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For Immediate Release WEIRTON, W.VA. – The leaders of Weirton Steel Corp. and the Independent Steelworkers Union (ISU) today demonstrated their support of U.S. troops during a ceremony at the company’s headquarters. John Walker, Weirton Steel president and chief executive officer, and ISU President Mark Glyptis made comments in support of the servicemen and women involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and elsewhere. Other speakers were Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence A. Graham III, West Virginia Air National Guard, and Pastor James Foglio, president of the Weirton Ministerial Association. Graham flew helicopter missions during two tours of duty in Vietnam and also flew in Operation Desert Storm. Walker and Glyptis tied six large yellow ribbons around oak trees on the company’s headquarter grounds. Five ribbons represent the company’s five employees called to active duty by their military reserve units and one ribbon symbolizes all U.S. troops. The officials said the ribbons signify their hope for the troops’ safe and speedy return to the U.S. Family members of the five Weirton Steel employees called to duty attended the ceremony. "The ceremony was conducted for all the troops, but we especially kept our five employees in mind. We want all area families who have loved ones in the military to know we’re thinking of the troops and praying for them. We’re proud of everyone serving our country and thank them for their courage and sacrifice to secure victory and peace," Walker said. Glyptis, who represents 3,200 members of the company’s work force, also will hang a yellow ribbon outside the ISU hall. "Now, more than ever, we need to unite behind our troops and our allied forces. My heart goes out to the families of our Weirton Steel employees who currently are serving in this conflict. We know they will return safely," said Glyptis. Graham told the gathering of Weirton Steel employees that the U.S. effort during the Persian Gulf War was "a just cause" as it is in current war. He said the people of Iraq will welcome being liberated from "the brutality of the regime" over them. Weirton Steel is the seventh largest U.S. integrated steel company.
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