FIRST Volunteer of the Year

[Ian Curtis]

Congratulations Al! FIRST should've stuck in a token nickel for "Put it passed at XYZ Regional!"

[Jon Jack]

Congrats, Al! This has been long overdue. Thank you for all you do for the FIRST community.

[Mr V]

Congrats Big Al you deserve it. It was great to finally get to meet you in person at the Senior Mentor/VISTA booth this year.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Thanks to everyone who has posted here and congratulated me in person. It was a huge surprise to be given this prestigious award. Frank wrote a fantastic presentation speech. It made me cry to hear him go on and on. Working for Frank over the years has made my (ours and yours) job easier and now Collin Fultz has taken over Frank's inspection duties and he is doing a great job too.

I really don't do all this alone. I have hundreds of great LRIs, RIs and Inspection Pit Managers that work tirelessly at events every weekend and at the Championship. We were able to inspect 400 teams this year before matches started. In addition, the division LRIs work throughout the year trying to improve the rules and procedures and making it easier for teams in the future. All of those volunteers work hard behind the scenes making sure that all robots get ready for match play and get on the field. That is sometimes a very hard job, especially when there are a lot of rookies attending an event. Yet they do it and then come back next year and do it all over again. In addition, most are also mentoring teams. Please thank them when you see them, they deserve this more than I do.
I hope everyone had a great and fun season. Enjoy the post season and see you soon.
Thanks very much. Each of you give me the inspiration to keep going and work harder.

[techtiger1]

Al,

Congratulations, it is defintely well deserved. I was at Championships but didn't get a chance to say hello or see the award being given. Heading up getting 400 teams inspected is a testament to just how great of a volunteer you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your countless hours of energy and dedication given to this program.

[Jeff Waegelin]

Congratulations, Al! Can't think of a more deserving person to get this recognition for all you do!

[Chris Fultz]

Al - Congratulations - an awesome person and an awesome award!

Thank you for all you are doing!

[Ben Martin]

After about 1 to 2 sentences into the speech, I knew exactly who was going to get the volunteer of the year award. Congratulations Al, and thank you for everything you do for the FIRST community.

[dlavery]

Congratulations Al! As they were reading out the award announcement, there was no doubt who was being discussed. The only thing going through my mind was "well of course, what took them so long?!"

-dave

.

[nuttle]

Al is an inspiration and example to many mentors and volunteers and I know that although he has directly helped a great many teams, his example and the indirect help he probably doesn't get to see only compound this. He is incredibly generous with his time and energy and has invested a lot of himself into this program and all of this gives us something to aspire to. There was a reason the cheers were so loud when this was announced, despite it being a huge non-surprise. The students get it too, and I know that it means a lot to them.

Congratulations Al on a some well deserved recognition. You've certainly earned it!

[Moon2020]

I have had the pleasure of being the Inspection Manager in Al’s Division (Galileo) for four of the six FRC Championships that I have attended.

To make inspection successful, it truly takes a team of knowledgeable, dedicated people who also bring their A-game in exceptional Customer Service skills to ensure the students, mentors, guests, and other volunteers have an outstanding FIRST experience.

We are a very lucky team to have leadership that leads by example.

Congratulations, Big Al! Well deserved!

[sandiegodan]

Allow me to add my congratulations to the many accolades already posted here. I got meet Al for the first time at last years Champs and have had the pleasure of attending the FIRST Training this year as a first year LRI. I've been able to spend both my Champs years on Galileo with Al.

Al, I know I don't know the half of it, but from my vantage point you have been a continual inspiration on what it means to be involved in FIRST and am so pleased FIRST has chosen to put the spotlight on you this year. Thank you so much for all you do and I wish you many more happy years of doing what you love to do!

Thank you,

[Al Skierkiewicz]

For those that don't know, Inspection Pit managers are a mission critical part of getting everyone inspected at each event. I have several managers that return each year but Jean is one of the best. She performs so well, I don't have to worry about anything in the pit. I am sure that inspections at Florida events run smoothly with her on station because Champs sure does.

[dag0620]

Just wanted to add in my Congrats Al! I know our team hasn't really had the opportunity to work with you directly in person, but your assistance on the forums over the years has been such a great resource.

[Clayton Yocom]

Congratulations Al! Its almost expected for you to come by and give us a hard time, but that's part of the fun! (Having your foot on the scale in 2011 almost gave me a heart attack!) You've always offered help and advice even during fierce competition at Midwest 2011, and have always shown what it means to be a gracious professional. Thanks for everything and hopefully we'll see you at IRI!