and Marty Vineyard. Each of them retired about the same time as we kicked off 2023. I am excited for them and pray for them to enjoy what they have earned by working so many hours in less-than-desirable situations due to Mother Nature. The three represent almost 80 years of combined service to SEMO Electric Cooperative’s members and GoSEMO Fiber’s subscribers.
Terry, a serviceman, and journeyman lineman, responded to electric outage calls in all types of weather and was well-known in his service area during his nearly 36-year career. Plus, he served as a union steward for about 25 years. I appreciated Terry’s knowledge of the Cooperative’s history and his demeanor during contract negotiations. Overall, he spent many hours away from home to help make other people’s lives better. Thank you, Terry! Happy farming!
John, a serviceman and journeyman lineman, worked hard to keep the lights on in good weather and bad weather for our members for more than 22 years. I appreciated John’s commitment to his co-workers and to the Cooperative. He worked many hours of overtime, which took time away from his wife and children. We will miss John’s contributions to helping make other people’s lives better. Thank you, John! Happy hunting!
Marty, senior manager of operations, made significant contributions to the Cooperative and the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives during his career. He served on statewide committees and assisted other cooperatives with safety and storm response. Plus, he had connections across the country as he was in the industry for nearly 50 years and was a journeyman lineman. I appreciated Marty’s loyalty to the Cooperative. Thank you, Marty! Happy traveling!
As we get older, we may think more deeply about our legacy. What will people remember about me? Did I make the world a better place? Marty, Terry, and John’s legacies at SEMO Electric are complete as others have learned from them. I am proud to have worked with them. Ultimately, if one can lay her or his head down on the pillow and say “I did my best,” what more could we ask? Team SEMO has six big shoes to fill.
Book of the Month: “Part of growing is learning to ask the right questions. And then to be content when the answer is not immediately clear. That is part of the wonder of discovery.” The Do-Over by Tony Bridwell Book
Be smart. Act safe. Keep pushing forward!
Sean is the CEO/GM of SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber.
Cover Photo: Team SEMO’s Bart’s children Harper and Corbin top off their snowman with a GoSEMO Fiber hat. It was said the snowman became fiber-fast in an instant and promised to return.