The Council 2 scholarships for 2004 have been named in honor of, or in memory of eight people, who are listed below. Tributes from the Locals of which they were members are included. Applications for the scholarships will be available in early December or online at www.council2.com. The deadline is March 15.

$2,000 scholarship awards are named for Todd Huff, Shawn Valdez and Tuan Nguyen

On April 5, the officers and staff of the Spokane County Jail lost a remarkable person. Corrections Officer Todd Huff, a 13-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department and Local 492, died suddenly in his home, the victim of a heart attack. Todd was buried on what would have been his 41st birthday. He leaves his wife Kathy and two young daughters, Brianna and Katlyn.

To know Officer Huff, was simply to talk to him. He was nick-named “Bear” years ago by staff who respected him and admired the way he dealt with the issues of working in a jail. Todd was a classification officer for his last eight years of service with our department. That meant he knew almost every inmate who came to the jail. That also meant he could tell you a story or two about most of those inmates. Storytelling was Todd’s specialty. People were his specialty. He had a way of making anyone feel comfortable enough to just open up and share.

Todd was a wonderful dad, who would do anything for his girls. He camped out in the back yard with Brianna and Katlyn when there wasn’t enough time to load up the camper and leave town for a few days.

Todd was a strong supporter of education and the importance of continuing to grow through further education after high school. He spoke often about his plans for his daughters when they were ready to graduate from school and go on to college.

Shawn Valdez was an active participant in Local 1122, City of Yakima, and served as Local 1122’s representative on the City’s Insurance Board until her death.

Shawn worked hard to preserve employees’ benefits and to enhance the insurance program. She preferred to work behind the scenes, getting things accomplished without calling attention to herself.

Shawn was dedicated to her family as well as to her employment. She left two sons, aged 15 and 10.

Tuan Nguyen worked for the City of Kent from 1986 until he passed away from leukemia near Christmas 2002. During his time at the City and as a member of Local 2617 from its inception there, customers and co-workers knew him for his hard work and cheerfulness.

Tuan’s life was full of challenges. As a single young man, he left Vietnam, traveled as a “boat person” through perilous waters to China and eventually made his way to the United States and freedom. He had to leave his family behind to do this. In America he had to learn a new language, and a trade to support him. He eventually graduated from Highline Community College with a certificate as a press operator and came to work for the City of Kent.

One of the proudest moments in his life was when he became a U.S. citizen. He was so proud of his new country that it was best not to mention communists in front of him if you didn’t want to hear a lot of muttering.

Through hard work he helped the print shop grow and improve. Tuan’s work ethic was demonstrated by actions such as showing up for work at 7:30 when his shift began at 8:00. To accommodate this, his shift was changed to 7:30, so he showed up at 7:00. He was always there.

Tuan eventually found a lovely woman to share his life with and at the time he passed away he had two small children, and her parents, whom he also supported. Friends and co-workers truly miss him. They admired his cheerfulness, determination and hard work. He would be both surprised and delighted at receiving this honor.

The Summer School for Women Scholarship is named in honor of Pam Dittloff

Pam Dittloff joined Local 618 in 1979. Since 1984, she has held the positions of President, Chapter Chair, Vice President, Secretary, Local E-Board and Council 2 E-Board. She attended the Summer School for Women on a Council 2 Scholarship in 1995.

Pam promoted the Summer School for Women and the Council 2 Scholarship program, which provided the opportunity for her to attend. She used this valuable opportunity to represent members at all levels. At the time, she was a single parent who devoted her time to her job, the Union and a variety of Special Olympics coaching assignments.

Although she has been promoted to a management position in Thurston County, she continues to be a strong advocate for labor issues and opportunities for women in labor. Naming this scholarship for Pam (Swenson) Dittloff is a fitting thank you for her years of service.

$500 Continuing Education Scholarships are named in honor of Mark and Toni Kirschenmann, Linda McGovern and Alpha O’Laughlin

Mark Kirschenmann, who started working with Yakima County in 1972, and Toni Kirschenmann, who started working with the County in 1974, have been extremely active with this union since Yakima County Juvenile Court employees Local 87-P joined Council 2.

Both Mark and Toni have held the offices (some positions several times) of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, E-Board member, and also have served on our negotiating team.

“I do not know what our Union would have done without their leadership skills, knowledge and expertise,” says Local president Ruthanne Cortez. “They have been tremendous assets to our union.”

Linda McGovern, was active both as a Yakima County Local 87 member and as a member of Local 87-H, Yakima County Health District at the time of her death. She was well thought of by her co-workers and was always available to them for support and genuine caring.

Alpha O’Laughlin was president of Local 1191-W, City of Walla Walla, for about 15 years and, when not president, held other offices. She was a delegate to National Convention several times and a member of the Women’s Action Committee for about 20 years. She is currently a staff representative for Council 2.
Alpha has also been an Organized Labor Representative on the Vocational Grant Board for the local school district in Walla Walla.

“Alpha has looked upon every convention and every seminar as a learning experience. She impressed upon our membership that you always come away with added knowledge and always encouraged involvement through her example and knowledge of the union,” says Judy Talbot, Local president.

The members of Local 1191-W say they were reluctant to let Alpha retire because she was such a strong support for the local but they were pleased when she was appointed as their new Staff Representative.