[Andy Baker]

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.