From left to right in photo: Mrs. Cheryl Abitz, Former Alaska RR Local Chairman, James Abitz & Assistant General President of the Carman Division, Don Grissom.
On May 23, 2021, AGP Don Grissom presented Brother Abitz a plaque in recognition of his service to the BRC/TCU Union. This picture was taken in Fond du Lac, WI in front of Wisconsin Central Steam Locomotive 2714, where Brother Abitz began his railroad career on May 29, 1990 for the Wisconsin Central RR. This Locomotive was built in May 1911 and logged over 2 million miles between Fond du Lac and Minneapolis. In 2001, the CN purchased Wisconsin Central RR.
Brother Abitz transferred to the Alaska RR on October 20, 2004. He then retired May 1, 2020 with 30 years of service. Brother Abitz held several union positions with Alaska Local Lodge 6067, including Financial Secretary from 2006 to 2010. In 2010 he became Local Chairman. He held this position until he retired in 2020. Brother Abitz and his wife moved back to the Fond du Lac area after his retirement.