Manuel “Manny” Lopez didn’t ride his bike to work at AEP Texas his entire 46-year career, just the last 38 years.
He was a meter reader at first, and the long days spent walking kept him fit. When Lopez took a job as a meter lab electrician, he said he needed to find a new way to stay active. So he started cycling to and from work, a 13-mile round trip.
Safety is important to Lopez, so he wears a helmet, gloves, and never rides in the rain. He figures he commuted on bike 5 days a week, 42 weeks a year, for 38 years until his retirement earlier this month. That’s 103,740 miles on two wheels.
“I’m going to miss riding to work,” Lopez said, “but I’m still going to ride, that’s part of my lifestyle.”
 |
| Lt. Col. Trevor Sthultz (right), accepts the guidon of the 914th Maintenance Group from the Wing Commander in a change of command ceremony. |
People who are acquainted with Trevor Sthultz, continuous improvement lead in Regulated Commercial Operations, know him at AEP for his roles in change management, strategic problem solving, continuous improvement and leadership.
What they may not know is that he uses those same skills in a new responsibility he has as lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He was recently named group commander of the 914th Maintenance Group, in command of eight KC-135 refueling aircraft stationed at Niagara Air Reserve Station, New York.
The opportunity to serve as group commander is unusual in the reserves, as this position is typically led by a “full bird” colonel. In this role, Sthultz is responsible for equipping, training, and ensuring the combat readiness of approximately 280 personnel assigned to the group and two subordinate squadrons.
His military career goes back more than 20 years. Sthultz was commissioned in 1999 after graduation from Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Texas Tech University, continuing in active duty until 2008, when he entered the reserves. As a reservist, Sthultz deployed to the Middle East for five months in 2016 to lead a team of 70 maintainers and four C-130 cargo aircraft in combat support operations.
 |
| Trevor Sthultz |
“There are numerous parallels between my AEP career and my military career,” he said. “I intentionally sought employment with AEP due to their strong support of the military and their excellent reputation in the energy industry.”
At AEP, where he has worked for 12 years, he helped initiate, organize and lead the Military Veterans Employee Resource Group.
He credits a lot of his teams’ successes in the military and at AEP by practicing the “performance pathway” — he understands how leadership creates the culture that drives the behavior that produces the results.
“In the military and at AEP, I enjoy work that cultivates a positive and productive culture, and leading teams to continually improve processes,” he said. “I use skillsets I’ve learned in my military career at AEP, and vice-versa.”
His current reserve service requires a lengthy commute from Columbus, Ohio, to the base at Niagara Falls, New York. He transferred bases from Ohio to New York in early 2013 and drives to Niagara Falls each month. In his commute over the past six years, he’s driven more than 44,000 miles to perform his military duties.
Among the many accomplishments of his military career are being named Officer of the Year at the group and squadron levels, being an aide to a four-star general, and being a published author. Over the years, he has risen in rank from second lieutenant (1999), first lieutenant (2001), captain (2003), major (2008) and lieutenant colonel (2014). He has earned numerous military awards and decorations, including Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and has served in Puerto Rico, Spain, Germany, United Arab Emirates and Qatar with other official travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, Thailand, Korea, Greece, Japan and several other countries.
About the KC-135
The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the U.S. Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. Its unique mission uses a flying boom and trailing drogue attachment to refuel aircraft in midair. The heavily modified Boeing 707 has a maximum transfer fuel load capability of 200,000 pounds and maximum cargo capability of 83,000 pounds. It has a top speed of 530 miles per hour, maximum ceiling of 50,000 feet, and range of 1,500 miles.
(Source: U.S. Air Force)
AEP River Transportation Division
Nola Gray, 83, River Transportation Division, died December 7.
AEP Service Corporation
Andrew Varley, 83, retired, died November 19.
AEP Ohio
Jimmy Salyer, 85, retired, Socco-Meigs Mine, died on December 17
Floyd Cales, 69, retired, Athens Office & Service Center died on November 28
Peter Tiberio II, 75, Cardinal Plant, died on December 15
Paul Iler, 95, retired, Bucyrus Service Center, died on December 4
Robert Harrison, 82, retired, Canton Estrn Reg Office, died on December 6
James Lane, 76, retired, Chlicthe Trans/Telecom, died on December 17
Richard Bennett Jr., 61, Region Meter Serv-Columbus Minerva Annex, died on December 12
Robert Maynard, 79, retired, Columbus SW Service Center, died on November 21
James Roahrig, 91, retired, Coshocton Office Building, died on October 25
John Phillips, 88, retired, 850 Tech Center Building, died on December 7
Elizabeth Pryor, 94, retired, 850 Tech Center Building, died on December 18
William Stanley, 89, retired, Lancaster Office Building, died on December 2
Leonard Glaub, 81, retired, Zanesville Office, died on December 19
AEP Texas
Wallace Brimer, 81, retired, Abilene General Office, died on December 20.
Thomas Flint, 76, retired, Corpus Christi Office, died November 30.
Lois Leifeste, 87, retired, Corpus Christi Office, died December 14.
Donald Vanderhoof, 85, retired, Corpus Christi Office, died November 27.
Manuel Sanchez, 66, Knox Lee Plant, died December 12.
Appalachian Power Company
William Tignor, 66, retired, Clinch River Plant, died on December 17
Richard Blevins, 89, retired, Pulaski Service Center, died on December 5.
Thomas Barnett Jr., 99, retired, Roanoke Main Office, died on December 4.
Jean Lavender, 87, retired, Beckley Office, died on December 4.
Ronald Pinson, 77, retired, Huntington Service Center, died on December 10.
William Waldron, 67, Welch Service Center, died on December 15.
Andrew Weisal, 80, retired, Wheeling Service Building, died on December 15.
Mary Cash, 86, retired, Amos Plant, died on December 10.
Indiana Michigan Power Company
Steven Stronczek, 76, retired, Northeast Service Center, died on November 29
Norbert Kopinski, 88, retired, South Bend Service Center, died on November 23
Beatrice Kimball, 92, retired, St Joe Office & Service Center, died on December 10
Charlene Marsh, 72, Buchanan Nuclear Office, died on December 20
Kentucky Power Company
Robert James, 65, Robert E Matthews Service Center, died on December 11
Public Service Company of Oklahoma
Donnie Shotts, 66, Hobart, died on November 28
Lloyd Hurt, 85, retired, Tulsa General Office, died on December 6
Larry Shaver, 73, retired, Tulsa General Office, died on December 19
A R Zimmerman, 93, retired, Tulsa General Office, died on December 13
Roderick Johnson, 65, Weatherford Plant, died on December 2
Southwestern Electric Power Company
Sherman Giles Jr., 81, retired, Shreveport General Office, died on December 12
George Hollis, 84, retired, Shreveport General Office, died on December 8
AEP Ohio
Donald Guisinger Jr., Athens Office & Service Center, retired December 1 after 38 years of service.
Michael Wilson, Lima Service Center, retired December 1 after 38 years of service.
AEP River Transportation Division
Timothy Lucas, River Transportation Division, retired December 1 after 41 years of service.
Catherine Neville, River Transportation Division, retired December 1 after 12 years of service.
James Triplett, River Transportation Division, retired December 1 after 40 years of service.
AEP Service Corporation
Paul Burdeaux, Renaissance Tower, retired December 1 after 33 years of service.
Mark Coleman, AEP Headquarters, retired December 1 after 38 years of service.
Gregory Luzio, AEP Headquarters, retired December 15 after 41 years of service.
AEP Texas
Jose Mendietta, Alice Service Center, retired December 29 after 40 years of service.
Mary Newman, San Angelo Service Center, retired December 15 after 33 years of service.
Appalachian Power Company
Joan Leftwich, Bluefield Service Center, retired December 1 after 41 years of service.
Timothy Rogers, Roanoke Service Building, retired December 1 after 36 years of service.
James Rucker Jr., Roanoke Service Building, retired December 1 after 37 years of service.
Ike Spangler, Roanoke Service Building, retired December 1 after 39 years of service.
Generation
David Boyd, Gavin Plant, retired December 1 after 42 years of service.
Jeffrey Hastings, Rockport Plant, retired December 1 after 41 years of service.
David Tulloh, Mountaineer Plant, retired December 1 after 48 years of service.
Robert White, Clinch River Plant, retired December 1 after 29 years of service.
Kentucky Power Company
Marshall Collett, Hazard Service Center, retired December 1 after 43 years of service.
Southwestern Electric Power Company
Charles Rummel Jr., Greenwood Service Center, retired December 27 after 13 years of service.
Transmission
Tony Harvey, John W. Vaughan Center, retired December 1 after 24 years of service.
David Pfirsch, Bucyrus Service Center, retired December 1 after 42 years of service.
In December 2018, SWEPCO presented the Strand Theatre with a $13,725.68 check to help the nonprofit upgrade its lighting to light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This project and monetary incentive are part of SWEPCO’s Commercial Energy Efficiency Program.
Cumulatively, the Strand replaced approximately 2,000 bulbs within the facility’s offices, auditorium, dressing rooms, lobby, foyer, storage rooms, box office and more. LEDs have a much longer lifespan and very low maintenance costs compared to fluorescent or incandescent lighting.
The theatre will see an estimated 20 percent savings on its SWEPCO bills, based upon past usage and new savings as a result of the lighting upgrade. Additionally, theatre staff will reduce the amount of labor and time required to change bulbs within the facility.
“Anything we can do to reduce costs and maintenance is valuable since our building dates back to 1925,” said Jenifer Hill, executive director for the Strand Theatre. “The energy efficiency program from SWEPCO is incredibly helpful.”
SWEPCO also has an energy efficiency program for its residential customers, which includes incentives for lighting, heating/cooling system upgrades, weatherization and more. Additional information on these programs is available at SWEPCO.com/Save.
ASHLAND, Ky. – On July 21, 1919, just weeks after the U.S. Congress approved the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote, a new company was formed in eastern Kentucky. That company – Kentucky and West Virginia Power – grew to become Kentucky Power.
For nearly 100 years, Kentucky Power’s mission has been to provide residents and businesses in eastern Kentucky with safe, reliable and affordable electricity. In celebration of Kentucky Power’s centennial this year, the focus will be on customers and giving back in the communities where employees live and work, while continuing the mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity.
During 2019, Kentucky Power’s social media will showcase the many non-profit organizations providing valuable services and resources that are supported by Kentucky Power and its employees through contributions, sponsorships and volunteerism. The 100 Acts of Appreciation Campaign kicked off January 2 and runs throughout 2019.
“For our anniversary theme, we want to emphasize appreciation for our customers, while highlighting Kentucky Power as a good corporate citizen,” said Cindy Wiseman, managing director – external affairs and customer service. “We believe, with everyone’s commitment, we can not only reach 100 Acts of Appreciation but exceed it. We want this to be fun and rewarding for all employees.”
One of the first acts came in the form of a warm coat for those in need. Employees in Pikeville delivered 40 coats and jackets they had collected during a coat drive to the Pikeville Methodist Church, Westcare Homeless Shelter and Trinity Harvest on Jan. 2, the first day back to work for many after the holidays. (Pikeville District employees show piles of coats collected for area residents in need in the photo above.) Employees in Ashland collected 72 coats that they collected during their drive. Hazard employees also collected coats for those in need in their area.
Derek Myers stands proudly next to the sign for Station 405 in Ohio.
(Story by Laura Vargas)
The time it takes for an ambulance or fire truck to arrive can mean the difference between life and death. The residents of Jersey Township, Ohio thought it was taking too long. Luckily, they had a great advocate in Derek Myers.
Myers is the director of the infrastructure complex team at AEP. He’s also an engaged community member. He served as a Jersey Township Trustee and West Licking Fire Board member for more than 20 years.
In his leadership roles, Myers advocated for a new fire station, along with other township improvements. His efforts paid off in October when a new fire station with EMS services was opened at Morse Rd. and 161. The township dedicated the new station to him, naming it the Derek Myers Station 405.
“It was unexpected and very humbling,” Myers said.
The new station covers Jersey Township, Harrison Township, Etna Township, Reynoldsburg, Pataskala, Kirkersville and parts of New Albany. AEP’s New Albany Transmission building is also included.
“When you looked at our district, lots of improvements were made to the southern part of the district, which was more populated. It made sense to offer the same level of service in the north,” Myers said.
Myers brings the same passion to his work on AEP’s IT team. “We’re so proud of Derek,” said Jason Griffith, managing director of infrastructure and operations. “His leadership and dedication are clear in his work at AEP and in the community.”
AEP River Transportation Division
Michael Wolford, 58, River Transportation Division, died November 18.
AEP Service Corporation
Glendell Miller, 78, retired, died October 30.
AEP Texas
W.G. Bruner, 81, retired, Abilene General Office, died November 19.
Mary Cox, 97, retired, Abilene General Office, died November 11.
Mark Dugie, 62, Kenedy Service Center, died November 15.
Guadalupe Garza Jr., 72, retired, Corpus Christi Office, died November 17.
Oscar Migl, 89, retired, Corpus Christi Office, died November 15.
Delbert Morris, 93, retired, Corpus Christi Office, died November 7.
Joyce Ray, 74, San Angelo Services, died November 6.
B.E. Rives, 88, retired, Abilene General Office, died October 31.
David Urrea, 88, retired, Corpus Christi Office, died November 22.
Appalachian Power Company
Elinor Oliver, 99, retired, Roanoke Main Office, died October 19.
Alfred Runions, 83, retired, Amos Plant, died November 26.
James Smith, 83, retired, Beckley Service Center, died November 13.
Columbus Southern Power Company
Richard Haag, 87, retired, 850 Tech Center, died October 28.
William Hetterscheidt, 84, retired, 850 Tech Center, died November 18.
William Yant, 80, retired, Delaware Service Center, died November 6.
Indiana Michigan Power Company
Clyde Flatter, 75, retired, Hartford City Service Center, died November 6.
Joseph Palkowitch, 87, retired, South Bend Service Center, died November 12.
Everett Smith, 65, Tanners Creek Plant, died November 5.
Kentucky Power Company
Roger Brewer, 67, Big Sandy Plant, died November 13.
Betty Henigin, 90, retired, Big Sandy Plant, died October 27.
Ohio Power Company
William Bickerstaff, 88, retired, Gavin Plant, died November 7.
Virgil Knicely, 93, retired, Gavin Plant, died October 29.
Charles Miley, 88, retired, Van Wert Office Building, died November 15.
Richard Morgan, 82, retired, Portsmouth Service Center, died November 21.
Charles Mossor, 61, Cardinal Plant, died November 3.
Leonard Shannon, 69, Cardinal Plant, died November 7.
Clayton Wright, 92, retired, Canton Eastern Regional Office, died November 13.
Public Service Company of Oklahoma
George Boyce, 71, Energy Control Center, died November 3.
Mickey Rowell, 79, retired, Tulsa General Office, died October 30.
Southwestern Electric Power Company
Louis Merchant, 89, retired, Shreveport General Office, died November 21.
William Tragesser, 88, retired, Shreveport General Office, died October 22.
