Two retired International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers from Local 48 electricians recently returned from a Mercy Corps mission to North Korea. The 62-year-old twin brothers, Dan and Dennis McCarty, used over 70 years of combined electrical experience to install a power system at three hospitals in Haeju, North Korea.
The men did all pre-planning and preparation work by working from photographs. But that wasn't the only obstacle the twin brothers had to overcome.

"We experienced low quality electrical power and long hours without electricity," said Dan McCarty. The language barrier also proved to a challenging, as well as working with a limited number of tools, materials and equipment.

"If you don't have it with you when you arrive, your only option is to improvise while upholding safe practices," said Dennis McCarty.
But the brothers didn't let anything stand in their way. The project was pronounced a resounding success by North Korean's hospital directors. All three power systems are operational and are currently in service.
"We are happy to be able to help those in need. It was a rewarding experience," said the McCarty brothers. "The project was about helping people, not politics... we're proud to have represented the IBEW thousands of miles away."

The McCartys are only two of the many IBEW members who travel overseas to help the less fortunate. Bruce Zimmerman, Bob Palandech and Jeff Hawkins, all retired IBEW members, recently returned from a humanitarian trip to Peru. IBEW 48 is proud of their local, state, country and worldwide volunteer efforts.