Mobile Equipment Operator
Bristol, Tennessee, Us
At the height of Covid, moved from Charlotte back to West Virginia. In need of work, I underwent MSHA safety training and was hired as a red-hat miner working low coal at the Black Eagle Mine in Parksville, WV. Was trained at numerous positions including belt operator, driller, heavy equipment operator and blasting assistant. After about a year, I was proudly promoted to Black Hat (certified miner). The most demanding job I have ever had, and something I never imagined I would be doing. However, despite the dangers and confined spaces it was the most rewarding job I have ever had. I gained an immense respect for the generations of families, men and women, who work those WV mines not giving a second thought to the sacrifices it entails. I learned alot about what I am capable of, what I can endure, my strengths/weaknesses, and gained an ability to make decisions under pressure