[Al Skierkiewicz]

Joe,
I must echo Dave Lavery's erudite exclamation earlier in the post.
I don't remember the first time we actually met, it was at MWR or CDI about 1998 (could it have been 97?). I had seen few people with boundless energy, flying through the pits as you were the first time I saw you. I wasn't prepared for the way you entered our pit and walked right up to Raul. I thought, anyone who could argue with Raul and hold his ground was someone that needed respect. Since that time, I have felt privileged when listening in on strategy discussions or mechanical explanations between you and other engineers. Thank you for helping me understand the meaning of Gracious Professionalism and for all you have done for the FIRST community, particularly here in the Midwest. I, as so many others, are better mentors, engineers, and people for knowing you.