

		Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association *Professional Miner Program*

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First Professional Miners Named!

Aug. 19, 2004, Beckley, WV
Doug Conaway, president of the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association, and Dave Lauriski, MSHA Assistant Secretary officially recognized the first “Professional Miners” in recognition of their years of working in the mining industry without experiencing a accidental injury on the job. Lauriski called the honored miners “...pioneers at the forefront of a new day in mine safety and health history, leading us to an even safer, more healthful and productive American mining industry.”

Left to right: Doug Conaway, J. Steve Potter, Elaine Haussecker, Stephen Bolling (Behind Elaine), Lilliam G. Vergara, Justin Ellis (Behind Lilliam), Joseph Krause, Eric Kechejian, Michael Carpenter, John Riggi, and Dave D. Lauriski.

Audience at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy applauds the first professional miners.

Meet the first professional miners
	Stephen Bolling Platinum Stephen is a Primary Team leader with Iluka Resources in Virginia and has seven years of mining experience.
	Michael Carpenter Platinum Michael is a Shuttle Car Operator with Elk Run Coal Company in West Virginia and has thirty years of mining experience.
	Justin Ellis Gold Justin is a Field Services Operator with Iluka Resources in Virginia and has four years of mining experience.
	Elaine Haussecker Platinum Elaine is a Front-end Loader Operator Operator with the TXI Bridgeport Sand and Gravel Operation in Texas and has five years of mining experience.
	Eric Kechejian Platinum Eric is a Safety Director with Tilcon NY/NJ in New York and has nine years of mining experience.
	Joseph Krause Gold Joseph is an Electrical Manager with the TXI Bridgeport Stone Operation in Texas and has three years of mining experience.
	James R. Patsey Platinum James is a Fireboss with Pin Oak Resources -Pinnacle Mining Company in West Virginia and has 28 years of mining experience.
	J. Steve Potter Platinum Steve is a Mining Coordinator with Iluka Resources in Virginia and has 25 years of mining experience.
	John Riggi Platinum John is a Shuttle Car Operator with RAG Cumberland in Pennsylvania and has 26 years of mining experience.
	Lilliam G. Vergara Platinum Lilliam is a Haul Truck Driver with Tilcon N.Y. - Mt. Hope Quarry in New Jersey and has five years of mining experience.

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