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Helping Humanity: two IBEW Local 275 members receive service award

Date Posted: September 17 2010

Coopersville – In June 2008 the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 275 lost a great friend and advocate for working people when Pat Kramer passed due to complications from surgery.  Pat was a lifelong sufferer of juvenile diabetes, which ultimately shortened his life.

In the wake of this tragedy the local union established an annual award in his name and honor to be given to the member who most exemplified the attributes of volunteerism, participation, and leadership with the local union, labor movement, and community, as Pat exhibited throughout his life.

The award is to be given in August of each year to coincide with Pat’s birthday as a celebration of his life.  Local 275 is proud to announce that the recipients of this award are John Nowakowski and Dennis Axdorff.  John and Dennis have worked diligently over the years to promote the local union through community involvement and volunteerism.

This year the two were able to connect with Habitat for Humanity and coordinate the volunteer labor of several members in rehabbing a home in Grand Rapids.  At this time, we are preparing to begin a second home.  This connection has brought great pride to our members and great respect from our community.  The value of these services is tremendous, and this greatly helps the families that will be occupying these homes.

On behalf of the members of IBEW 275 I would like to thank John and Dennis for their wonderful commitment to the members, and look forward to their continued work in the future.  In addition to the award the local union will make a $250 contribution to the American Diabetes Association to support research and education on this difficult disease.


HELPING HANDS at a Habitat for Humanity house in Grand Rapids included a handful of IBEW Local 275 members. They include (l-r) Geoffrey Yonkers, John Nowakowski, Dennis Axdorff, and Kevin Fritz. John and Dennis were honored by Local 275 last month with a “Pat Kramer Award” for their volunteer efforts.