Foundation Formed to Aid Families of Tower Casualties

September 11, 2014

By J. Sharpe Smith —

September 11, 2014 — A foundation to provide financial assistance to family members of severely injured or deceased tower workers was launched yesterday at a reception during Super Mobility Week in Las Vegas.

The Tower Industry Family Support Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit that was formed by the wireless industry with the lead of the National Association Tower Erectors.

“We have a moral imperative to gather together and take care of the families who take care of the heroes who take care of our towers,” Jim Tracy (Legacy Towers), the president of the foundation, told an audience of tower industry supporters. “This foundation was established to provide bridge funds for families of severely disabled and deceased tower climbers to aid them in the short term. We will also provide scholarships of $2,500 per year for up to four years.”

Todd Schlekeway, NATE executive director, announced that the foundation has received a joint donation of $400,000 from ClearTalk Wireless, a flat-rate wireless service provider, and the law firm of Fletcher, Heald and Hildreth.

Schlekeway also announced the Board of Directors and the Advisory Committee, which established the criteria and guidelines governing the distribution of funds from the foundation.

Along with Tracy, Jim Coleman, MUTI, is the vice president of the foundation; and Kari Carlson, Tower Systems Inc., is the secretary and treasurer. The Advisory Committee includes Cliff Barbieri, Advanced Tower Services; Victor Drouin, Green Mountain Communications; Karen Kyman, Precision Communications; Ben Little, Centerline Solutions; Schlekeway; John Talley, Talley Communications; Dimitri Thornley, JDSU; and Don Evans, Fletcher, Heald and Hildreth.

The foundation is soliciting additional contributions at its website www.towerfamilyfoundation.org