Jeremy Frye, WV Nat. Rep., on the National Session

A  REPRESENTATIVE’S PERSPECTIVE
August 1, 2019
 
 
The 94th Regular Session of the National Council Jr. OUAM was held on June 17 – 19, 2019 at the Red Lion Hotel in High Point, NC.  This was the first time that I served as a representative.  Although I have attended a few National Sessions as a visitor in my home state of WV, I never sought the office of National Rep. – there were always an ample number of “veteran” members wanting to serve as a delegate.  Strangely, two out of three WV Reps who attended the National Session this year were first time Reps.
 
Arriving on Sunday, my wife and I found the accommodations and spacious meeting rooms made for an enjoyable stay.  I want to express my thanks to the members / hosts of NC for their warm welcome and genuine hospitality.
 
A golf tournament was held at the Old Homeplace Golf Course on Monday morning and I enjoyed a great day.  I was on the winning team along with Don Wyatt from Kentucky and Scott Harris and Jon Fogarty from New York.  This was my first opportunity to get to know the gentlemen from NY.  (A round of golf will always show one’s character.)  I appreciated their camaraderie.
 
While I was golfing, my wife was able to go with the arranged tour to the American Children’s Home in Lexington.  She was pleasantly surprised by the campus and with the staff who answered questions.
 
The Memorial Service on Tuesday morning was especially meaningful, as I presented and laid a flower in memory of my good friend, Jim Pritt.  I appreciated the service conducted by my brother, Greg Frye, for the deceased members.
 
During the business sessions, the issues concerning the insurance dept. and the process of locating the beneficiaries of deceased policy holders took most of the attention.  Many thanks go to those who are actively trying to rectify these issues.  Also, ideas to generate funding for the National Council were discussed.  A ‘Go Fund Me’ page is being created to accept donations.
 
A Monday evening reception meal, a Tuesday evening catered banquet, a NC State Trooper sharing highway travel wisdom, and the guitar playing / singer duo for our entertainment all contributed to a very pleasant experience.
 
Finally, I’d like to thank National Councilor Charles Riehs (outgoing) for his hospitality, his dedication to the Jr OUAM, his tireless efforts to locate “beneficiaries”, and for the individual gifts he bestowed to all members in attendance.
 
With incoming National Councilor Rich Beppler of PA leading these next two years, the National Council needs to be as productive as ever!
 
Respectfully submitted by
Jeremy N. Frye – WV Rep