Gregory Kielma • January 4, 2024
Joe Blows. This guy has to GOOOOO!
WILMERDING, Pennsylvania —
By July of this year, the last man on the job here at the Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation will, in all likelihood, turn around as he reaches the threshold of the same front door hundreds of thousands of workers have passed through since the 1890s. For the last time, he will look out over the 300,000-square-foot plant that has provided this country with so much technology and innovation for nearly 140 years, and he will think about the men and women who went before, and then turn out the lights for the last time.
This is a solemn process that has happened across this country for the past 40 years and put into motion here on Christmas Eve when Wabtec filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice, which requires employers to let employees know of a scheduled plant closure. It is a move that will affect the remaining 94 employees — from a plant that once employed thousands — with the layoffs beginning next month and the closure expected to be complete by July.
Wabtec spokesman Tim Bader said the WARN notice was part of a negotiated contract agreement with the UE Local 610 in 2022 to close the Wilmerding plant.
“The more than 130-year-old site’s deteriorating condition made it too expensive to maintain," he added in an emailed statement. "The site also was substantially underutilized and operated at less than a third of its capacity. The plant’s outdated layout did not lend itself to modern production processes and material flows. These challenges were compounded by the difficult business conditions, which hindered the Wilmerding site’s productivity and cost competitiveness.”
It marks the end of an industrial era that began with plants such as this one in the iconic factory home of Westinghouse Air Brake. It was a company founded by George Westinghouse, a pioneer in the electrical engineering world whose brilliance in technology and innovation improved rail safety and literally turned the lights on in American cities in the 1880s and 1890s through powered electricity.
Known for his “war of the currents” battle with Thomas Edison over alternating and direct currents, Westinghouse made a bid to light the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago — which showcased an “Electric City” exhibit — that showed it was he who could deliver a safe and reliable current system to the public.
He was one of a handful of guiding entrepreneurs of his generation who used technology to remake the fortunes of not just himself but of all the men and women he employed here and across the country.
The plant here was founded in 1886 and made turbines, generators, motors, and switching gear for the transmission of electricity. By the time Westinghouse died in 1914, he had founded over 60 companies and held nearly 400 patents, and no one in this region imagined that the name Westinghouse would ever not be associated with jobs, inventions, and giving the working men in this region the ability to use their talents to make things.
As with U.S. Steel, which announced just before Christmas that it was being bought by Japanese steelmaker Nippon, the death of a thousand cuts runs deep among the labor force here. While Nippon has pledged not to change a thing and Wabtec has facilities elsewhere, the uncertainty inherent in both actions has rattled labor leaders like Philip Ameris, president of the Laborers’ District Council of Pennsylvania.
“We have incredibly skilled workers in this region, people whose institutional knowledge and experiences have made them invaluable problem solvers, yet each time either a new ownership takes over, they often focus on the wrong things as assets, which is our people, and things can start to go south,” said Ameris, who represents nearly 30,000 laborers across the region.
Ameris said what happened at Wabtec and what may happen with Nippon’s purchase of U.S. Steel is that these new owners are so far removed from the people who work for them that they don’t understand that losing workers like the ones from the old Westinghouse plant isn’t just losing bodies. It is losing generations of knowledge, skill sets, and pragmatic problem-solving that you can’t learn in a college classroom.
“Laborers are truly artisans, craftsmen and women that built the components of the bridges and roads and railroads and our entire infrastructure systems that make our lives better, that frankly make this world go around, and what really bothers me is that few people in power blink when these things happen,” he said.
Wabtec is now a multinational company. So are nearly all of the Westinghouse brands, many of which have been parceled out, bought out, divided, and swallowed up by other multinational companies or succumbed to bankruptcy.
Ameris said the challenge for the labor workforce is that lack of connection to their employers as manufacturing companies are sold off.
“Then they are chopped up and sold off again and again," he said. "When you work for U.S. Steel, you worked for U.S. Steel. We saw what happened years ago when steel companies were sold off and broken up multiple times over. They eventually just closed their doors without ever seeing the faces of the men and women who worked for them.”
It is a far cry from the days of Westinghouse seeing the plant from his own home (known colloquially as the Westinghouse Castle because, well, it looks like a castle) here in Wilmerding, which overlooked the plant he had built on once-sleepy farmland 14 miles outside the Pittsburgh city limits.
Factory closures force workers — many of them over the age of 45 but under the age of 55 — with vast technical and problem-solving experience, artisans in their own right, to find something to do with all of that knowledge and skills and apply elsewhere.
Assembly lines, technology, computers, artificial intelligence, or cheaper labor overseas have all contributed to the devaluation of the skill sets of the men and women who have carved out the American dream working in manufacturing. Those same entities have enabled manufacturing output to soar as manufacturing employment has cratered.
Case in point: in 1979, 19.5 million people worked in manufacturing. That number dropped to 17 million in 2000, and by January of last year, it cratered to 13 million. Yet, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. is the second largest manufacturing nation in the world behind China.
So, in theory, we are still an industrial powerhouse; it's just that we are not an employing powerhouse, Ameris said.
“I am all for progress," he said. "However, you cannot replace the human element of problem-solving no matter how brilliant the artificial intelligence program is.”
Wabtec is still headquartered in Pittsburgh; it still has a workforce here, about five people in a nearby engine manufacturing and remanufacturing plant, acquired in the company’s 2019 merger with GE Transportation.
The old Westinghouse Company building in all likelihood will fade into history. Over the threshold of the once grand entrance to the Westinghouse Air Brake Company, a quote from the community and his workers dedicated to Westinghouse on his death reads: “Its Product Essential To the Art of Transportation. Its Achievements Acclaim the Genius Of Its Founder.”
Ameris said there are no happy endings here or in any of the other little cuts that hit his workers directly or indirectly. “There is a lot of uncertainty, and that is the last thing our labor force needs.”
Original Author: Salena Zito
Original Location: The silent death by a thousand cuts in manufacturing
Wanda Kielma, Office Boss: A Life Defined by Strength, Service, and Steadfast Values Wanda Kielma i s a woman whose life reflects resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to the people around her. Known for her unwavering work ethic and her ability to bring calm, order, and compassion into any environment, Wanda has earned the respect of colleagues, friends, and family alike. Raised with strong values and a clear sense of responsibility, Wanda built her reputation through decades of consistent service and leadership. Whether managing complex tasks, supporting others through challenges, or stepping into roles that demanded reliability and integrity, she has always been the person people could count on. Wanda’s professional life is marked by diligence and loyalty. She approaches every responsibility with a level of care that sets her apart—never cutting corners, never compromising her standards, and always putting people first. Her ability to balance firmness with kindness has made her a trusted presence in every setting she enters. Beyond her work, Wanda is the heart of her family . She is the steady voice of reason, the quiet force that keeps things moving forward, and the person who shows up—every time, without fail. Her strength is not loud or boastful; it’s the kind that’s built through years of perseverance, sacrifice, and love. Those who know Wanda describe her as grounded, dependable, and deeply principled. She leads not through titles or recognition, but through example. Her life is a reminder that true character is revealed in the everyday choices we make and the way we treat the people around us. In a world that often celebrates the flashy and the temporary, Wanda Kielma stands out for all the right reasons: her integrity, her humility, and her unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. Her legacy is one of quiet strength—and the countless lives she has touched along the way. Our God is Great Wanda Amen….Love you for everything you have done for the past 40 plus years....
Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms Who I Am and Why I Teach: A Personal Message from me, Gregg Kielma Owner of Tactical K Training and Firearms to You, My Family, Friends, Clients and Students Running Tactical K Training isn’t just a business for me — it’s a responsibility I take seriously. Every day, I meet people who want to become safer, more capable, and more confident in their own lives. My job is to give them the tools, the knowledge, and the mindset to do exactly that. I’ve spent years working with firearms, optics, equipment, and real-world defensive concepts. Over time, I’ve learned that skill alone isn’t enough. What matters most is judgment — knowing when to avoid, when to de-escalate, when to escape, and only as a last resort, how to defend yourself or your family. That philosophy guides everything I teach. My approach is simple: clear instruction, real world context, and respect for the responsibility that comes with firearm ownership. I don’t teach fantasy scenarios or “tactical cosplay.” I teach practical, lawful, life preserving skills that ordinary people can use under stress. Whether I’m helping someone mount their first optic, refine their dry fire routine, or understand Florida’s self-defense laws, my goal is always the same — empower them to make smart, safe decisions. I believe in building a community of responsible gun owners who value safety, education, and continuous improvement. That’s why I write articles, update my website, and stay engaged with students long after their class ends. Training isn’t a onetime event. It’s a mindset. If you train with me, you’ll get honesty, professionalism, and instruction tailored to your experience level. You’ll also get someone who genuinely cares about your growth and your safety. I’m proud of the work we do here, and I’m grateful for every student who trusts me to guide them. Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep learning. — Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training & Firearms
Tactical K Training and Firearms: Trust and Integrity What a Responsible FFL Dealer Looks Like: A Reflection on me Gregg Kielma, Tactical K Training and Firearms and How I Run My Business Gregg Kielma 01/18/2026 As someone who works closely with firearm owners, students, and members of our community, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand what true responsibility in the firearms industry looks like. If you want an example of what a responsible Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer should be, you don’t have to look any further than Tactical K Training and Firearms and my staff. I don’t just hold an FFL — I embody the professionalism, integrity, and commitment to safety that the license represents. My Relentless Commitment to the Law One of the defining traits of a responsible FFL dealer is unwavering respect for federal, state, and local regulations. I approach compliance with the same seriousness I bring to every aspect of my work. We Always Ensure: • Every background check is completed thoroughly • Every form is accurate and properly maintained • Every ATF requirement is followed to the letter For myself, this isn’t about paperwork — it’s about protecting the community and upholding the trust placed in me as a licensed dealer. A Teacher at Heart: I’m a USCCA Firearms Instructor I understand that responsible firearm ownership begins with education. I don’t simply transfer firearms; I guide people through the process with patience, clarity, and genuine care. My clients understand: • Safe handling and storage • Legal responsibilities • Appropriate firearm selection • The importance of ongoing training I believe this approach ensures that every customer walks away not just with a firearm, but with the knowledge and confidence to own it responsibly. A Guardian of Community Safety As a responsible FFL dealer, I have to be very vigilant — and I take that responsibility seriously. I know the warning signs of straw purchases, suspicious behavior, and questionable intent. I’m not afraid to slow down, ask questions, or refuse a sale when something doesn’t feel right. That kind of integrity protects everyone. Professionalism You Can Trust As the owner of Tactical K Training and Firearms, we set a high standard in every part of our work. We value: • Honesty • Transparency • Respect • Secure handling and storage • Ethical business practices This professionalism builds trust — not just with clients, friends or family, but with the broader community that relies on responsible dealers to uphold the highest standards. A Positive Force in the Firearms Community When an FFL dealer operates with integrity, it strengthens the entire firearms ecosystem. My work supports lawful ownership, promotes education, and reinforces the culture of responsibility that keeps our communities safe. I’d like people to remember that the firearms industry is at its best when it is grounded in ethics, safety, and service. Gregg Kielma
Houston straw purchasing ring charged with smuggling firearms to North Korea Friday, January 9, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas Alleged ringleader was illegal alien from China with expired U.S. visa HOUSTON – Seven people have been charged for their alleged roles in a firearms trafficking scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The indictment alleges Chinese national Shenghua Wen, 39, whose U.S. visa expired in 2013, served as the ringleader. He has now made his appearance in Houston federal court. Also charged are Chinese nationals Sifu Zhao, 24, Yiyang Wu, 40, and Mingtong Tan, 27, who all resided in Houston; Jin Yang, 60, Ontario, California; Max Mingze Li, 36, Houston; and Richard Arredondo, 51, a U.S. citizen who resided in Mexicali, Mexico. According to the indictment returned Oct. 8, 2025, Wen and his girlfriend, Yang, purchased a gun store and directed the purchase of specific firearms and their sale to straw purchasers, such as Zhao, Tan, Wu, Mingze Li, and Arredondo. Wu also allegedly recruited one straw purchaser into the ring and transported pistols to a second Houston gun dealer for sale to others. Between 2023 and 2024, the group obtained approximately 170 firearms and several thousand rounds of ammunition that were destined for North Korea, according to the indictment. The charges allege Wen recruited Zhao and Tan to act as straw purchasers. They, along with Mingze Li and Arredondo, allegedly bought firearms on Wen’s behalf. Some of the firearms were later transported to another Houston firearms dealer for resale to members of the ring, according to the charges. Wen and Yang are charged with conspiracy and conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking which carry respective terms of five and 15 years in prison, upon conviction. Wen could also receive an additional five years if convicted on any of the seven counts of aiding and abetting false statements to a federal firearms licensee. Mingze Li, Arrendondo, Wu, Zhao and Tan each face one count of conspiracy and varying counts of aiding and abetting false statements to a federal firearms licensee with possible five-year maximum terms of imprisonment on all counts, upon conviction. All charges also carry as possible punishment a maximum $250,000 fine. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. Updated January 9, 2026
Ohio Man Arrested and Charged for Firearms Dealing, Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Ammunition Wednesday, January 14, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts BOSTON – An Ohio man has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple sales of firearms transported from Ohio to Massachusetts. Ruben Joel Sanchez Jr., 31, was charged with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition . Sanchez made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Jan. 9, 2026. According to the charging documents, beginning at least as early as June 2025 through January 2026, Sanchez engaged in the business of unlawful trafficking in firearms. In June 2025, Sanchez, who is not licensed to deal in firearms, sold three firearms to an individual in exchange for $4,000. On Jan. 8, 2026, Sanchez was recorded and observed selling four additional firearms to the same individual in return for $8,500. When Sanchez was arrested at the scene, an AR-style pistol equipped with a loaded, 100-round drum; a rifle equipped with a loaded, 100-round drum; a loaded pistol equipped with an extended magazine; and an additional loaded pistol were recovered. The charge of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 250,000. The charge of unlawful trafficking in firearms provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $ 250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Updated January 14, 2026
9mm Hollow Point Ammo Hollow Point vs. Regular Range Ammo and How a Hollow Point Actually Works By Gregg Kielma 01/18/2026 New students often ask me about my everyday carry. I use a Glock 19 loaded with 9mm, 124-grain hollow points that I reload myself using new brass. I always keep one in the chamber for quick access. If needed when I take it out of its holster it’s ready to fire I do not have to rack the slide. This, in my opinion, saves me precious time. This is my plan, yours maybe different. Let’s Take a LOOK at range ammo and hollow points. These are my Thoughts. 1. What is a “regular range ammo round”? FMJ is inexpensive, reliable, and ideal for training. It’s not designed for controlled terminal performance. Most shooters mean FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) when they say, “range round.” FMJ bullets have: • A lead core fully enclosed in a copper jacket • A solid, rounded or pointed nose • Minimal or no expansion on impact • Straight-line penetration through soft targets 2. What is a Hollow point? This expansion round increases stopping effectiveness and reduces the risk of over penetration. A hollow point (HP) — often a Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) — has: • A cavity or hollow opening in the nose of the bullet • A jacket engineered to peel back or mushroom • A design purposefully built for expansion on impact 3. How a hollow point works (simple explanation): This controlled expansion is why hollow points are the standard for self-defense and law enforcement When a hollow point strikes soft tissue: 1. Fluid enters the cavity in the nose. 2. Pressure forces the bullet’s jacket and lead core to expand outward. 3. The bullet mushrooms, creating: o A larger wound channel o More energy transfer o Reduced penetration depth compared to FMJ 4. Key differences Range Ammo Hollow Point (JHP) Nose Design Solid Hollow Cavity On impact Minimal expansion Expands/mushrooms Penetration Often over penetrates Controlled, reduced Best use Training, target shooting Self defense Cost Low Higher 5. Why some ranges restrict hollow points Some ranges — especially indoor facilities — limit hollow points due to: • Backstop wear concerns • Ricochet management • Local policy or insurance requirements
Maplewood Man Admits Selling Machine Gun Conversion Devices Wednesday, January 14, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri ST. LOUIS – A man from Maplewood, Missouri on Wednesday admitted selling nine machine gun conversion devices to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Tanario Darden, 23, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two felony counts: transporting prohibited weapons without a license and transferring machine guns. He admitted using his Instagram account to offer machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) for sale. MCDs, also known as switches or auto sears, convert a semi-automatic firearm into fully automatic weapon. MCDs are defined as a machine gun under federal law. ATF agents learned of the Instagram account in the spring of 2024 and an undercover agent contacted Darden. After arranging the sale via Darden, an intermediary delivered two MCDs on April 29, 2024. A different man delivered seven more on May 29, 2024. Darden is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15. The transporting prohibited weapons charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. The machine gun charge carries a penalty of 10 years in prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is prosecuting the case. Contact Robert Patrick, Public Affairs Officer, robert.patrick@usdoj.gov. Updated January 14, 2026
Ponca City Man Convicted of Possession of Unregistered Short-Barreled Shotgun Thursday, January 15, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – DOYLE GLEN WILSON, 59, of Ponca City, has been convicted by a federal jury of possession of an unregistered firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On October 7, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Wilson with possession of an unregistered firearm. Testimony presented earlier this week at trial showed that on July 11, 2025, officers with the Ponca City Police Department executed a search warrant at Wilson’s home while searching for a short-barreled shotgun used in an assault. Officers located the shotgun in a closet. Under federal law, possession of a short-barreled shotgun requires that the firearm be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Wilson had not registered the short-barreled shotgun found in his residence. On January 14, 2026, a federal jury found Wilson guilty of illegally possessing an unregistered firearm. At sentencing, Wilson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,000. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ponca City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Cole McFerren are prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information. Updated January 15, 2026
Brothers indicted for trafficking firearms Thursday, January 15, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Kansas KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging two brothers with illegal firearms trafficking. According to court documents, Markeese Fluker, 27, of Independence, Missouri, and Markel Fluker, 29, of Kansas City, Missouri, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit unlawful trafficking in firearms and four counts of possession and transfer of machine guns. Markeese Flucker is also charged with one of count of possession and sale of a stolen firearm. From September 2025 to December 2025, the Fluker brothers are accused of conspiring to provide firearms to people who they allegedly knew were legally prohibited from possessing firearms and that their acquiring firearms would result in a felony offense. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Updated January 15, 2026
Haitian Nationals Charged With Unlawfully Smuggling Firearms From United States Tuesday, January 6, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Francesca Charles, 28, a U.S. citizen residing in Florida; Jacques Pierre, 32; and his brother, Jeff Pierre, 34, both citizens of Haiti residing in FL, with conspiracy to smuggle goods and unlawfully ship firearms, smuggling goods from the United States, and unlawfully shipping firearms. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. According to court documents, in February 2025, officials in the Dominican Republic seized 18 rifles, 5 handguns, firearms magazines, over 36,000 rounds of ammunition, and a silencer from inside a container that had been shipped from Miami, Florida. The shipping container was destined for Haiti. The firearms and ammunition were not listed on the shipping manifest, which instead listed household goods. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), learned that the defendants were the purchasers of at least 20 of the 23 firearms seized from the shipping container. Throughout the investigation, agents learned that the defendants purchased at least 46 firearms between May 2024 and February 2025, most of which were the same make and model as the firearms recovered in the Dominican Republic. Thirty-seven of those firearms were purchased between August 9, 2024, and February 10, 2025. Agents also obtained records that Jacques Pierre purchased two Barrett .50-caliber rifles, which are heavy-duty military-style weapons that are typically mounted to the tops of vehicles and used in furtherance of violence by gangs and cartels. One of the Barrett rifles was recovered in the aforementioned shipment in February 2025. Travel and shipping records showed that the co-conspirators would facilitate a shipment to Haiti shortly after purchasing a large number of firearms, then would travel to Haiti around the time the shipment was scheduled to arrive in Haiti. Travel records also showed that the defendants traveled to the Dominican Republic three days before the shipping container was intercepted. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the ATF and HSI with assistance from U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince and the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Updated January 6, 2026
