STEELWORKS - Key Persons

A man of good character, deep faith, and strong work ethic, I am honored to nominate my father Albert Solano, posthumously, into the CF&I Hall of Fame. Albert worked at CF&I for 47 years beginning his career in 1945. He mastered the art and science of setting type on a linotype machine while attending Central High School. By the age of 18, he transferred to the Print Shop where he found a career and beloved colleagues. Albert proudly served on the team to publish the CF&I Blast newspaper. He put his heart and soul into stories that would one day serve as the historical archival record and legacy to his years of service. A veteran of the US Navy serving our country from 1950 to 1954, at the age of 20, Albert married his sweetheart Celia. Imagine a man of 22 years of age becoming a father to his baby girl with cerebral palsy and special needs. A lesser man would have made different choices. Strength and commitment led him to a lifetime of hard work and belief that CF&I would provide for his family. Out of his entrepreneurial spirit, Al's Printshop was born, creating numerous stationaries for a community of patrons. To support education, he served as the PTA co-chair, volunteered as "Room Father" and library assistant. One of his greatest joys was golfing on the CF&I "Tuesday Night Golf League". In days gone by, CF&I offered 13 weeks of vacation to employees with 30+ years of service. Albert and Celia planned the adventure of a lifetime, taking their family in a travel trailer from Pueblo to Mexico City. They shared life lessons of culture, family ancestry, budget, topography, and faith. Albert knew the treasure his work at CF&I afforded him. In his last years, Albert acquired tongue cancer and lived eight years without solid food. He continued to lead the way for his family demonstrating faith, strength, and courage. An active member of the Knights of Columbus, Albert served as Grand Knight for many years. To honor his contribution, on October 31, 2010, the Shrine of St. Therese named its youth council the Albert Solano Squires Circle.

Job Titles:

• Executive Director

Christina is a Pueblo native and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Communication with a Leadership Studies Minor from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She has a comprehensive background in organizational development, budgeting, administration, human resources, donor development, relationship building, financial management, fundraising and marketing. Christina honorably served her country in the United States Marine Corps. In her spare time, she loves going on adventures with her husband and daughter.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Deputy District Attorney, 10th Judicial District Attorney 's Office

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Retired, Post Office

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Deputy District Attorney, 10th Judicial District Attorney 's Office

When returning to his home from the Korean War, Jack S. Chick began his career at the CF&I in 1954, initially as a general laborer in various areas of the plant. With the advancement of technology and an opportunity, he worked in the MIS Department as a programmer analyst. The CF&I was one of the first companies in Colorado with a new IBM 360 mainframe. He traveled to Denver and Chicago for programmer training from IBM. Jack was selected as the department's representative to the first task force to computerize the mill based on his above experiences. His efforts made the steel mill a more productive and safer environment. A significant contribution of implementing these measures was a process that automated the steps of the "Black Book", a manual that noted amounts of materials to add based on tests during steel production. His analysis and programming skills made this process more productive, with reducing waste costs for the company. Jack retired in 1985, but continued supporting on an as needed basis to the IS department. A second contribution in 2017, Jack published a book, "Inside CF&I, A picture story of working at Colorado Fuel & Iron". Bessemer Historical Society, Inc. shared photo archives inside the mill that were taken only by a company photographer. His knowledge and experience in each area, that most weren't allowed, gave him this opportunity to share. The books offer a glimpse inside the fence of steel making at Pueblo, Colorado. - submitted by Jani Shoemaker A 1951 graduate of Pueblo Central High School, Jack S. Chick's career at the CF&I spanned 35 years of service. Whether asking for extra duty in the Open Hearth Department, or laboring in the Morgan Rod Mill, Jack was always looking to learn more about the manufacturing process. His talents really blossomed in 1966 when Jack was one of six CF&I employees sent to school to learn about computer programming. He spent the next 20 years until his retirement in the Computer area, eventually becoming a Senior Program Analyst. His favorite projects included designing systems for: steel production, rail making soaking pits for ingots, and rail cooling boxes. His work resulted in eliminating waste and saving thousands of dollars. Jack stands out as someone whose pride in the work and the company has never abated. In 2017, Jack saw the fruition of many years of effort when he published a book called "Inside CF&I, A picture story of working at Colorado Field and Iron". With the help of a few other CF&I employees, Jack wrote about the work at the Mill, illustrated by some of the only photographs that exist - taken by staff CF&I photographers and provided by the CF&I Archives at Steelworks Center of the West. Jack's concern for sharing and saving the daily production work that took place inside the CF&I fence resulted in this book that should be celebrated and recognized for its significance in the history of Pueblo, Southwestern Colorado, and the industrial history of the United States. -submitted by Cathy Velenzuela, Pueblo Charter Lions Club

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Lead Sales Representative / CSR Manager, Solar Roast Coffee

John Martinez was born July 3, 1929 in Cleveland, New Mexico. As a young man, he assisted his family by performing farm work while also attending school. With determination, he graduated from high school in Johnstown, Colorado in 1948. In January, 1951, John accepted a position at the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) in Pueblo, Colorado. He was drafted in April 1951 and served in the United States Army in Germany during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1953. As a Korean War veteran, he also joined the American Legion, participating in several activities including ceremonies to honor those surviving Korean War veterans in Pueblo. Following his military service, John completed an apprentice training in 1956 and then worked as a journeyman, finishing his career as assistant foreman of the pipefitting department in 1986. John worked in various locations including the Rail Mill, Tube Mill, Blast Furnace and Coke Plant as lead pipefitter and then moved to steel production. He often worked six days a week when additional help was needed. His favorite memory was in steel production, knowing the dangers of the area but enjoying the thrill of being on top. Prior to his retirement from CF&I, John paid for his daughter to attend college. He was able to attend and celebrate her graduation from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 1986. John is a member of several community organizations such as the Elks, Eagles and American Legion lodges. He was initiated into the Elks Club in 1969 and spent seven years progressing through officer chairs on the ritual team becoming the Exalted Ruler in 1985, the first with a Spanish surname and heritage. Dedicated to the organization, John participated in many of his fellow member's memorial services and served the Pueblo community by delivering food baskets to those in need through the Elks Lodge. In 1997, he was elected as District Deputy of the Elks club and in this position, he was responsible for raising funds for an organization that helped send children with cancer to Disneyland.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Officers Team
• President

Under Kathrine Thomson's leadership as a Board member, our organization has grown exponentially in its programming and interpretation of the history of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, making it more accessible to a wider and diverse audience. As a member of the Steelworks Board for a decade, Kathrine has made a successful impact on our organization, one project of which to note is her work with a committee to designate the former CF&I Administration complex a National Historic Landmark through the National Parks Service. Other lasting impacts include oversight and involvement in fundraising efforts large and small, ensuring our financial stability and growth. She is a constant support to our staff providing introductions within the community, advice and guidance when necessary in our marketing efforts and planning and leads a group of teachers to develop curriculum used within our education programs. With her intense knowledge of Pueblo history, she brings contextual information to our exhibit planning not available through other sources. During her time on the Board, the organization has successfully installed two traveling exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and eleven other temporary exhibits created by materials from our collection. Two books, Mining Towns of Southern Colorado and Colorado Fuel and Iron Company were published through Arcadia Publishing, and the Mine Rescue Car Number One was named as one of Colorado's Most Significant Artifacts voted on by the People of Colorado. Teachers are arguably the most important members of our society. Kathrine, a long-time history teacher in District 60, year after year gives her students purpose, sets them up to become productive citizens of our world, and inspires in them to do well and succeed in life. With a classroom environment built on mutual respect between educator and student, she is able to acclimate students to college level courses with ease, due to her straightforward style about expectations and preparation. She uses local history to demonstrate global concepts, which in turn, allows her students to think critically about their own history and surroundings. Several former students still communicate with her years after they graduate and establish their careers, proving her ability to make indelible impact on their lives. Through her work in the classroom and out, Kathrine is an excellent example that teachers serve to make a child ready for their future.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Officers Team
• Vice President / Senior Administrative Assistant, EVRAZ

Job Titles:

• Retired Grant Writer

As a retired grant writer within the non-profit community, Linda Tremblay's expertise, knowledge and guidance were invaluable assets to the Steelworks Center. Serving loyally on our board for the better part of a decade, she had the ability to see the big picture, and the courage to set direction with fellow board members to achieve our organization's goals and objectives. In addition to her leadership within our organization, Linda was a leader in the Pueblo community, serving as the campaign manager to elect Mayor Nick Gradisar. She also served as a grant consultant to the Pueblo Community College Foundation and is active in directing and producing theatrical productions with the Steel City Theater Company. She also worked tirelessly to improve the health of Puebloans with her involvement in the Pueblo Food Project which develops vibrant, sustainable, nutritious, and equitable local food systems supporting all Puebloans.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Director of Business Development, H.W. Houston Construction

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• President and CEO, MInnequa Works Credit Union

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Attorney at Law, Robinson & Henry, P.C

Ramon Adolph Roldan (Ray) is being nominated to your committee for selection to the CF&I Hall of Fame for his loyalty and dedication to the CF&I and his 33 years of employment at the Colorado Fuel and Iron Corporation in Pueblo, Colorado. In 1951, Ray decided to apply for employment at the CF&I. Being turned down for employment several times due to his thin stature, he was determined to better his life by continuing to pursue the application. Each day he continued to go to the employment office. Finally, after his determination to seek employment was accepted, he was assigned to the Bolt and Ball Mill. His father, Jesse Roldan, uncles and cousins had been employed and assigned to the Open Hearth in previous years. Hard labor was not a stranger to his family. Two years later, he enlisted and was accepted into the United States Army and served in the Korean conflict. Upon end of the tour, he returned to CF&I for employment. Again, he was assigned to the Bolt and Ball Mill. He always showed pride in his work at the Mill and made note of the quality of products he was responsible for during his employment. When young men in his department were laid off, he encouraged them to pursue other avenues of employment. Once a former employee called him from California to thank him for encouraging him to keep on pursuing his dreams. Because of CF&I, Ray was able to financially see three children and his wife, Mary Ann, graduate from college. He is currently assisting his granddaughter complete her teaching degree. He also attended two years of college at Pueblo Community College when his work schedule allowed. He learned to fix television sets to supplement his wife's education. During his retirement, he continues to keep informed regarding his beloved community. Each time he notes the poverty and decline of unemployment in Pueblo, he repeatedly remarks that it was because of the CF&I that the community has achieved prosperity. He has never forgotten what his employment has meant to him and his family and friends.

Job Titles:

• Co - Worker

Albert G. Neal worked a total of 17 years at CF&I Steel starting in the Open Hearth Furnace in 1965 after completing four years in the US Navy. Albert later was transferred to other areas, including the 40-inch mill, 14-Inch mill, Rail Mill and later the Main Office. He then left the mill to start a career at the US Post Office as a mail handler. After two years at the Post Office, Albert returned to CF&I to begin an apprenticeship as an Armature Winder and graduated October 25, 1973. According to Works Manager David Appel, Albert was the first African American to be accepted and finish the apprentice program at CF&I Steel. Always active in the Pueblo community, in the early 1970s, Albert and fellow co-worker Robert Stovall coached the Pueblo Banner Football program for five years. Here, Albert mentored young football players, many of whom continued to play football at the high school and college level. Albert has been an active member of his local church, Church of Christ, and has been a Mason with the Eureka Lodge #2 since 1975. He was a star of his softball program, a pitcher for the CF&I softball league, also would pitch for the Rail Mill and Mail of Clerks teams from 1970-1984. He is currently a member of Pueblo Eagle Aerie #3367, American Legion Post 02. For many years, he was also an honorary member of County Sheriffs of Colorado program. In 1978, Albert and his brother Terrence were instrumental in planning and shaping Pueblo Juneteenth, an organization for which Albert would serve as president for eight years. Laid off from CF&I in 1984, Albert returned to work at the US Post Office from which he would retire in 2006. He currently spends his days entertaining his grandkids and enjoys his season tickets to local school basketball and football games. He also finds great joy in attending CSU-Pueblo basketball and football games. He loves the City of Pueblo and remains involved in the Pueblo Juneteenth organization. He is a proud brick holder and member of the Steelworks Center of the West. A special memory I have of my grandfather was taking a trip with my two sisters to Hot Springs, Arkansas to attend his high school reunion. It was a special week, being able to meet his old classmates, eat amazing soul food, staying in a top hotel, getting spoiled, (obviously), and most importantly see him so happy. My grandpa has worked tremendously hard his whole life and he continues to this day. He has taught me so much about life, love, and good values.

Ted T. Lopez began his CF&I service as a dedicated, self-motivated and industrious laborer on February 23, 1944 at the age of 16. Starting in the Yard Department, he and the crew worked to unload 25 cars a day while the boss would stay below and build a fire. When it snowed the crew would have to eat quickly so that their lunch wouldn't get wet. Four weeks later he got a job driving the crew to the Southside Dump where they would dump 2-3 cars loaded with glowing red flue dust, and he would assist the bulldozer operator so he could push the slag over the side. One day the boss sent the crew to change the rails, a task normally taking about four hours to complete because the rails were bolted to 6" steel flanges. Ted knew a crew from another company picking through the slag for steel scraps and selling the scraps back to CF&I and gave them a six-pack of soda asking they help change the rails. Ted organized the two crews to help remove the nuts from the ties, lift the old rails out and put the new rails in place using the other crews' boom truck. It took them all about 2 ¼ hours to complete the rail changes.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board

Tim Flores worked for 24 years at the CF&I. He fought in WWII and was naturalized in Germany. In 1947 Tim became the first Mexican American bricklayer apprentice at the CF&I as he overcame barriers to his advancement. Tim worked in the Yard Gang as a skilled bricklayer and his job took him to many areas of the property. Tim joined the union, the United Steel Workers of America and worked himself up from Grievance Man to the Benefits Committee chair. He was elected the first Mexican American vice president of Local 2102 in 1958. Tim fought hard for the social and economic rights of his fellow steelworkers and was reelected VP in 1961-62, 1962-64, and in 1967-70. In Pueblo, he joined the American GI Forum. In 1958 he led the Forum, composed of Mexican American veterans against discrimination and inequities. At that time, Tim also became active in politics and was a precinct captain in the Democratic Party. In 1970 Tim and his wife Lupe left Pueblo and moved to Denver as Tim was selected as Assistant to the President of the Colorado Labor Council (AFL-CIO). In 1973, he became the Labor Council's legislative director and lobbied the Colorado state legislature on behalf of unions and labor. Tim built on his Pueblo union experiences. At the Colorado Labor Council, he spent countless days to help Denver metro area unions helping with contract negotiations, strike strategy and membership drives. An ally and friend of the César Chávez, Tim also helped Cesar and the United Farmworkers Union with union activities. In 1973 Tim helped found the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). As the Colorado representative, he helped establish the Washington D.C. group as a national organization of Hispanic unionists working with the AFL-CIO for social and economic justice. Tim retired from the Colorado Labor Council in 1986. For decades he tirelessly gave of his time, energy, and effort on behalf of the Colorado working man and woman. Tim is profiled in the 1976 edition of Who's Who in Labor for his contributions to labor. After retiring, the Governor of Colorado appointed Tim to the Colorado Commission on Aging where he served admirably. Tim's last struggle was against cancer. At his funeral, Denver Mayor Federico Pena gave one of the eulogies for my dad. As a fitting tribute, the Denver Convention Center's east wall features 125 leaders who helped build Colorado, one of which is my dad.

Job Titles:

• Museum Curator / Steelworks Museum

Victoria Miller is a Pueblo native and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Colorado State University-Pueblo and a Master of Arts degree in museum science from Texas Tech University. With more than 25 years of museum related experience, she has held positions in various museums emphasizing in collections management, museum education, exhibit design and interpretation, and museum management. In addition to her Steelworks Museum duties, she is also a certified archivist accredited by the Academy of Certified Archivists and is responsible for the acquisition, arrangement and description, preservation and access to the holdings within the Steelworks Archives.