NATIONAL SESSION, JUNE 2019, HIGHPOINT, NC

2019 NATIONAL SESSION:
 
The National Delegates, guests and visitors to the 94th National Session started gathering in High Point, North Carolina on Sunday, June 16th.   The National Boards and the National Finance Committee held meetings that evening.
 
Monday morning, June 17th, the golfers gathered in the lobby for the National Golf Tournament which was held at Old Homeplace Golf Course.   Registration was held that evening, 4:30 to 5:30 in the lobby outside the meeting rooms.  Also, on Monday morning while some played golf, other members and guests took a tour of the  Children’s Home and Museum.   
 
At 6:00 pm a very nice Reception was held.  National Councilor, Charles Riehs, welcomed everyone to North Carolina and the National Session.  He lead everyone in the Pledge to our Flag and Brother Stephen Workman lead in prayer and then everyone enjoyed a nice buffet with Fruit and cheeses, petti fours, fresh cut vegetables, etc.  
  
While waiting on the band to arrive, Kyle Coatney,  Native American Flute Player, played a selection of his songs.   The band arrived, I think they were called, Jack of Clubs.   We enjoyed their music for the remainder of the evening. 
 
Tuesday morning, June 18th,  began with the Memorial Service.  Right after the Memorial Service, the first business session was opened.  We admitted six new members, as National Representatives into the National Council this year. Kevin Vane of Maryland, Jonathon Fogarty of New York, Ron Mahlerwein of Ohio, Joseph Pietrafase of Pennsylvania, Jeremy Frye of  West Virginia and Charles Petro of West Virginia.  WELCOME to our new Representatives !    
 
National Councilor, Charles Riehs, presented Distinguished Service Awards to some members that he wished to thank for their help and support during his term as National Councilor. 
 
The first order of business of the afternoon session on Tuesday, was nominations for officers.  Then business proceeded until recess and everyone looking forward to the Banquet that night.
 
Tuesday night 7:00 p.m., members and guests gathered for the Banquet.  Brother Greg Frye opened with prayer.  Everyone enjoyed a country dinner buffet with fried chicken and steak and gravy, with all the trimmings.  
 
North Carolina had some beautiful baskets for door prizes, and they were drawn for and given away by National Councilor, Charles Riehs, with some expert help from his grandchildren.  
 
Our special speaker for the evening was Officer William Skinner, he has been with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for 13 years.  He talked about  the Hwy. Patrol, about the training they go through and some of the dangers when a Patrolman has to make a stop, and about ways we can help support the Highway Patrol.   
 
After the Banquet and a short break, we played BINGO!   Gene and Vicky Braddy called out the numbers. It was the perfect way to end the evening.
 
Wednesday morning, June 19th was the final session with the election and installation of officers.
 
  National Officers for 2019 – 2021
 
National Councilor – Rich Beppler, PA
National Vice Councilor – Bruce Hust, OH
Jr. Past National Councilor – Charles Riehs, NC
National Secretary – Vickie Smith, TN
National Treasurer – Wayne Vandermark, NY
National Conductor – David Kendig, WV
National Warden – Gary Louie Jump, KY
National Inside Sentinel – Alan Sajnacki, NY
National Outside Sentinel – Ray Arnie, MD
National Chaplain – Stephen Workman, TN
National Board -  Greg Frye, WV
National Board -  Bob Reeves, NY
National Board – William G. Potter, TN
National Board – Don Wyatt, KY 
 
It was a good session and it was really good to see everyone.