After retiring from a 36 year career with Lockheed, Mike O’Brien wanted some meaningful service. He noticed in the church bulletin that the Cobb Catholic Coalition was building houses with Habitat and he volunteered.
As a director of manufacturing for the C-130, Mike O’Brien had a lot of experience with meetings, but not a lot of experience with construction. However, Habitat builds are organized with crew leaders who teach hands-on how each task is done. These days, Mike frequently runs the saw, a position called the cut man.
At the last Construction Committee meeting, several Gray Ghosts had stories about Mike’s easy going nature and sense of humor. One running gag on the construction site is to say Mike did it when anything is missing or out of place. Mike always goes along with it. One Ghost remembered bringing Mike back a piece that did not fit. Mike apparently retorted, “Next time I’ll think about using a tape measure.” Another Ghost called him “a cut man and a cut-up.” A third joked, “He is a great cut guy. He still has all his fingers.”
Mike loves the sense of accomplishment that comes from starting with a slab of concrete and ending up with a house. Mike knows every construction step is necessary. Also, he enjoys the fellowship with the people on the site. He believes that everyone wants to make a contribution to the community and they work together in a spirit of cooperation and appreciation.
All of us appreciate the smiles you bring. We are so glad you “saw” your way to work with us. Thank you, Mike.