Thomas Pinski
Communicator
Thomas Pinski joined the IAM in 1985. He hired into McDonnell Douglas that year as a Mechanic - Electrical & Electronic. Pinski's work on the Flight Ramp allowed him to work on a wide variety of programs including the Harrier, Hornet, Goshawk, and Eagle fighters as they were undergoing final preparation for delivery to the customers. He also spent several years in the Experimental department working on design modifications for Fleet and Production aircraft.
In 1996, Pinski was asked to serve the District as a Special Representative in the newly formed High Performance Work Organization program. As District HPWO Coordinator, he is responsible for issues that arise from the HPWO teams, collecting and analyzing data gathered for the program, and making recommendations to the District PDBR on changes needed to ensure continued success of the program.
Tom was elected as Grand Lodge Delegate to the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Grand Lodge Conventions for his Local Lodge. In August of 2001, the President of Local Lodge B asked Tom if he would be willing to take on the responsibilities of Local Lodge Communicator. In 2002, the District President appointed Pinski to serve as the District Communicator. He successfully completed the International's Basic Web Design & Basic Editor courses in 2002. In 2003, he completed the International's Advanced Editor Training. He went on to complete the International's Labor Historian training and used his knowledge to assist the Missouri Historical Society's "Flight City" presentation to highlight the Union's role in Aerospace. Pinski completed the Organizer training with his Lodge Executive Board and worked with the District in organizing a new shop in Washington, MO.
The International has recognized Pinski's work through the years with various awards. His photographs have been featured in the IAM calendars for 2003, 2004, and 2007. His work with the District AeroFacts was recognized by the awarding of Honorable Mention in 2003 for the AeroFacts Best Feature, in 2004 Honorable Mention for General Excellence, 3rd Place for Best Layout and Design, in 2006 for 3rd Place in Best Feature Story, in 2007 for 2nd Place Best Feature Story, Honorable Mention for Best Layout and Design as well as General Excellence. The Mid West Territories recognized the AeroFacts in 2004 and 2005 for Best Feature story. The District website, designed and maintained by Pinski, was awarded Honorable Mention for General Excellence in 2003, 1st Place in 2004 for Best Website Feature, and Honorable Mention in 2007 for website General Excellence.
Pinski spent four years in the US Navy as an Aviation Weapon's Control Technician on the F-14 Tomcat. While serving aboard the USS Carl Vinson, he circumnavigated the globe. The electronics training Pinski received in the military, gave him the skills needed to perform his duties in the plant. Pinski is nationally certified as a A+ Computer Technician, Fiber Optics Technician, and as an FCC Radio Operator with a Radar endorsement.
Pinski graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kingsway Christian College & Theological Seminary at the Midwest Bible Training Center Campus in 2003 with his Bachelor's Degree in Scriptural Counseling. In 2008, he was awarded his Master's Degree in the same field. Tom teaches undergraduate classes at the school he is enrolled in.
