Most readers find history books a fascination, based on the fact that we like to study about people and their accomplishments. After all, history is the story of man and their quest to survive. However, when you think about it, all history books are somewhat incomplete. See, the record of each history book ends with that book’s publication. Because history continues, this renders each history book unfinished. Perhaps it would be better if all history books contained empty pages at the back to allow the record to continue.

In the spring of 1991, I was charged with the responsibility of being the historian for the Alabama Site when Bill Freeman and Ted Letson appointed me to the job of newsletter editor. At the time I had no idea what I was getting in to, but I learned over the course of time the job consists of much more than just publishing the newsletter. It has also meant recording the history of the site.

Over the past couple weeks I have been making preparations to leave, which has included packing up my office and sorting out those things that need to be kept. Going through the old photographs and newsletters, the history of this location and its people has been played out before me. Within these images and words I have watched as 31 years have passed by and we have changed. Some photos bring a chuckle, as I have been reminded of how “we used to be.” Others have brought a tear as I was reminded of those long gone, but still held close in our memories.

In December of 1975 the first production was ran on the Alabama Site. Time truly waits for no one and in the years that followed the people here changed with the times and seen the stuggle through. In the site’s photos and newsletters our aging is apparent, but the willpower of the people has remained unwavering.
When the attrition and retirement programs began, I had originally planned on leaving at the end of June. However, circumstances did not permit that to happen. As a result, I printed what I planned on being my last paper the end of June, aimed at sending a message to those who were leaving. In the months that have passed since that time, I realize that I owe a message to those who are staying as well. This issue is for you.

If there is one thing I have learned in the almost 17 years of writing this paper is, that the people make the difference here. Over the past several months we have added hundreds of new employees to the rolls and I see in them the same determination and drive witnessed over and over again in the past. The integrity and determination must be carried in the drinking water of the Tennessee Valley because it produces people of an uncommon valor.

On a personal note, I would like to extend my appreciation for the support and assistance I have been afforded through these years by the people of this site. I have been fortunate to have good leadership and great people to write about. My thanks to the many management and UAW officials who supported me and gave me the leeway to present messages that I felt our people needed to hear. Many years ago Suzanne Morgan was named as my salary counterpart and over the course of time we have developed a respect and friendship that I have come to treasure and I will miss you Suzy Q. I have spent many years working for Steve Sloan, during his long tenure as Human Resource Director. While there have been those times I may have not always agreed with Steve on each issue, I always respected him and in my mind that is more important.

I was fortunate to end my tenure with a group of UAW officials who I respect greatly, particularly Howard Greene and Terry Scruggs. These men have worked to do what was best for everyone during difficult times without concerns of the political implications and they should be commended for this. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for supporting me and understanding when the demands of the job took me away on occasions when I should have been with them. Every historian should be so lucky to have such a loving and supporting family and I am indeed thankful for them.

Those many years ago Bill Freeman and Ted Letson took a chance on me and trusted me to hold the job of being the eyes and ears of this membership. I told them when I asked for the job that I couldn’t promise to do the best job that anyone could, but I would promise to do the best job I could. It is my hope and prayer the people who have read these 6,000 plus pages I have published feel I tried to keep that pledge.

As I go, allow me to leave those who remain with this thought; YOUR history is not yet written. There are those Wall Street pundits who would like to push the American Auto Industry to the brink of extinction. Even the President of the United States made a comment about American Auto Companies needing to “build relevant” vehicles. But I say the American Automotive industry is still vital today. It has been the American Automotive industry that has driven the economy of this great nation for the past 75 years and produced the middle class of this country with the help of Walter Reuther. American workers have built this dream that American is and only her workers can carry it forward so future generations have the hopes and aspirations we have so richly enjoyed.

Just as those who are now gone have left a history behind us, you have a legacy of your own to write. Your fate will be determined in the coming months and years. Navigating through the impending sale and restructuring will not be easy, but it is doable. Just never take your eye of the goal of survival and remember at the end of the day the only people you can count on are the ones you work with everyday; the current and future Alabama Site team. Do not listen to the outside influences that would tell you your time has passed. Do not go gentle into that good night but band together and rage against the sentiment that pushes for your demise. It takes everyone working together, both hourly and salary, because at the end of the day those are just titles. Your futures are intertwined in the future just as in the past.

With that I would like to leave you with a passage from the Psalmist David who wrote: Psalm 37:25 “I have been young and now am old; and in my time I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” I still believe this to be true.

So it is with a heavy heart that I return my quill to the ink bottle and end my almost 17 year term has historian for this site. While this is the last issue of Steering TOday, I leave you with a stack of empty pages awaiting the pen of the next historian whose charge it will be to record your feats. See, your destiny lies in your hands and I have faith in each and every one of you to carry the torch to light your future.

It has been both my honor and privilege to have served you.

Peace my Brothers and Sisters,
John Davis