International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers — Trane VORA ONALO A Eat) vouncron De be BSERNARO A. evens ee GENERAL TREASURER Afiiated with AFL-CIO oe July 17, 2015 TO: Friends of Walter Wise Greetings: As you are aware, General President Walter Wise retired on June 30, 2015. His extraordinary career began over 40 years ago as an apprentice in Local Union No, 697, Roanoke, Virginia, where he served as recording secretary and ‘then business manager. In recognition of his work ethic, commitment to the labor movement and dedication to this organization, Brother Wise was later called upon to serve our International Union as General Organizer, General Vice President, General Treasurer, General Secretary and General President Walt’s commitment to our organization has been fierce. He set an aggressive agenda to get our members back to work, after one of the worst construction depressions of our lifetime, and to have those same members return home safely every night. “See something ~ say something” has been his motto from day one and, under his leadership on- the-job accidents have been steadily declining, ever striving toward the goal of zero fatalities. Thanks to his diligent efforts, jobsite safety has become priority one! ‘After serving our membership throughout his career, Brother Wise made it very clear that the trust and faith placed in him has been reward enough and he desires no retirement celebration. However, we cannot let him leave without acknowledgment of his accomplishments, character and unwavering dedication to our Union, Knowing Walt as we do, there is no doubt that what would mean the most to him would come from you. We invite you to participate as ‘we compile a Commemorative Book of letters from local unions, district councils, members and friends to present to our brother, Walter W. Wise, as a retirement gift. There is no cost to participate in showing appreciation for his many years of dedicated service, only your kind thoughts, happy memories and good wishes. As a general officer and trustee, one of Walt’s most cherished duties was oversight of the John HI. Lyons, Sr. ‘Scholarship Foundation. This foundation has provided over $1,000,000 in funding to assist sons and daughters of four members to attend college and Brother Wise would like to see it flourish and continue long into the future. Therefore, if you would like to make a charitable contribution in recognition of his distinguished career to the John H_ Lyons, Sr. Scholarship Foundation, it would be a most fitting tribute to a gentleman who has consistently put our members first and who asks nothing for himself, Letters for the Commemorative Book should be sent to the General Secretary (gso@iwintl.org) by September 30, 2015. Any contributions to the scholarship foundation should be made payable to the John H. Lyons, Sr, ‘Scholarship Foundation and directed to the General Treasurer's Office at the above address With best wishes and kind personal regards, we remain sincerely and fraternally yours, Eon hus Conall j Pla — Bone A GENERAL PRESIDENT GENERAL SECRETARY GENERAL TREASURER