Last year I attended a meeting of the Engineering Standards Committee. This is the group responsible for writing and placing into effect the new steam rules (49CFR Part 230) as well as a number of other projects related to steam.

During the meeting, the general attendees at the meeting (the meetings are public meetings) were asked by the panel members what it will take to get the youth involved in steam. My reply was something as follows;

I grew up under the shadow of the all mighty Steve Lee. Steve, in my book was, and to a great extent still is my ultimate steam hero. As a young 16 year old, I worked as a steam engineer for a large amusement park in Utah. As engineer, I would dress in a black t-shirt as Steve and his crew often did. I would suck on sticks of beef jerky as if smoking a big Steve Lee cigar and I tried to be ruff and gruff as I thought Steve always was. I even had a name badge on my hat that said “I wish I were Steve Lee” (I still have the badge).

After serving a mission for my church in 1993-1995, I returned home with a new vision of myself and what I could become. I realized that I will never be Steve Lee. I will however, be John Rimmasch. I will be John for the rest of my life. I had a decision to make. Live in the shadow of my hero, or become what I am today.

Having read the postings on what it will take to include the youth, I offer the following questions and ask with all of my heart, that the next time you see a young man looking at you as if you were a hero, that you would apply these simple questions to the way you act. I was impressionable, so are the youth to follow me.

READ THIS IF NOTHING ELSE:

When you see a young person, do you go out of your way to say nothing more than Hello? If notÂ…. Why not?

When a young person asks you a question, do you answer the question as if it were the most important question you had ever been asked? If not, why not?

Do you conduct yourself in a manner that invites a young person to be around you? If notÂ….are you part of the good olÂ’ boys clubÂ…..if so, why?

Do you treat others the way you want to be treated? If not, why not?

If you had a chance to ask Steve Lee any question in the world, how would you like Steve to treat youÂ…Â….remember that feeling when you growl at a young person.

The youth of the world view you as the Steve Lee in their life. You make the impression not by a program you run, or the size of engine you operate or the number of passengers you haul. You make the impression by being youÂ…Â…Â…An older person that a younger person wants to become. Be a good example and treat others with respect.

In closing, Thank you Steve Lee, Doyle M, Lyn and all the rest for being my hero. I still look up to you and always willÂ…Â…..

In twenty years from now, will some young eight year old say the same of me and you? I sure hope he will.

John E. Rimmasch
CMO
Ohio Central Steam


jrimmasch@yahoo.com