2025 Don Sherry Award Winner Announced
The Central Midwest Carpenters is comprised of nearly 37,000 members, who form our tight-knit community and brotherhood. This bond has been forged through shared training, labor, and advocacy for workers’ rights. Our unity and shared goals are carried forward by those who strive for inclusivity and leave a lasting impact on the organization and its people. Each year, we celebrate a member who embodies these principles, and few have done so as profoundly as Don Sherry.
Don Sherry dedicated nearly two decades to the Central Midwest Carpenters, serving with unmatched zeal as a Business Representative, Director of Organizing, and President of Carpenters Local 175 in Louisville, Kentucky, until his passing in 2017. Don’s relentless fight for workers’ rights and the union’s mission was unparalleled, earning him the admiration of his peers. To honor his legacy and contributions, the CMRCC presents the Don Sherry Achievement Award annually.
The Central Midwest Carpenters are thrilled to name Marvin Byrer Jr. as the 2025 recipient of the Don Sherry Award.
Brother Byrer is a 30-year member out of Local 224 and held many positions in his time in membership including local president. In addition to his leadership roles within the UBC, he was also a very active member of his communities in and around the Evansville, Indiana area.
He was heavily involved with organizations like Granted, an organization like Make-A-Wish that helps children with special needs and disabilities to make everyday living easier. Recently, Marvin took on a project that helped a young boy with sensory issues and converted his house into a space that makes his life more comfortable. Currently, brother Byrer volunteered to help build Granted’s new facility and pavilion – which the Central Midwest Carpenters has reserved the naming rights to.
Brother Byrer has been a mentor and role model for numerous UBC members for more than 3 decades. His drive, loyalty, and tireless efforts have not only elevated the CMRCC’s presence in the community but also nurtured a respectful and professional atmosphere on the job site. He truly embodies the standard for what a dedicated UBC member should aspire to be.
As we honor the outstanding contributions of members like Brother Byrer, we also express gratitude for the countless others who work tirelessly within our communities, fueling the progress that enriches our daily lives. We look forward to celebrating these selfless individuals with the Don Sherry Award for many years ahead.
Please join us in congratulating our 2025 Don Sherry Award Winner, Marvin Byrer Jr.!
To honor Don’s service and dedication, each year since his passing the Central Midwest Carpenters have given The Don Sherry Achievement Award. The award recognizes a rank-and-file member who has gone above and beyond in their service on the job site, with contractors, in MAC meetings (Member Action Committee), and in their community. In addition to giving an award in his honor, CMRCC delegates raise money each year during their annual conference and donate the proceeds to the Diabetes Foundation in Don Sherry’s honor. In 2025, the CMRCC was elated that Don’s family was able to join the announcement and speak on what brother Sherry meant to them.
Recipients of the Don Sherry Award Include:
2018 – Glenn Downs, Local 599
2019 – Raymond Poer, Local 599
2020 – Cory Hudson, Local 285
2021 – Bobby Miller, Local 357
2022 – Travis Williams, Local 1005
2023 – Mitchell Carrillo, Local 1005
2024 – Robert Wright, Local 744
2025 – Marvin Byrer Jr., Local 224
