NNS Payroll Office to Move 11 l 16 l 2020
Newport News Shipbuilding’s Payroll office is moving to NetCenter, but will keep a satellite office (with limited hours) operational in Bldg. 520. The move is scheduled to take place this week and as a result, all Payroll offices will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 19, the Payroll office and satellite office will operate during the times listed below: • Payroll office (NetCenter: Suite 128): Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Satellite office (Bldg. 520-1): Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Payroll services at the satellite office will be limited to the following: • Provide copies of paystubs. • Handle changes to direct deposits.
Lisa Niebuonrit hands a Master Shipbuilder gift to T.A. Grandison. Photo by Matt Hildreth
• Changes to W-4 forms.
Celebrating NNS’ Newest Master Shipbuilders
• Pick up off-cycle checks. All services will be available at the Payroll office at NetCenter.
Glenn Waiters (O19) has fond memories of spending summer days at his grandparents’ home near Newport News Shipbuilding as a young child. He remembers the whistles and watching his shipbuilder grandfather leave for and return from NNS. “When I grow up, I’m going to work in the shipyard, too,” Waiters remembers telling his grandfather. “Even though July 7, 1980, is the official start date of my journey as a shipbuilder, I like to think it all began at the age of 5,” he said. Now, Waiters – who came to NNS as an electrician apprentice less than a month after graduating from high school – is among the 426 members of the Master Shipbuilder Class of 1980. “When I entered the yard, I was amazed and in awe. This was my first time working with full-fledged adults. The majority of the people I worked with were much older, much more experienced. I was kind of naïve and somewhat overwhelmed,” he said. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic prevented the company from hosting an in-person recognition event for the 1,348 current Master Shipbuilders, whose continuous years of service range from 40 to 64 years. But for the Class of 1980, it’s still an exciting milestone. “Master Shipbuilder means a lot,” said Wallace Hathaway Jr. (O26), another member of the Class of 1980. “I’ve been here for a long time, met a lot of people and enjoyed every minute of it.” New Master Shipbuilder Yvonne Weiss (O15) was working at a department store when her father – a shipbuilder assigned to Enterprise (CVN 65) encouraged her to apply for a job. She did and was hired to work as an administrative secretary in Bldg. 600.
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iDS Program Recognized Newport News Shipbuilding’s Integrated Digital Shipbuilding (iDS) Program was recognized as a finalist for a Program Excellence Award at the 2020 DefenseChain conference on Oct. 21. Only a handful of finalists were recognized among more than 80 nominees. The iDS Program was... CONTINUED ON PG 2
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11 | 16 | 2020
Celebrating NNS’ Newest Master Shipbuilders CONTINUED FROM PG 1
“It was overwhelming, and it took a little while to get used to how things are on the inside compared to the outside. After some time, it was like a normal routine and it was great,” she said. However, Weiss did notice most positions were dominated by men. She’s grateful to have seen so much change during the past four decades, including Jennifer Boykin’s appointment as NNS’ first female president. Master Shipbuilders like Phyllis Sessoms (X33) – another member of the Class of 1980 – play an important role as mentors. “I help the young people. I give them advice. I show them the right way. They like that so I just take it upon myself to help people because someone helped me when I came in,” said Sessoms, whose own daughter is one of the shipbuilders she’s helped teach. Now working in Contracts and Pricing, Waiters said shipbuilding is in his family’s DNA. In addition to his grandfather, several aunts and uncles have worked at NNS. And he has two brothers and a cousin who are current shipbuilders. He is also glad to have
experienced so much and seen dramatic transformation in The Apprentice School and in technology at NNS during his career. “Through prayer and faith, you can do anything. I must give credit to so many people like my mother and my grandmother who were praying for me daily and others I might not be aware of,” Waiters said. “I believe anyone who has an opportunity to reach a milestone like this should remember there were those behind the scenes cheering you on and praying for you to be successful.” Weiss, who now works in Security Support, gets to work behind the scenes for large NNS events such as christenings. “I really enjoy what I do. It’s amazing. It’s been a great 40-year ride,” she said. “Even though at times there were ups and downs, I never would’ve given up. I was determined to make it to 40.” Visit nnsmsb.com to watch a special video and view a yearbook honoring Master Shipbuilders.
Shipbuilders Honored for Safety Improvement X36 Foreman David Johnston, Dwayne Harmon (X36) and Shavenn Hawkins (X36) recently were recognized for developing a design that makes working on staging safer. The three shipbuilders all work on John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) and came up with a design that eliminates a fall hazard by guarding ladder access openings with guardrails and a swing gate. Newport News Shipbuilding had been working to find a solution for the issue for more than a year. Environmental Health and Safety (O27) presented Johnston, Harmon and Hawkins with Safety Recognition awards and safety and ergonomic coins. “O27 appreciates the forward thinking of these three craftsmen and their dedication to make the shipyard a safer place. A lot of work has to be done in these elevators, and with the addition of swing gates and guardrails, we have eliminated a hazard, and that’s the ultimate goal,” said Health and Safety Analyst Garrett Creekmore.
Pictured from left are Dwayne Harmon, David Johnston and Shavenn Hawkins. Photo by Nicholas Langhorne
iDS Program Recognized
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...nominated by Siemens in the category of “Special Projects” based on the bold efforts NNS is making in digitalization.
Shipbuilder and Veteran Grandfather Share Aircraft Carrier Connection
“There was a lot of discussion at the conference among our aerospace and defense peers about the importance of digitalization,” said Tim Sweitzer, director of Business Transformation and Digital Shipbuilding, “For NNS to be recognized as a leader among all aerospace and defense primes is a great honor and a testament to the hard work and innovation of the thousands of shipbuilders who are bringing iDS to life.”
Newport News Shipbuilding Foreman and Coast Guard Reservist Curtis Tamplet and his grandfather, Navy veteran Calvin Richardson shared their thoughts on Veterans Day and the vital role of shipbuilders in a video.
All finalist submissions are available for viewing on the Aviation Week Network website, and winners in each of the award categories were announced during a virtual ceremony. Note: The Special Projects portion of the ceremony begins at minute marker 24:40, and NNS’ iDS Program is featured at 25:40.
Richardson served on John F. Kennedy (CV 67) early in the ship’s life. Watch the video on MyNNS or on the NNS to Go app.
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AROUND THE YARD NNS Recognized for Steps to Build Culture of Health Newport News Shipbuilding has achieved national gold level recognition from the American Heart Association for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace. The recognition is based on the American Heart Association’s 2020 Workplace Health Achievement Index, which is a web-based scorecard that looks at organizational best
practices and aggregates employee health data to evaluate the overall quality and comprehensiveness of workplace health programs. This past weekend, shipbuilders participated in the Hampton Roads Heart Walk, which was sponsored by NNS and held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
NNS Prohibits In-Person Gatherings In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, all gatherings, whether to celebrate the holidays, recognize employees or a retirement, will not be permitted at NNS. Hosting similar off-site gatherings is also strongly discouraged, and NNS’ protocol for hosting necessary, in-person business meetings is available on MyNNS. Ideas for how shipbuilders can recognize each other and the upcoming holiday season in a safe way that keeps COVID-19 precautions in mind can be sent to ideas@hii-nns.com through Nov. 30. Ideas will be highlighted in upcoming editions of Currents and other communications platforms.
L.E.A.R.N. Hosts Event With HR&A Panel L.E.A.R.N. partnered with SHIPs Network for a L.E.A.R.N. event with Scott Caldwell, Carrie Allen, Deborah Moore, and Alicia Uzzle on Oct. 20. Approximately 300 shipbuilders called into WebEx to hear the presentation with the Human Resources and Administration panel. “The event was packed full of information. I really enjoyed the discussion regarding
different career paths for new employees. I think that was very useful information that can be used in helping them determine what direction they want to go at the shipyard,” said Sunny Lee (K18). For more information, visit the employee resource groups MyNNS page. Send ideas for future L.E.A.R.N. event topics to LEARN@hii-nns.com.
Mentoring Program to Launch New MyHR Module Newport News Shipbuilding’s Mentoring Program is launching MyHR Mentoring Module 2.0 in first quarter of 2021. The current MyHR Mentoring Module is concluding on Dec. 18. The following eligible employees are encouraged to participate and enroll: Salaried individual contributors level 1 through 5, managers, foremen, construction supervisors, general foremen, and hourly employees enrolled in the Future Leader Experience (FLX) program. This is an excellent opportunity for employees to seek guidance and partner with an experienced shipbuilder and to include formal mentoring as a development opportunity in their annual performance agreement. An email invitation will be sent to all eligible employees. The timeline for enrollment is listed below. Salaried Individual Contributors: • Mentors – Jan. 13 through 27 • Mentees – Jan. 28 through Feb. 11 Managers: • Mentors – Feb. 17 through March 3 • Mentees – Mar 4 through 18 Hourly Employees in FLX Program: • Mentors – March 24 through April 7 • Mentees – April 8 through 22
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Cases reported Nov. 9-15: 89 Total cases at NNS: 1,020 Total number of NNS employees medically cleared to return to work: 702 See case details at nns.huntingtoningalls.com/411.
To learn more about the specific enrollment period and timeline, visit the announcement page in the NNS Mentoring Program MyNNS website.
REMINDER: NNS COVID-19 Testing Center Newport News Shipbuilding’s COVID-19 Testing Center is badge-only access. All employees being tested are required to scan their NNS badge at the badge reader prior to being granted access to the facility.
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DATEBOOK THROUGH DECEMBER 18
Newport News Shipbuilding’s Engagement Office is hosting the final virtual Enable Our Workforce expo of the year. Themed “Shipbuilder University,” the expo allows shipbuilders to explore NNS’ footprint and see how each division impacts the overall business. To participate or to find more information, visit the Engagement website on MyNNS.
NOVEMBER 17
Spear and Gear Toastmasters invites shipbuilders to a Virtual Speech-a-Thon meeting. Members will give prepared speeches in a continuous round throughout the meeting. Shipbuilders interested in hearing how to develop speeches and learn more about Toastmasters are welcome to join. Learn more by emailing spearandgeartoastmastersclub@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 29
Newport News Shipbuilding Talent Acquisition is accepting applications for 2021 summer internship programs through Nov. 29. Direct interested students to buildyourcareer.com to job No. 3041 or to job No. 183 for the ABILITY internship program for students with documented disabilities.
DECEMBER 9
Wondering how to improve your credit score? Attend SmartPath’s webinar at noon to learn how credit scores work and ways you can boost your credit. Register at www.joinsmartpath.com/hii/classes. If you can’t participate in the live webinar, register anyway, and SmartPath will email you a recording of the session.
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Holiday Food Drive Continues Newport News Shipbuilding’s annual food drive is off to a great start and continues through the end of November. The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is serving even more families as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food requests grew by 88%, and the number of people in the community facing hunger daily could grow from 70,000 to 89,000 – including 28,000 children. There are three easy ways to donate to the food drive: • Visit yougivegoods.com/nns-holidayfooddrive for tangible food donations that will be delivered directly to the Foodbank. The platform will gift back an additional 5% of the value of each purchase to the Foodbank. • One-time monetary donations can be made directly to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. • One-time or reoccurring monetary donations through NNS Payroll can be made through the Newport News Shipbuilding Gives website.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities The Newport News Shipbuilding Gives website (nns.yourcause.com) is a quick and easy way for NNS employees to search, sign up, and promote volunteer opportunities about which they are passionate. Volunteer opportunities for meal preparation, Angel Tree adoption, winter shelter assistance, meal delivery, bell ringing and more are available. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, and families are added daily by local nonprofits and NNS employees. As a reminder, NNS wants to recognize shipbuilders who volunteer their time to make our community a better place. Employees can easily track their own volunteer hours on Newport News Shipbuilding Gives. Simply select “Volunteer” from the top toolbar and then select “Record Hours” to get started. Instructions are available on MyNNS.
SEEKING SHIPBUILDERS
Visit www.buildyourcareer.com to search for the latest NNS job openings.
Job Title
Req Number
Dept.
Location
Computer Systems Security Analyst 3 Computer Systems Security Analyst 4 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Electrical 3 Engineer Lead Test 3 (VCS HM&E ACTE) Engineer Software 3 Engineer Software 4 Nuclear Engineering Technician 2 Systems Administrator 2
792 798 816 896 1840 3730 801 1308 2911 2487
E44 E44 E70 E24 E63 E25 E44 E44 E83 E25
Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News Newport News
Employees are encouraged to use MyHR or the “Current HII Employees Job Search” button at www.buildyourcareer.com to apply. The company continues to offer cash bonus awards for referrals to select positions, visit www.huntingtoningalls.com/hii-careers/refer-a-friend for more information.
Editor: Nicholas Langhorne Currents@hii-nns.com Currents is published every Monday for employees of Newport News Shipbuilding. To submit a story, visit nns.huntingtoningalls.com/currents.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLAS S OF 1980 MASTER SHIPBUILDER INDUCTEES: David W. Adams
James “Jim Bob” Brooks
Crystal A. Deans
George Gilbert III
Maurice L. Hines
Gregory C. Adams
Kenneth “Moe” Brown
Gary C. Delape
Mark A. Giles III
James “Andy” Hintz
Randy L. Addison
Lorenzo “Larry” Brown
Christopher D. Denson
Allyson T. Giordano
Thomas “Eddie” Hogge Jr.
Jeff A. Albright
Michael Brown
Harold R. Denson
David P. Gomer
Melvin D. Hollifield
Gene A. Allen
Anthony T. Bryant
Gary W. Derby
Randall C. Gonse
Charlie A. Holloway
Phyllis A. Allen
Ronald K. Bryant
Diana H. Dhanvada
David A. Gooding
McKinley “Kenny” Holloway Jr.
James P. Anderson
Dennis E. Burr
Anthony V. Dianna
Jerry L. Goodwin
Richard “Hommie” Holmes
William W. Angel
Anne H. Butcher
James W. Dillard
Alvin Goodwyn
David D. Hooper
Connie N. Apple-Hamlin
Donnie Butler
Steven L. Dixon
Ted A. Grandison
Paul T. Hoppe Jr.
Carlton W. Bacon
Michael W. Butler
Harvey P. Doyle
James E. Grant
Walter “Scott” Horn
Tony X. Bagley
Elliott C. Byrd II
Robert E. Drees
Tony F. Grant
Stephen M. Hotaling
Keith Bailey
Hugh D. Byrd Jr.
Bob Dubinsky
Steven K. Greenhow
Gregory K. Howell
Tony Baird
Ernest G. Byrum
William A. Duff
Bert Grenoble
Troy O. Hudgins
Joe Baltazar
Robert C. Callahan
Reginald Earley Sr.
Ernest L. Gresham
Howard D. Hughes
Richard T. Banks
Rick W. Campbell
Gregory A. Eby
Gary “Ted” Griffin
Michael C. Huxford
William C. Barbrey
Billy Cannon
Alden Echols
James H. Griffin Jr.
John A. Ireland
Kenneth A. Barfield
Jimmy Carter
Johnnie R. Edwards
Michael “Griff” Griffin
Bert Ihlenfeld*
Clint Barnard
Harry “Cash” Cashdollar
William “Shoe” Elliott Jr.
Michael E. Griffith
Charles D. Jack
Milton Barnes
Calvin V. Ceaser
Michael W. Ellis
Jeffrey R. Guilbert
Michael S. Jenkins
Gilbert “Mr. B” Bartlett
Colin “Tom” Chambers
Jeffrey B. Elmore
Donny Guthrie
Ricky L. Jenkins
Charles E. Battle
Rodger L. Chandler
Thomas J. English
Randy W. Hacker
Garland C. Jennings Jr.
Larry “Bumblebee” Batts
Timothy E. Cheatham
Carlton H. Epps Jr.
Terrence “Terry” Hamilton
Dean L. Johnson
Ann Beale-Robison
Jerry H. Cherry
Preston T. Eure
Keith S. Hamlin
Gina T. Johnson
Sharon D. Berry
John M. Chilbert
Lemuel W. Evans
Timothy E. Hancock
James “J.J.” Johnson
Kenneth “Blizz” Blizzard
John P. Christein
Larry D. Everette
Bobby L. Harrell
Robert E. Johnson Jr.
Carson M. Boone
Tim Church
Dennis Farmer
Rusty L. Harrington
Teresa Johnson
David W. Boone
Kenneth J. Claiborne
Sheryl Fauntleroy
Ty D. Harrison
Willie “W.J.” Johnson Jr.
Wendell Boone
Paul K. Clear
Kendal C. Felix
Douglas R. Harsh
Stanford L. Johnston
Ricky G. Boothe
William D. Cleary
Curtis “Curtball” Fennell
George O. Hartmann
Rodney J. Joines
John “Bo” Boutalis
Robert L. Cobb III
Ronald G. Ferguson
Jimmie W. Haselwood
Anthony K. Jones
Harvey Bowden III
Lynda M. Coffey
Jerry L. Fitchett
Wallace W. Hathaway Jr.
David “D.R.” Jones
Ralph M. Bowers
Clinton E. Cofield
John T. Forrest Jr.
Denice Hazell
Gary Jones
Bill Boyd
Randolynn N. Combs
Dale E. Fouse
Curtis E. Hedgepeth
Gene Jones
Earl “Peso” Boyd
Richard D. Cook
Tony E. Fowler
Kevin W. Hefner
James “June Bug” Jones Jr.
Fred M. Boyd
Isaac “Bubba” Coston
Glenda R. Fox
Avery Hensley
Lyleton W. Jones
Bill Boze
Douglas F. Cox
Carl E. Freeman
Thomas R. Herrin
Pamela O. Jones
David J. Bracy
Susan L. Cram
Thomas N. Gage Jr.
Bruce G. Herring
Percy L. Jones Jr.
Dannie J. Brent
Richard “Allen” Crocker
James A. Gardner
Evelyn R. Hicks
Rickey Jones
Earl A. Brewer
Carlton L. Croker
Vicki R. Gares
Tracy A. Hildebrand
Ricky L. Jones
Donald M. Bright
David C. Cullen
J. W. Gatling
Edmond “Buddy” Hill Jr.
Alton W. Jordan
Alan A. Brinkley
Daniel N. Cundiff
Alvin T. Gholston
Ricky R. Hill
Gregory D. Joyner
Ulysses M. Brinkley
Gary “Cut” Cutler
Donald C. Gibbons
Carl E. Hilliard
Marie W. Keesee
Garland W. Brinson Jr.
Brad K. Dean
Larry N. Gibson
William C. Hiner III
Kenneth C. Keeter
Emil R. Kercsi
Ronald “Chip” Miller Jr.
Michael Rawles
Edwood A. Spruill
Jamice A. Westfall
Randy G. Kimrey
William F. Mingee IV
Thomas S. Reap
Debbra C. Stanfield
Herman R. Whaley Jr.
Harry L. Knepp
Naaman D. Minton
Danny T. Reid
William L. Stevens Jr
Alfonso A. Whitby
Jerome Knight
Kevin D. Mishoe
Darryl “Dirty” Reid
Pamela F. Stevenson
Stephen J. White
Michael D. Kronstain
Alfred “Steve” Monfalcone
Dennis G. Reid
Edward D. Stewart
Scott M. Whitmore
Stephen T. Ladd
Lemual O. Moody
Roland T. Rice
Geraldine Y. Stith
Anthony W. Wicker
Howard C. Lagillier
Eric L. Moore
Trent V. Richardson
Neal T. Strickland
Charles A. Wickline
Michael A. Lassiter
Howard B. Moore Jr.
James “Magic” Ricks
Allen G. Sutton
Mack M. Wilkerson
Richard “Hot Pocket” Lawing
Lagena H. Moore
Timothy “Rip” Rippon
Gregory A. Taliaferro
Willie O. Wilkins
James K. Lawson
Michael J. Moore
Brian S. Roberts
Elizabeth Taylor
Arnold E. Williams
William L. Lee
Rodger “Big Mo” Morefield
Robert F. Robichaud
James G. Taylor Jr.
David W. Williams
James D. Lewis
Stephen J. Morgan
Frances K. Robinson
James J. Taylor
Ernest “Rock” Williams
Stacey M. Lilly
Edward H. Morris
Patrick N. Robinson
Kenneth D. Taylor
James F. Williams
Amy C. Little
Michael C. Moseley
Jessie Rodriquez
Steven E. Terry
Reginald L. Williams
Crim C. Lotts
John B. Murphy
F.Q. Rollins
Harlan C. Thatcher
Tony Williams
Stephen E. Lovelace
Mike Newland
Kenneth Rountree
Richard A. Thomas
Walter A. Williams
Richard E. Loveless
James W. Nixon II
Teresa A. Ruark
Andre Thompson
Joseph W. Wilson Jr.
Charles E. Lovett
Christopher M. Noe
Barry S. Russell
Lonnell Thompson
Percy A. Wilson
David W. Lovette
Kelvin E. Norman
Joseph M. Sabol
Wayne D. Thurnher
Robert E. Windham
Phillip T. Lunsford
Udell E. Onley
Gerry R. Salati
Heinz D. Trulley
Julius E. Wood
Edward W. Luther
Michael J. Otto
Glenda “Lil Bit” Saunders
Debbie L. Turner
Charles G. Wood
Shretta L. Luton
Charles W. Overton
Steven H. Savedge
JacQueline D. Tynes
James W. Woodell
Michael “Scott” Mader
Stanley T. Pankowski II
Stephen L. Schroeder
John F. Ullery
Stanley K. Worley
Ralph R. Mann
Alvin W. Parker
Michael L. Schultz
John D. Ulmer
Ann C. Wren
Samuel R. Mardis Jr.
Derrick “Pac-Man” Patterson
Kenneth D. Scott
Steven P. Van Ness
David H. Wright
Kennon J. Marsh
David W. Paulden
Landon “Scotty” Scott
Frank D. Vaughan
John E. Wright Jr.
Michael V. Marshall
Patricia A. Pauquette
Michael A. Scott
Jerry A. Vaughan
Ricky R. Yarborough
Thomas W. Martin
Charlie M. Pearson
Brenda K. Sechrist
Larry H. Vaughan
Charles W. Young
Gene A. Matthews
Timothy A. Perkins
Genie L. Self Jr.
Larry J. Vaughan
David Young
Larry “Gator” Matthews
Thomas E. Perry
Phyllis “Ses” Sessoms
Richard Vereen
Jim Young
Willie L. Matthews
David H. Person
Ray A. Shazier
Albert F. Wagner
Willie L. McBee Jr.
Roger T. Phelps
Larry D. Shoulars
Gary L. Wagner
Thomas E. McCartney
Valdoie P. Phillips Jr.
John P. Simone Jr.
Ernest G. Waiters
Paul D. McCrickard
William A. Phillips
Michael “O.J.” Simpson
George “G.W.” Washington Jr.
Paul H. McFall
Mike Polentz
Carol L. Sisti
Jonathan Washington
Jim McHugh
James M. Ponsonby
James D. Skinner
George W. Waters Jr.
Sean R. McMonigal
Charles E. Pope Jr.
Andre D. Smith
Jeffrey A. Watkins
Lon A. McReynolds
Dennis B. Porter
David C. Smith
Curtis L. Webb
Andrew E. Meekins
Curtis L. Portlock
James Smith Jr.
Kevin “Skeeter” Webb
Steven M. Menefee
Bryan “Keith” Preston
Ronald “Smitty” Smith II
Yvonne G. Weiss
Ronald R. Meyer
Gary L. Preston
Shelton L. Smith
Brian E. Welch
Carol J. Mick
Floyd C. Price
Dwight E. Solomon
Chester L. Welch
Timothy L. Midkiff
John H. Price Jr.
Rusty Spady
Steven L. Wells
Greg Miller
Dennis M. Query
Hollis J. Spease
Christian J. West
Richard D. Miller
John “Big Daddy” Rainey Jr.
Kirk R. Springfield
Raymond W. West