Sealaska Construction Intern Visits Air Force Base Project
Wednesday, August 7, 2019

By: Jay Brendible Jr., Construction Management Intern 
Jay Brendible Jr. and Superintendent Dave Houx examine the gravel layer of the vegetative swale (a channel for water runoff) at the construction site.

The project was the new main security gate entrance for the Portland Air National Guard Base

On my first trip to the job site in Oregon, my manager David McQueen and I went through a job site safety meeting and an overview of the project. I learned that the project was the removal of the old security entrance and construction of a new main security gate entrance for the U.S. Air Force base, which consisted of anti-terrorism and force protection upgrades. After I learned about what the project looked like on paper, we went outside and took a tour around the physical job site. That very much interested me because I got to see how complex the building plans were and how much preparation it took to get where they are.

Heath Barger, Jay Brendible Jr., and Dave McQueen on project site

I got to learn about what it’s like to work on-site

The project manager on site, Heath Barger, was very enthusiastic about me being there and even invited me down to Portland to help him work on the job site so I could get a better understanding of all the work that goes into this particular type of project. During my second trip, I went overnight and got to work on as-built drawings, RFI’s, scheduling, and project documentation. This further interested me because I got to learn about what it’s like to work on-site, along with the differences of working in the office with my manager.

Jay Brendible Jr. and Superintendent Dave Houx on-site discussing work activities with the concrete crew.

These trips have opened my eyes

My favorite part about the trips would have to be going around the job site, taking pictures of the site, and seeing the progress that has been made from the start of the job. Overall, these trips have opened my eyes to what my future should look like, and I am very thankful for the experience.


Latest News


Sealaska Announces Spring Distribution of $19.2 Million

Posted 4/12/2024
As part of Sealaska’s continued investment in our communities and region, a spring 2024 distribution totaling $19.2 million will be issued to shareholders on Thursday, April 18. Sealaska’s board of directors approved the distribution at a meeting held in Juneau on Friday, April 12. The upcoming distribution includes dividends totaling $4.5 million from Sealaska’s ocean-health business platform, $3.1 million from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund and an additional $11.6 milli...

Sealaska Spring 2024 Distribution Date Announced

Posted 3/19/2024
The Sealaska Board of Directors will meet on Friday, April 12, 2024, to approve the amount for Sealaska’s 2024 spring distribution. The distribution will take place on Thursday, April 18.  Shareholders can prepare for a seamless distribution by completing any enrollment or stock transfer paperwork, including gifting or inheritance, by Friday, April 12 at 4 p.m. The last day to make changes to addresses or direct deposit information is Monday, April 15, , before close of business, or online via M...

Sealaska announces Desiree Jackson to serve as Vice President of Administration and Outreach

Posted 3/6/2024
Jackson’s goals, experience are aligned with Sealaska’s vision for shareholders, communities and the region’s collective future. A focus on strategy, values and excellence has led Desiree Anax x’aséigu yé Jackson to her new role as Sealaska’s Vice President of Administration and Outreach. Jackson has served as the executive director of...

First Quarter Board Q&A provides shareholders an opportunity to connect with their board

Posted 3/4/2024
Members of Sealaska’s board of directors had an opportunity to connect with shareholders and answer questions during the Feb. 29 board Q&A session hosted on MySealaska. Directors Barbara Cadiente Nelson, Ka’illjuus Lisa Lang joined Executive Chair Joe Nelson and Board Youth Advisor Deikeenaak’w  Connor Ulmer in providing an update following January’s board meeting and shared upcoming opportunities and associated deadlines with participants. Sealaska’s language grant application period i...

Virtual Shareholder Orientation offers connection, information for original and new shareholders alike

Posted 2/26/2024
Sealaska’s Shareholder Relations team hosted a virtual shareholder orientation on Tuesday, Feb. 20 for an audience of nearly 170 shareholders from far and wide. This event offered both new and long-term shareholders a chance to learn more about the benefits and responsibilities of being a shareholder and answer questions about specific Shareholder Relations policies, procedures and protocol.   Shareholder Relations Manager Jodie Gatti, who joined the Sealaska team in November, was joined by...