Even though he has been the icon of unionism at Canel Lodge 700 since the early 1960's, Clarence Gaskins has never been to The William W. Winpisinger Training and Technology Center located in Hollywood, Maryland. The Winpisinger Center is the union's training school for stewards, business reps and organizers.

A golden opportunity presented itself when the Harbor asked for people who could tell each local's history and Clarence was our man and I was going to be his companion and back up for the trip. Although his manner and educational background may seem unsophisticated for some, he has a steel-trap mind for names, dates, and events that is un­equalled. Any sentence from him that beings, "You remember when ?" is sure to bring forth some long forgotten event or issue.

Our long awaited trip to the Center began on Saturday, June 6th at 3: 15 P.M. with a flight on Southwest Airlines, an I.A.M. represented carrier. Clarence told me that this was the first time that he had boarded a plane since 1974. We arrived at the Center and received our room assignments. On Sunday I showed Clarence the harbor and the other amenities of the facility. He marveled at the water and declined the walk up the hill to the Worker's Memorial stating that it was a long way and didn't know if his back would hold out. We decided to do it another day.

Clarence was quite at home with the new people he met and the instructors were enraptured that he had so many dates and facts stored in his head, in addition to the photo album that I had made up especially for this event.

Throughout the week, we discussed organizing, contract gains and losses, Local Lodge Presidents and other significant events. At one point, Clarence did an oral history of the Local Lodge for an archivist from Cornell University.

Towards the end of the week, we were told that our group would have to do a presentation for the entire group. I knew that Clarence did not have any computer skills, so while another member of the group and I did the computer stuff, Clarence worked on a wrap up speech for the presentation.

On Friday morning, we presented our piece on outsourcing and Clarence did the wrap up. He did a fine job. Later, he admitted "You know I was scared". Well, if you were, it didn't show.

When we arrived home, Clarence thanked me for the opportunity to see the Winpisinger Center. He said he doubted if he would have gone alone and he was grateful for the opportunity.

Clarence, you are mistaken. I am the one who is grateful. You deserved this trip because YOU made it possible for the rest of us. Without you, there would be no CANEL Lodge 700. Thank you, my friend and Brother.