USW Cares: Tractor Dick, District 2’s Jefferson Award Winner for Outstanding Community Service

Known by most in his community as “Tractor Dick,” Richard Ziolecki, is District 2’s Jefferson Award winner.  A union member at Harley Davidson for 14 years and a Rainbow Gardens community member for all of them, Tractor Dick plays the role of a true Good Samaritan by utilizing his tractor to give people a tractor-ride home from the bar and avoid drunk-driving.  Tractor Dick also organizes regular hay rides for the neighborhood and huge hay-ride themed food drives to support local food pantries.

In love with all things Old Americana, Richard bought a tractor 20 years ago, and after stumbling upon a hay wagon frame, an idea suddenly clicked. He built a wagon to attach to his tractor and began riding up and down the streets of his neighborhood in West Allis, where he’s lived his entire life, and it was an instant hit.  Families now wait outside their houses for Richard and his tractor to come by to give them fun rides around town, rides that provide opportunities for neighbors, who didn’t even know each other existed, to connect.

“People actually talk and have fun, and that’s the best part about it,” Richard said. “It’s something I enjoy doing, and I’ve been able to turn my hobby into something that’s really great for others.”

Serving others comes naturally to Richard, due in some part to his own past experience. In the 1980’s, with many industries and the job market failing, he found himself going to the local pantry for his food needs. Once his hayrides became popular, he realized he could put them to work for a good cause and give back.

Richard now organizes regular hayrides for many different organizations, from the local church and food pantry to the adult daycare center. He’s also worked with MACC (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) and has even been funded by the city to build two wagons for its use. One of the funders, a former employee of the local police department, died of cancer before the wagons could be completed. In honor of her, it will exist as her namesake as the “Patty Wagon.”

Even after all of the recognition, including being named Volunteer of the Year by his town in 2015, Richard remains down to earth and focused on others. The people and the organizations he helps through his hayrides are his number one priority, and he has no plans of slowing down.

“I don’t know where this thing is taking me, but I’m going to hang on for the ride.” Richard said. “I think it’s going to be a good one.”

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