Letters from home: Loving a Lineman
Behind every lineman is a family who shares the early mornings, long nights, storm calls, and missed moments. For Lineman Appreciation Day, we invited spouses, parents, and kids to write notes to the linemen they love. These letters are a small glimpse into the pride, gratitude, and support that make this work possible.
Cody Bass, Cookeville
Cody,
We are so thankful for all of the hard work you have dedicated to not only your family, but your career as well. You have gone above and beyond to support us, be present for us, and lead with love and integrity. To our favorite lineman, thank you for being the best husband, father, and CoCo we could possibly ask for.
Love,
Rachel, Kalli, Korra, and Blakeleigh

Jonathan Washer, Carthage
Jonathan,
The girls and I could not be more proud of the job you do for your community. When you are called out to a storm whether that be locally or out of state to help others, we are sad to see you leave but at the same time we know you are helping your community and those who need you the most during that time. We sure do appreciate all you do to provide for your family! The girls and I love you very much!
Love,
Kasey

Josh Hammock, Gainesboro
Josh,
I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you. All your hard work does not go unnoticed. You love your job and like that it gives you the opportunity to help others in the process. When the big outages happen, you always try to check in with me and the kids and let us know that you’re okay. Even a quick message helps us breathe easier, because we know you are okay. I am proud of you. We love you and we are thankful for you. Thank you to all the hard-working linemen out there!
Love,
Katie

Jamie Goodpasture, Livingston
Dear Dad,
While you are out helping the community I just wanted to share how much our family appreciates you and the work you do at UCEMC. Working long hours in extreme heat and cold to keep everyone’s power on is an important job. No matter where you were at you made sure you were there for us too. Our family is very proud of you! I love you, Dad!
Love,
Emerson

Peyton Boles, Livingston
Peyton,
Your grandfather was a jack-of-all trades, which included being a certified electrician. Growing up, you worked alongside your Pa, and you learned so much from him. You always had a real interest in anything electrical. It was clear early on that you liked figuring out how things worked. So, when the chance for Lineman Training came along you were actually interested and excited. We, as his parents, saw you change from a young kid to a young man. This work has been great for you and to you. We have seen you grow as a member of UCEMC, and as always, you make us proud.
Love,
Mike and Lisa Boles

Adam Taylor, Cookeville
Adam,
The kids and I are beyond thankful for everything you do for our family and for others. We know your job isn’t easy and can often be dangerous, yet you show up every day with strength, courage, and a selfless heart. You constantly put others before yourself and are always willing to help in any way you can. We are so proud of you and grateful for all that you do.
We love you,
Brandi

AJ Savoia, Carthage
AJ,
I know you don’t like your name or picture out for the world to see, but I think you deserve all the recognition, so you’ll get over this.
I’ll never forget over hearing you tell Josh, “I just want Logan to be able to say her Daddy is a lineman,” not long before you started at UCEMC. Well, you’ve done that, and I’m so proud of you! It’s so sweet to hear her tell people her daddy is a lineman now, knowing how much that means to you. I know her and Ryann both are so proud of you, and think they have the coolest daddy around. It’s never easy when you’re called out and the tears start, because they hate to see you leave, but they know it’s part of your job.
I hope you always know how proud I am of you. You are the most hardworking and determined man that I know. (Sometimes, these words don’t seem to be enough to describe you) I love you and this little life of ours!
I am proud to be home supporting you while you’re doing what you love, and I hope you know by doing that and working so hard, you’re also supporting me and my dreams. Being your wife, and our girls mama, we love you so much,
Always Be Safe, but hurry home to us.
Love, Brandie, Logan + Ryann

Daddy,
I am so proud that you are a lineman I love you and always want you to come home safe.
Love,
Logan

Darren Birdwell, Gainesboro
Darren,
Loving a lineman means living with unpredictable hours, late-night calls, and long days that sometimes stretch into even longer nights. It means missing you when the weather is at its worst, knowing that’s exactly where your community needs you most.
I see the sacrifices you make — the exhaustion you carry home, the courage it takes to step out into storms while others seek shelter, and the quiet pride you take in doing a job that you love. Your work goes far beyond power lines — it keeps everyday life moving for our community.
I am so proud of the man you are and the strength, dedication, and heart you bring to everything you do. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to serve others, no matter the hour. Your resilience and devotion inspire me every day, and I am so grateful to share this life with you.
Love you always,
Samantha

Bobby Poston, Livingston
Dad,
I’ve watched you be a lineman for as long as I can remember. Even before I understood what the job really meant, I knew it meant long hours, missed holidays, and leaving home when the weather got bad so that others could be safe and comfortable in their homes. You never hesitate to go where help is needed, not just for our community, but often for others when they need it too.
I’ve always been proud of how dedicated and hardworking you are, even when things aren’t easy and you’re worn out from long days. You still show up because it matters and because people depend on you. I wish more people understood how much hard work and sacrifice go into keeping the lights on.
Thank you for the work you do and the example you set. I’m proud to be your daughter and proud of you. I love you, Dad.
Love,
Kalie

Bobby,
You love our kids so much and have been excited for grandkids, and our first one arrived on 4/1/2024. You have embraced your new role as Papa with love and joy, and you cherish every moment with our grandson Brody. You bring the same care and dedication that you show your family to your work, and you are loved by everyone around you. We love and appreciate you more than words could describe.
Love,
Tina

Jason Kemp, Carthage
Jason,
I am speaking on behalf of all of us when I say, we admire many things about you and are so very proud of you! You have such a willingness to help others, you are so organized and neat and take pride in your work, and safety is ALWAYS first and foremost. What we appreciate most is how tirelessly you have worked for your family and community all these years. How you come home after many hours out in the freezing cold, in the wind and lightening, soaking wet, joints hurting; just to get some dry clothes on and head right back out because someone still is without power. We know how tough that is, but we also know just how much you LOVE and respect this job! I have seen many times how proud you are when someone asks what you do and you confidently say, “I’m a lineman with Upper Cumberland Electric”.
Although retirement is coming sooner than later, we can tell you have enjoyed all the late nights, storm damage trips, and meals paid for from very thankful people you all are helping. It doesn’t go unnoticed! Even your oldest son is in lineman school right now following in your footsteps. We all love you so much and sure do appreciate our favorite lineman.
Jack and Mallory, Shyenne and Wesley, Tracey, Maddy, Karly and Bailey

Wes Boles, Cookeville
Wes,
Trying to put into words how Proud of you is hard. There is so much we want to say. You decided in high school you wanted to be a lineman. You work so hard every day in all types of weather. You work during storms which is a sacrifice of time with your family but serving your community at the same time. You work hard every day for your family and that speaks volumes of the man you are. Thank You for all you do for your family and your community.
We Love You
Mom, Dad, Graceann and Truett

Mark Sherfield, Livingston
Worm,
There will never be enough words to express how incredibly proud I am of you! You are true definition of a Christian, loving, hardworking and dedicated man, husband, father, grandfather, lineman + farmer! You hold so many titles, and are the very best at them all!
Over 20 years ago, I can remember the hours you spent praying, studying books and drawings, practicing climbing in the yard and doing anything you could to ensure you were the very best candidate for the job. You did it all, and thanks to God, he blessed you and our entire family, with an opportunity that you’ve done amazing at! You truly love what you do, and the dedication you’ve shown to it, for over 20 years, is a true testament to that! The long days and nights, horrible weather conditions, and dangerous situations never stop you! You continue to study and learn, all you can, and I’m so proud of you for all you’ve accomplished.
I am so incredibly blessed to have such an amazing man, as the best father, a girl could ask for, and an even better Pa! You are the Rock of our family and I’m so grateful for all you do for us! Praying God continues to protect you and that you continue to grow and learn, as a Lineman, each day! I’m so proud to call you our favorite Lineman, and one who always goes above and beyond! I love You! Happy Lineman Appreciation!
-worm ♥

Mark,
I want to tell you how very proud I am of you!
Thank you for being a great Christian leader and provider for our family. I truly admire your dedication to UCEMC, your co-workers and the customers that you support.
I’m so glad that you love and enjoy being a lineman. I appreciate that you are always eager to learn more in your field of work and are always striving to do the best job possible. You definitely have a servants heart.
Thank you for all that you do!
Love,
Wendy

Brandon Rigsby, Carthage
Brandon,
We just want you to know how deeply grateful we are for you and the work you do. Being a lineman isn’t just a job—it’s a calling—and we see every day how much of yourself you give to keep others safe, comfortable, and taken care of. You choose, again and again, to serve others—even when it’s hard, even when it means time away, and even when no one sees it. We are so proud of you, so thankful for you, and so honored to be your family. Thank you for all you do for our community and for us.
We love you!
Rion, Brennan, Clayton, and Cohen

Closing These letters are a reminder that keeping the lights on is a team effort, in the field and at home. Thank you to our linemen for serving our members, and thank you to the families who support them through every season.
























