UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Thread created automatically to discuss UFH Honoree: Alan Skierkiewicz.



Name: Alan Skierkiewicz
Date Honored: 11-30-2004
Years involved w/FIRST: 9
FIRST Team(s): Motorola &, Rolling Meadows High School &, Wheeling High School (0111)
Role: Adult Mentor, Electrical
Quote: I met a man with a dollar, we exchanged dollars and each of us left with a dollar. I met a man with an idea, we exchanged ideas and each of us left with two ideas.
Bio: Al Skierkiewicz is a familiar face in the pits of team 111, Wildstang. Having been involved in FIRST for 9 years, Al has not only been well known for helping out fellow teams in the heat of competition, but also offering outstanding advice on the ChiefDelphi forums.

Al shared a favorite memory and his favorite thing about competitions. "It is difficult now to come up with just one favorite. The top one of course, was being present for our national win in Houston. It just seemed like everything was going right for us. It was very surrealistic as we watched good teams dropping out of the finals and then finally getting to the main stage and having all these people in the stands cheering us on. It can’t really get much better than that.

"Each competition we attend is my most new favorite memory as I get a chance to meet and talk with all the folks I converse with here on CD. It is very special to be treated like one of the team when I meet anyone at competition. These times are more like family reunions then competitions between rivals. I have to say there was no free time during Nationals this year between matches and meeting folks. I love when everyone comes over to HI!"

Al also is very involved in the FIRST Lego League. "I have only one real accomplishment in FIRST and that is being part of helping student after student progress from Lego League to high school through FIRST and onto college." He also breaches the mentor/parent gap, and claims it has been a positive experience for him. "My accomplishments are measured by the number of students that find happiness in FIRST and a sense that they are really capable of doing something important and helping others. I have been blessed to watch my own two children make that transition in FIRST. I hope I can continue to help students in the future."

Al also gives us a lot of solid advice for every FIRSTer to follow. "If you learn nothing else from this competition remember these two things…

"1. Almost anything is possible. Don’t let someone tell you it can’t be done, find out for yourself or just do it. Mankind has been held back for thousands of years by the respected people in high places impeding progress. It is a miracle we made it out of the middle ages. Learn from your own history. When many countries were being repressed by their governments, the U.S. allowed inventors to take us to the moon and beyond in just a few short decades.

"2. A person will find more opportunity with the attitude “I can do that!” If you had refused when the FIRST opportunity came to you, you would not be reading this. If I had said “No” when asked to help fix an electrical problem on a robot, I wouldn’t be writing this. My life has been a very happy one because of the many times I was open to opportunity."

Congratulations to Al Skierkiewicz for being honored as our next Unsung FIRST Hero.

Nominated By: confidential

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations to Al Skierkiewicz for being honored as our next Unsung FIRST Hero.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congrats Mr. Skierkiewicz... ooo Wildstanger... :)

sometimes it seems to be that i find answer to the questions that i have just by reading his post. thanks Mr. Skeirkiewicz.

you deserve this award...

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations Al, this was a long time coming! I'm sure you are an excellent asset to your team; because, your participation on this board in support of the FIRST family is simply phenomenal.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations genius... I hope to meet you this year as I have learnt a lot from every post you make. You truly deserve this award. Congratulations again

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations! I know you only on chief delphi where your posts are knowledgable and insightful, but based on this, you are most likely a valuble resource to your own team and any others that you may assist. Keep up the amazing work.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congrats, you're an amazingly helpful individual here on CD, and definitely an excellent resource to your team!

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations Al!
Another great choice for the UFH award!

Though I've never had a prolonged interaction with Al in person, we've bumped into each other a few times here and there, and it's always been a pleasure.

I remember in Atlanta this year I was sitting in the stands watching the Archie finals... During an especially close match, I distinctly remember talking to the people around me about the outcome (as we all frantically counted the balls in a goal). I looked back and realized I had been talking with Al (I recognized him from this site) and some other Stangers for the past few minutes without even knowing it. It's definitely a cool thing to look up and realize you're talking to someone you recognize & admire.

Anyways...
That's about the sum of my "Al-experiences".

As others have said, his contributions on this forum are incredible. He is one of those people that you can always trust to post something good. We need more Als on here, and certainly more in this program.

Again -- Congratuations. This is truly deserved.

Admiringly,
John V

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

HI AL!!!! ;)

You and your team 111 Wildstang are people who inspire us in NYC to bring it up a notch! Someday, I hope to meet you in person.
Until then, I greatly enjoy your words of wisdom and insight on the CD postings.

You’re on my list of Top 10 people I want to meet from FIRST.

Congratulations Al on your UFH! :]

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations Al! :)

You REALLY deserve this for not only all the technical help here on CD, but for all the help you've given to FIRST teams.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations, Al!

As a fellow 'Stanger', and Mentor on WildStang, I know that a lot couldn't get done around the team and the pits without ya :)

You deserve it!

-Nate

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations Al, and finally.. a normal sized picture!! Yay!!

All kidding aside, thanks for being there to answer all the questions we in the CD community have had throughout the years...

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations!!!

Thank you for the help and info that you provide on these forums. Several of my students has benefited from your advice. As have I!!

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Woohoo go Al!

This is definately something that you truly deserve. You have helped so many and pushed the rest of us to reach out and help others. You always provide advice that is reliable and helpful in a way that can be understood...and if we don't get it the first time you keep going until we do. You are not only a mentor to the students, but to the rest of us that work with you.

When I first started in FIRST I didn't understand the concept of helping your competition when they were down. By the end of the first day of the first regional I understood. I watched you work with people that you had never met before. I watched you listen to their problem and give multiple suggestions on what could be wrong. After fixing whatever the problem was, I saw the smiles on their face when they realized they had worked through a tough problem. That's when I understood the meaning of FIRST. That's when I understood that this whole thing is more than just winning...that its about helping anyone that needs your help.

So, congratulations to you Al. Keep up the good work :)

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Al, a big thanks for all you do. Here on CD you always give excellent help and advice. You are one of the reasons that this site is so successful and that FIRST is such a great organization. Hope to have the honor of meeting you someday.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congrats Al!!!!!!!! That is so awsome... I know that I didnt know a lot coming into electrical last year... You and Nate both helped me a lot! Great Job Al! :D

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations! I have enjoyed all of your posts and admire Wildstang tremendously. Best of luck this season!

Al Ostrow
Team 341

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations. Your valuable advice has prevented me from killing myself and others numerous times =)

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations Al!!

It's been a real pleasure watching your team in action (and actually getting to compete WITH you on occasion) these past 5 years. You and the rest of WildStang are true role models in the FIRST arena!

Great job!!

Sean

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congrats Mr. Skierkiewicz!!!

I like to see great people from great teams win awards! Hopefully all mentors on FIRST teams can be good people just like yourself.

-Kyle

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations Al!!
Another awesome choice.

If you ever get bored with Wildstang your more than welcome to come down to Plantation and work with the SigmaC@Ts :]

Congrats again!

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations, Al! This was definitely overdue. You always have top notch, sensible electrical advice and share it effectively and clearly. Your presence on ChiefDelphi has certainly helped countless teams and individuals.

Congrats to a fellow ham :)

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations Al Skierkiewicz!

I was privileged enough to be one of those students.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?p=299165

Your response to this question was immensely helpful to me.
Whenever I read one of your responses to someone else's question, I am always impressed by the quality of your advice. Your responses are always clear and very valuable. You have been helpful to countless people on these forums, and you have touched the lives of many. I hope to have the privilege to meet you one day.

You are an inspiration to all.

Thanks,
- Jaine

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Like many others who have posted here, have never met Al, yet I am constantly astounded by the wealth of information he has to share. Al's posts are always very detailed, provided tonnes of valuable information. I make sure to read everyone of his posts in it's entirety.

There was one thread that Al was involved in that sticks out in mind.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?p=224625

For those who don't want to read the whole thing, it was very close to the 2004 ship date, and there was a frantic question by a team who's robot was not working at all. Al took the time to go through all the possible problems. When it seemed as though the situation needed a more in depth look, Al asked where the team was located and if it was close to Chicago. Despite how close it was to the ship deadline and the fact that he was surely busy with his own robot, Al was willing to go out of his way and make a personal visit to this team. (He didn't end up going, but it's the thought that counts...)

It's that kind of dedication which makes FIRST the wonderful program that it is. Thank you Al. I look forward to meeting you at some point down the line.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

AL, Congratulations, i don't know where i would be now with out your help. For the help you have provided not only to myself but to all of the Chief Delphi and FIRST community has been invaluable and i don't think we can thank you enough for that. And now i think it is time well overdue for all to gather round and hear a couple of the many wonderful times Al has helped out people who he had never met before.

The first time i met Al in person was in Atlanta this past April at the 2004 Championships. While working in the pits with team 250, damage almost occurred to our RC while trying to connect our program cable to the RC due to it being in a tight place. Well after trying to come up with a quick solution other then moving the RC and rewiring the bot again, i decided to go and find Andy Baker to talk to him about this and if he had a recommendation but at that time team 45 was out at a match. While about to head back to my pits i notice Wildstang is almost right behind team 45 in the pits. I approach one of the mentors i recognize from 111, Dave Flowerday, and he grabs Al to ask him about it. As Al turns around, he recognizes me from this forum and digs through a box to pull out a patch cable made of a set of IDC 9 pin connectors and some ribbon cable. He hands that to me and tells me if it doesn't work to come back and get him. I wound up not having to go back, due to his quick thinking and excess of supplies that he didn't have a second thought of donating to a needing team.

The next time i would see Al would be at IRI this past summer. While we talked during some of the matches and caught up about past events and the past season, i was at IRI to volunteer and help out. Later in the day, a problem arouse with the field, and more specifically the ball cups that held the 10 point balls. On the not so simplex wiring on the underside of the components, multiple wires got spliced during set up and kept shorting out the sensor. During our lunch break a group of volunteers went to take a look to see if a fix could be developed with what was on hand there. After noticing the problem i approached Al and asked him to take a look and see if he could help out. Not only was he willing to help out, he grabbed Wildstang's extra supplies once again and came up with a solution that kept the field in working order for the rest of that event and also for Sweet Repeat and Kettering Kickoff.

I am honored to have worked with such an amazing and talented mentor in FIRST. Thank you Mr. Skierkiewicz for all you have done and i hope to be able to work with you again in the future.

Congratulations on this achievement Al, for you are a true Unsung FIRST Hero!

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Always there to help with wealth of knowledge. I know where to go for the answers.

His team ranks among the best of the best. It is clear he is a driving factor for his team.

Glad you were nominated, well deserved for sure.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

From what I know of Alan Skierkiewicz, this was only a matter of time. =) Congratulations!!!

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congratulations and thank you so much for all your help. I wonder if you know how much your advice and feedback has actually helped.

I was actually reading one of your posts earlier today and thinking "Why is he not a UFH??" and then I saw the UFH symbol next to your name .. so again congrats and thanks for all your help

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congrats to Al!

He is an inspiration to his team and many others. Al is always in the pits helping out....if it isnt his team he's in someone elses pit providing his positive and useful insight. Thanks for all of your help and support to the FIRST community!

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Al is one of those mentors who we all learn from. I am inspired by the help he gives on these forums and his effort to help teams throughout the year. Each year, it seems that the TechnoKats learn something from Al.

Also, Al is one of those knowledgeable inspectors, like Mike Martus, who takes the time to completely inspect a robot at a competition. Students and teams deserve this sort of quality treatment. Al has a unique way to be strict with a team while inspecting, but fatherly and nice at the same time. It is obvious that his focus is for the safety of everyone involved with that robot he is inspecting.

While these things are impressive, they don't really show the impact that Al has on his team and others in FIRST. If you get to know Al, you will also get to know his wife, Dottie. Both are great people. Dottie is somewhat of the "team mom" at Wildstang, from what I can tell, and keeps those 'Stangs in line with cookies, cheering, moral support and encouragement. She is always looking out for the students, as is Al. At many competitions, Dottie and Al have gone out of their way to make my family feel comfortable in the stands. My kids have received countless Wildstang stuff over the years, and they really get a kick out of it.

Al and Dottie are part of what makes FIRST great. They are both role models for us all.

Andy B.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Al - congratulations dude. Excellent!

I enjoyed working with you as 'sound guys' for the IRI talent show!
For those of you who weren't there, Al was even able to make Andy B. sound like a real singer - aaahh, the magic of a mixing board!

Hope to see you at a competition soon -

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Hi Alan..

You have offered assistance so often to those seeking electronic help via the Delphi board. . You are one of those solid people who make 111 as tremendous as it is. Glad to see that you got some additional credit for your role. Some day, I may actually get to meet you.
dave kelso

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Congrats Al,
Over my years of involvement in FIRST i have learned alot from you and you were always available to help me out here on the boards and a few times at competition! For that i am grateful. Your unsurpased knowledge, generosity, and gracious professionalism is truely commendable and something all of us should strive for. You are definately one of my FIRST heros!

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Thank you Al for all your help over the years. Congratulation

Steve Yasick

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

Not only is Al an Unsung FIRST Hero, but as of last weekend, he is an Emmy Winner!

Al is part of a team at WTTW in Chicago who won an Emmy for "Category #42 Outstanding Achievement for Individual Craft Achievements Off Camera – Technical Achievement".

Here is a link to the nominations.

This is very cool. Good job Al!

Andy B.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

I would like to say thanks to everyone for posting here. It has been a real emotional experience hearing all the kind words. At competitions there is so much to do and so many people to meet, I forget how many of you I talked with. It is nice to know that some of you actually remember. Thanks again, I can't wait to see some of you in the next few months. Hope you will be attending Purdue, MWR or Atlanta and I will see you there.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

My sentiments exactly.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

I'm still trying to decide what kind of engineer Al is; you can't tell from his posts. He demonstrates not just knowledge but expertise in mechanisms, drive systems, controls, programming, electric power, electronics, telemetry, fabrication and machining, physics, psychology, where do I stop? I frequent the technical forums to see if I can contribute, but usually Al has beat me to it and his answer is far more detailed and concise than I could ever produce.
Wildstangers, I hope you realize what a treasure you have as a mentor. It was my pleasure to officially meet him at nat's last year. Congratulations Al - you've raised the bar again.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

A warm wise wonderful man. You deserve this. Congrats!

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

I really hate to generalize this so much but I second everything said above. Al has been a great help to everyone on these boards, providing detailed, in-depth explanations to all of our questions.

Re: UFH: Alan Skierkiewicz
 

I'm just guessing, but I think he's an electrical engineer based on some of his more obscure knowledge demonstrated on the forums. Who cares though :D, he certainly knows enough about each engineering discipline to offer insightful answers in every arena of FIRST...