From left: Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan, Aaron Barlage and Tom Galloway were all honored at the Ohio SLB Founders Day dinner.
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The BLET’s Ohio State Legislative Board hosted a Founders Day dinner on May 8 in recognition of the BLET’s 162nd anniversary. Approximately 150 individuals attended, including BLET members, their families, and guests who included elected government officials and labor leaders.
Three individuals received awards as part of the festivities:
• Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan received the Locomotive Tender Award, which is given to an elected official who, like the coal tender supported the steam locomotive, has supported the BLET and its work. Lepore-Hagan served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015-2022 and carried several rail safety bills throughout her career, including some that are now law. Her husband, Bob Hagan, is a retired BLET member with more than 50 years of service.
• Aaron Barlage of BLET Division 480 received the Louis P. Shuster Award, which is given to an Ohio BLET member and veteran who carries on the legacy of the late Brother Lou. Barlage is a veteran of the United States Air Force who was stationed in Germany and Saudi Arabia where he specialized in humanitarian efforts and building critical infrastructure.
• Tom Galloway of BLET Division 4 received the Tim T. Price award, which is given to a retired Ohio BLET member who exemplifies the standard of excellence in our union. Since retirement, Galloway has remained active in the Ohio State Legislative Board as a political advisor and is well-known throughout Northwestern Ohio for his political activity.
In addition to the awards ceremony, historical memorabilia was on display from the early years of the union. Founded on May 8, 1863, the BLET is the oldest labor union in the United States.
A gallery of photos from the Founders Day event can be found on the National Division website.
BLET members and guests of the Ohio SLB Founders Day dinner.