National Training 2008, Austin, Texas

NTEU National President Colleen Kelley is serenaded by a mariachi band during the National Training Kickoff party in Austin. The celebration was sponsored by Chapter 247 along with fellow Texas Chapters 46, 52, and 72.

National Executive Vice President Frank Ferris sticks to the program: Free food, drink, and music, courtesy of NTEU's Texas Chapters.

How were we to know there was a party going on? 'Cause the Texas Chapters organized it!

Steward Dave Davis, Chief Steward Mike Bunton, and Stewards Melvin Tealer and Willie Hines toast the recent achievement of 75% membership for Chapter 247.

Grace is added to the party: Chapter 52's Chief Steward Bill Grace and his Grace-ful wife!

The formidable Stewards of Dallas' Chapter 46 attempt to commandeer the party and overwhelm the fierce competition of Austin's Chapter 247.

Facing all comers...in this corner... heavyweight Chapter 247!

NTEU National Executive Vice President Frank Ferris and Chapter 247 Chief Steward Mike Bunton finally give into the demands of the paparazzi. Just think of Vanity Fair and smile, guys!

National Vice President Jim Littlejohn (center, at table) closes his eyes and dreams of a warm, tropical-like place, where delicious Mexican food is served, and NTEU leaders gather in fellowship...Hey, wait a minute, Jim! Open your eyes!

Chapter 247...the proud sponsor of Cedar Creek Youth Soccer! We're also backers of the Bastrop Juneteenth Celebration and the Texas Bombers girls' softball team.

“One who has never let us down and never will…the Congressman from Texas’ 25th District… LLOYD DOGGETT!” - Chapter 247 President Eddie Walker

250 people packed the Customer Service Building Atrium - upstairs and down - to hear Congressman Lloyd Doggett pledge to continue his support for federal employees.


Clyde Corales gets face time with the Congressman.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is another favorite guest of Chapter 247.

Chapter 247’s annual Karaoke Contest brings a large, enthusiastic crowd to the
Atrium. Name another Service Center that showcases Karaoke in the middle of

a call site!

What would Willie do? Ken Murray’s duet with himself on “To All The

Girls I’ve Loved Before” singing both Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias’

parts—made him the Chapter 247 Karaoke Contest Winner, day shift.

There are Karaoke fans in the balcony, too!

Carolyn Smith says, “That's entertainment! ”

Rick Peterson wows the crowd with a high energy “Mack the Knife,” taking
home First Prize in the Chapter Karaoke Contest, night shift division.

Collections Operation’s Dorothy Wright, Mary Jean Hooke, and Irma Cardenas
feast on Chapter 247 chicken dinners. Membership has its privileges.

Member Emma Jacobs knows how to have fun.