MILESTONE
A GRADUATION
Although they may not see each other at work every day, calling the shipyard home is a special bond for the daughters and their father. The four often swap work stories, especially Alveta and Alvin, who still live in Franklin and take the shipyard carpool van to work each day. “I’m proud of my daddy and the 40 years he’s been here,” said Janet, a technician and Apprentice grad. “Everyone knows him. My daddy is one of my best friends.”
And Alvin’s dedication certainly rubbed off on his daughters. “When we were growing up, he worked almost every holiday and every weekend just to provide for us,” Alveta explained. Alvin celebrated his 40th year at the company in 2014, so he attended his first Master Shipbuilders dinner with Janet in April. He said, “I had a great time at the dinner. I saw a lot of my friends celebrating their years, too.”
So this Father’s Day, the three Jenkins daughters came together to celebrate their dad and all he does for them. “We got together with family and friends to cook out on the grill,” said Angela. “He’s always happy just having us all together.” I By Phoebe Doty
(L – R): Sisters Janet Jenkins, Alveta Jenkins and Angela Butts were inspired by their father, Master Shipbuilder Alvin Jenkins, to find careers at the shipyard. Photo by John Whalen