As part of National Native American History Month, we are highlighting Abelardo Guerra, who refers to himself by his Native American name, Geronimo. He’s actively involved in the American Indian movement and is a member of the Apache Nation in the Southwest. He started with CEI more than five years ago as a laborer and is currently working in the San Jose Support Center as a valuable member of that team. Geronimo’s attachment to his culture runs deep. He regularly visits tribes throughout North and South America as a trusted and respected medicine man, including a Sioux reservation in South Dakota where he participates in ceremonies, vision quests and community service. Helping others is important to Geronimo. He teaches self-reliance to younger tribe members by showing them how to work with their hands, and he works with prisoners and gang members to help them live without drugs or crime.
Not long after starting at CEI in 2016, Geronimo needed surgery to fix injuries sustained from prior accidents. With the help of Support Center General Foreman Ben Gersick, he was to take time to get much needed treatment and heal. Geronimo recently showed his appreciation to Ben and Support Center Assistant Manager Isidro Curiel by ceremoniously presenting them with feathers and a peace pipe. When asked why he remains at CEI, Geronimo said, “It’s a beautiful company with wonderful people. I could retire, but I like it here too much.”
