Steven Kotyuk receives first Joshua A. Terando Apprentice of the Year Award

Local 1 names award for apprentice killed in Iraq

Local 1 BM-ST John J. Skermont presents the first annual Joshua A. Terando Local 1 Apprentice of the Year Award to Steven Kotyuk. L. to r.: Robert Schwartz, vice president; Jerry Terando, L-60 retiree and Joshua’s dad; Kotyuk; John J. Benz, president; and Skermont.

Chicago Local 1 BM-ST John J. Skermont announces the presentation of the first annual Joshua A. Terando Apprentice of the Year Award to Steven Kotyuk. The annual award for the highest ranking Local 1 apprentice was named in honor of a Local 1 apprentice killed in action in Iraq.

Terando was a Local 1 sixth-period apprentice when he was recalled to active duty from the individual ready reserves to fight in Iraq. A sergeant in the Army Rangers, Terando was assigned to the elite Quick Reaction Force. According to L-1 VP Robert Schwartz, “Josh was assigned as a section leader because of his leadership excellence and great tactical mind. During one mission, he placed himself between a wounded soldier and enemy fire, disregarding his own safety to aid a wounded comrade.”

Just three weeks later, on Nov. 10, 2005, Terando was fatally struck by enemy gunfire while providing security for members of his platoon from the roof top of an old factory building.

“He represented everything that is good with humanity, and died protecting his fellow soldiers in an attempt to make the world a better place,” Schwartz said. “He was the leader of his class, and truly a hero for all of us.”