As 2007 dawns, with the promise of a new year, we are saying goodbye to old friends, and greeting new leaders for the Southern Territory.
Grand Lodge Representative Pat Lehman is retiring effective Jan 1. Sister Lehman became a member of Local Lodge 733 in 1966, working at Beechcraft in Wichita, KS. She spent 11 years as the Secretary treasurer for District Lodge 70 before accepting the post of Special Representative in 1997.
Grand Lodge Representative Steve Spain is retiring for medical reasons after a long illness. Brother Spain was a member of Local Lodge 10, and accepted the position of Special Representative in 2002. “We wish Steve the best of luck for the future,” said GVP Martinez.
The Southern Territory welcomes Brother Ramon Garcia as Special Representative, as of January 1. Garcia, 44, is married with three daughters. He’s an Aircraft Mechanic, and has been a union member since 1991, with Local Lodge 2916 in District Lodge 776. He was currently a Grand Lodge Apprentice Organizer. “Let’s all welcome Brother Garcia to the Southern Territory,” said GVP Martinez.
Other changes are happening on the District and Local levels in the Territory. On Jan 6th, Jeff Goen became the Directing Business Representative of Local Lodge 709 in Marietta Georgia, having won the Local Lodge election.
On Jan 16th, Benny Adair replaces the retiring Bob Delaney as Directing Business Representative of District Lodge 154 in Paducah, KY.
On Feb 1st, Tim Smith will replace the retiring Pat Lane as Directing Business Representative of District Lodge 776.
On Feb 1, Johnny Walker becomes the Directing Business Representative of District Lodge 166 in Cocoa Beach, FL.
GVP Martinez said, “We wish our new retirees well, and I’m sure our new leadership in our territory will be up to the challenges of the years to come.”
