On November 11, 2021, Steamfitters Local 475 held a ceremony to dedicate its training center to all the 475 Veterans, past, present and future. The ceremony was held on a beautiful fall day and was attended by 225 guests. The event was held in the parking lot at 136 Mt. Bethel Rd in Warren.
We were fortunate to have 2 Color Guards help us open the ceremonies. They included the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard and 3 scouts from Troop 523 of the Colonia Boy Scouts. Gabe DaRocha, Xavier Lovoura and Noah Figueroa from the scouts were under the guidance of our own John O’Mullan. They also received professional supervision from Local 475 Sergeant at Arms Edward Cerracchio. Both groups were led into the tent and up to the stage by our bagpiper, Matty Glackin, where they proudly presented the colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by brother Jimmy Gianchiglia.
The Star-Spangled Banner was sung by Kevin Caffrey. Kevin is a student at Union Catholic High School and is the son of Patti and Jim Caffrey and the grandson of 475 legend, the late Dick Wittek. Local 475 was blessed to have Father Jordan McConway provide the Invocation for our ceremony. Father McConway is Timmy’s younger brother.
After a few words to welcome, Business Manager Sullivan introduced our guest of honor, United States Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. Her resume includes, graduating from the United States Naval Academy, earning a master’s degree in economics and a Law Degree from Georgetown University. Mikie Sherrill served almost 10 years of active duty during the gulf war. She was a helicopter pilot for most of her time in the Navy. After working in the United States Attorney’s Office, Mikie Sherrill was elected to the United States Congress in 2018 and re-elected in 2020. She gave a heart felt speech to all our Veterans and expressed her commitment to organized labor as a member of the Labor Committee. She also serves on the House Armed Services Committee as well as the Education Committee in Washington.
Upon completion of her speech, Congresswoman Sherrill presented to Business Manager Sullivan and Local 475, an American Flag that had flown over the United States Capital. It was in recognition of Steamfitters Local 475 dedicating their training center to all 475 veterans. We had a presentation of our own, and the Congresswoman was very honored to have her very own Steamfitter Local 475 Military Banner. She was also happy to become an honorary member of Local 475.
Executive Vice President from the UA and our own 475 member Mike Mulvaney gave a nice speech to the group recognizing the 475 Veterans and expressing the importance of Union Labor. Mike was followed by our International Representative Dave Donato, who gave a passionate talk to the Veterans.
There were many old stories, lots of laughs and some heartfelt tears. The bottom line is that we will always hold our 475 Veterans in high regard. Their memory will be preserved in our training center and in our hearts. There is a great deal of pride that comes from military service and there is always tremendous pride in being a Steamfitter from Local 475.
The day concluded with some closing remarks from Business Manager Sullivan, a moment of silent prayer and the playing of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
Thank you to the many people who helped plan this event and thank you to all our 475 Veterans.

Anyone wishing to receive information about obtaining a banner in our training center, please contact Business Manager Shaun Sullivan at the Union Hall.