Hard Hat Pink: GreyStone Linemen Show Support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

GreyStone Power linemen are showing their support for breast health during the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each employee who typically wears a yellow or white hard hat, including all linemen and those in the Field Services, Technical Services and Staking departments, received a pink hard hat to wear this month.

The pink hard hat idea began to develop when GreyStone Purchasing Department Manager Danny Alsobrook was approached by a vendor, Tri-State Utility Products, Inc., and was told that one of Tri-State’s manufacturers, 3M™, had created the pink hard hats to promote breast cancer awareness. In addition to the promotional efforts, 3M supported the American Can­cer Society® by donating $15,000 to breast cancer research. “By us purchasing the pink hard hats, it helped 3M fund their donation,” said Alsobrook.

GreyStone Operations Depart­ment Manager Steve Findley and Alsobrook presented the idea of the pink hard hats to GreyStone President/CEO Gary Miller, who quickly agreed to the promotion. “I think everybody thought it was a good cause and a good way to show support,” said Alsobrook.

Findley said the pink hard hats were well received among the linemen. “We have a couple folks who’ve had breast cancer touch their families, so everybody was happy to do it,” he said.

When GreyStone’s linemen are out in the community, Alsobrook hopes that people will take notice of the new hard hats. “I think it’ll make them look twice and show them that GreyStone is committed to breast cancer awareness and we’re a good corporate partner,” he said.

For Lineman Travis Fam­brough, the cause is personal. His mother is cancer free now, but still goes every six months for a checkup after her battle with breast can­cer. “I took a picture when we got the pink hard hats and sent it to her, and she thought it was really cool,” he said.

Lineman Terry Queen’s wife had breast cancer, so he was also glad to wear a pink hard hat. “I thought it was great. I was hoping we could keep them!” he said.

At the end of October, employees will retire their pink hard hats to keep them in good condition for next year, since the co-op intends to make it an October tradition.

Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S., accord­ing to the American Cancer Soci­ety. To prevent breast cancer, it is recommended that women have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 for those who are at an average risk. Women should also have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40. You can sign up for a screening reminder at www.komen.org/reminder.

GreyStone Power serves more than 107,400 members in portions of eight counties, including Paulding, Douglas, Fulton, Cobb, Carroll, Bartow, Fayette and Coweta counties. Learn more at www.greystonepower.com.