pic: Woodie and Joe

[Carol]

loading photo ...

[Carol]

I forgot to add something important when I hit submit, that this photo was taken by Marco Ciavolino from the Techbricks. He takes wonderful pictures and publishes them at http://clients.enktesis.net/first/FTC0804196Atlanta/

Thanks Marco!

Photography ©2008 by Marco Ciavolino

[Ken Delaney 357]

Congrats Joe. Thanks for all that you have done to help FTC(FVC) grow. Keep up the good work!

[Amanda Morrison]

There are few people (if any) who have been so instrumental to the shape and progress of this program as Joe Perrotto. He's the go-to guy, the innovator, and the savior year after year to make this happen. Joe has simultaneously given up so much and taken on so much to make that program what it is.

I respect Dr. Flowers for so much - he is a constant moral compass, a true measure of ultimate wisdom and guidance. To me, his only equal is Joe Perrotto. The two of them are the true picture of selflessness and dedication to this cause.

Congrats, Joe. No trophy, no honor, is a worthy measure of all that you've done.





Though others might, I will never forget that.

[Rich Kressly]

Wow. Really, wow. When Dr. Flowers gets down on a knee, we should all take a breath and realize what a statement this photo really is. Amanda said it all so beautifully, but I think I'll try my perspective here anyway.

More than three years ago Joe was already neck-deep in FRC 365 and had already won a much deserved WFFA. He was integral in MOE and the budding non-profit now known as First State Robotics. "Action Joe" was (and still is) the guy in the 365 and so many other pits making magic happen for as many students and teams as possible. His example and legacy in FIRST and in the lives of young people was already written. He needed to do no more and he had absolutely no business (or time for) getting involved in one more thing, but he did...

When Delaware was chosen as one of the seven venues for pilot FVC regionals in 2005/06, Joe was immediately selected by the First State/MOE folks to head it up and help fit it into an event already featuring JFLL and FLL. In the middle of organizing a brand new event in this pilot regional year, as the game "Half-Pipe Hustle" was released, the program was faced with a nearly fatal issue. The vendor-designed field for the program that had just been completed was exponentially too expensive and, with no time to get it done, had to be redesigned in a cost effective way. Without skipping a beat, Joe was asked, as a volunteer, to redesign a portion of the field and work with IFI engineering to provide a solution within mere days. He did just that and teams and events breathed a collective sigh of relief never knowing what one volunteer had done. All this while Joe maintained his responsibilities with FRC 365 as well as helping get the DE pilot event in full swing.

At the conclusion of that season I got a phone call from John Larock, MOE 365's wonderful team coordinator, because I was both a Senior Mentor and member of the FVC GDC at that time. John made one simple statement and asked one simple question. "Joe has a lot of passion for the new FVC program and he's going to have some more time this coming year. Could you help find a way for him to be more involved?" I told John I'd do what I could and it turned out to be the easiest sales job I had ever done in my life. I made one phone call to pass his name along. By that next week Joe had been invited to be part of the FVC GDC. Needless to say 2006/07 was an awesome year. Joe helped a very cool group engineer "Hangin'-A-Round" and in less than one plane ride had already rewritten most of the referee manual. His contribution was an instant booster shot to our group. And yes, he continued to run the Delaware event and support scrimmages and events anywhere his truck would take him.

2007/2008 in FTC has been very much the same with Joe from my perspective. The shear number of people he has positively impacted through the F(V)TC program is incalculable. In a year filled with change and some turmoil, Joe has been steadfast in his commitment to the teams and the true mission.

Joe Perrotto is the definition of "hero" and Woodie, on one knee in front of him, is honest visual evidence for the masses to see what some of us have had the pleasure and privelege of knowing for years.

Namaste, Joe.

[nlknauss]

Totally awesome Joe!

It is a magnificent feeling knowing that the program has a true professional present to support it and help it grow into the future. When I volunteer at events, it is always comforting to know that it has your support. You definitely have a certain charisma that many look up to and hope to emulate.

And, thanks for all the "Joe Cards"!

Nate

[GeorgeTheEng]

I think that all of us who have volunteered at events with Joe know that he is great at keeping any event running smoothly. He is driven. He is the epitome of gracious professionalism and he's an over all great guy.

It's a priviledge and honor to work with him. Personal I think we should all go down on one knee for Joe.