This is our home. This is our family. This is our city.

Susan Cotton spent 25 years at U.S. Steel before retiring in 2023. Her career gave her the stability to raise two children, but the people she worked beside made those years unforgettable.

"The people at U.S. Steel are family. We've watched each other grow and thrive through the years."

Working together for many years meant sharing more than a shift. Coworkers watched one another's children grow, celebrated milestones, stood together through difficult times, and learned lessons from each other. Those friendships became bonds that continued beyond the workplace.

That sense of belonging extends to Susan's hometown of Gary, a city she has always been proud to call home. "This is our home. This is our family. This is our city."

As Gary continues to rebuild, she sees pride and hope in her community. "Gary is coming back up, building back up. I see people being proud of being from Gary."

Photos: Tyrell Anderson / Decay Devils