Never Too Old To Protest!

So who is Chet Oldakowski? He’s an 87-year-old American patriot and another hero in the resistance.

Chet, a resident of Oro Valley since 2000, grew up in New Jersey. He earned an engineering degree from Marist College. His career included working for small electronics firms on radar systems and at an RCA research center. Eventually, IBM hired him, and his work took him ultimately to Tucson.

Through the years, Chet experienced life’s highs—career, marriage, children—and lows, including the loss of a wife. But fate wasn’t done. In 1996, he remarried and has since enjoyed 29 years of a good life. The couple settled in Oro Valley in 2000, where Chet volunteered with his HOA for over 20 years and became active in local politics. For fun, he built planes—and learned to fly them!

One memorable moment: at a Democratic primary debate between Gabby Giffords and her opponent—the one they came to support—they were so impressed by Gabby that they changed their minds on the spot and told her opponent right after.

Chet was horrified by Trump’s 2016 win. The reprieve ended with the 2024 election. Disturbed by the news, he felt Trump was “out of control” and knew he had to act. That’s when he decided to attend his first protest. Unsure what to expect, the couple joined a Tesla protest organized by Phin and Mitch Anderson. In his transport chair, Chet was warmly welcomed by the organizers and even had a brief conversation with Phin about age. He selected a protest sign offered by Paul Butler.

They loved the protest—the energy, the friendly vibe, the humor of the signs—and even ran into familiar faces. They were hooked. This was the action they needed.

So where is Chet now? At 87, even with limited mobility, he’s still signing up for more protests. He and his wife will be at the Oro Valley protest on June 14th and later join the car parade through Tucson. They’re talking to friends and neighbors, encouraging them to get involved. Chet proudly displays his protest sign in the living room. He’s very partial to it!