A unique bond between I&M workers and a customer began in a South Bend neighborhood hours after severe thunderstorms whipped through causing widespread damage and power outages.

During storm restoration work, I&M employees came to know 81-year-old Gerald Schpok after he greeted workers to say thank you following April’s severe storms.

“Mr. Schpok had a tree fall on part of his house and fence causing considerable damage. He came out to talk with us while we were in his neighborhood – arms full of coffee and jokes,” said John Albrizio, Distribution Line Coordinator Sr. “After chatting with Mr. Schpok, we found out he was an Army veteran, and we all wanted to help him.”

After striking up a friendship with Schpok, I&M’s Military Veterans Employee Resource Group (MVERG), felt compelled to help restore a sense of normalcy for a fellow veteran. Our forestry partners were able to clean up the tree debris from his yard, and I&M volunteers did the rest.

“We gathered volunteers, supplies and set a date to repair his fence. He served our country, and we didn’t want his family to work around a broken fence,” said Jason Rodman, Distribution System Supervisor and MVERG leader. “At I&M, we are dedicated to serving our customers and this a great example of how our dedication goes beyond ensuring safe and reliable power.”

I&M MVERG members have also given to various causes over the past year, including Wreaths Across America and several food and clothing drives supporting local veterans.

Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities and how staff are making a difference through volunteering for their neighbors.