Down where I live, we've become accustomed to visits from power-company crews from all over the continent in the aftermath of every big hurricane.

These guys are not on the public payroll like firemen, police, Coast Guardsmen, etc.; they are employed by private business. So, they are often omitted when we thank and honor "first responders." Not fair!

These guys work tirelessly around the clock, leaving their homes behind for weeks and weeks at a time. The service they provide (well, the service they are restoring) is absolutely essential, and they're serious as can be about getting the job done.

Donating one's per diem allowance is certainly admirable, but even those workers who keep all the money they're paid are performing invaluable services and deserve our appreciation.

The fact that we're often unhappy with their employers, the monopolistic utility companies ~ especially when not in a time of crisis ~ shouldn't diminish our thanks and admiration for the hard, nasty, outdoor work these guys always do for the public good.