​RIEHS EARNS JR.O.U.A.M. DISTINCTION -   
This Article is from the Archdale Trinity News,  (North Carolina),
​by Staff Writer, Debbie Hightower
 
Charles Riehs of Trinity has earned distinction as a fourth-generation member of the oldest fraternal organization in the country – Junior Order of United American Mechanics.  After nearly a half-century as part of the organization, he is proud to carry on his family’s rich heritage as National Councilor. 
In July of 1845, the Jr.O.U.A.M. was formed in Philadelphia, PA, making it the oldest fraternal organization founded in America.  With its tenants of Liberty, Virtue and Patriotism, members proudly espouse their love of God, Country and Service to mankind, which are embodied in one of their crown jewels, The American Children’s Home in Lexington.
In 1995 Riehs’ father, Charles A. Riehs, and his mother, Doris Whitlow Riehs, made history by holding the state’s top offices at the same time.  Charles was the State Councilor of the Junior Order and Doris was the State Councilor of the Daughters of America, the Junior Order’s auxiliary organization.
A graduate of Trinity High School, Riehs joined the organization at the tender age of 16.  He started off full steam ahead – in May 1969 Riehs was honored as Junior of the Year by Trophy Council No. 29.  A recognition he gained by helping the council raise more than $3,000 for the organization’s home for children in Lexington.  Riehs names the orphanage as the main reason he joined the Junior Order.  “We used to go over there when I was a kid and I played with the orphans, “ he said.  “ I didn’t know they were orphans – I was just playing with other kids.”
The Children’s Home was dedicated in 1927 and it is still going.  “They took in neglected and abused kids, and kids that come from broken homes and that’s what we still do today.”
Riehs explained that the word “junior” in the organization’s name currently has no correlation with the age of its members and similarly, the word “mechanic” has no relevance to the members’ occupations.  “When this organization was founded, the automobile of course had not be invented,” said Riehs.  “Back then, the word mechanics meant builders of character and (members) came from all walks of life”
During his involvement with the organization, Riehs has served three terms as State Councilor and three terms as Chairman of the Board of the American Children’s Home, all while serving on the Board of the Trinity High School Boosters’ Club.  His face is well-known at Trinity High School home football games where, for 30 years he has been a faithful member on the “Chain Gang”.
For the past 31 years Riehs has been the owner of Sunshine Racing. 
Local chapters include Junior Order Guilford Council, Mechanicsville Council and Trophy Council #29 where Riehs is a member.  Community service has always been an essential component of the organization that was instrumental in the establishment of the first hospital in High Point in 1904, appropriately named the Junior Order Hospital.
He outlines other objectives as well.  “Our main objective is to keep the Bible and the American flag in the schools.” Said Riehs.  “Back when they put the Pledge of Allegiance back in schools, we put flags back in every elementary school in the area.
Despite his national office Riehs remains humble.  He is well into the first year of his term as National Councilor – a position that means he frequently travels to various states to assist in Junior Order inaugural events.  During his two-year term Riehs’ focus  is on strengthening the organization and instituting comprehensive membership drives, which will educate the public that members come from all walks of life and professions  -  lawyers, accountants, firemen, law enforcement and military – not just mechanics. 
He intends to continue to enhance The Children’s Home outreach into a growing list of community services.   Trophy Council #29 meets weekly at 6:30 pm, every Thursday at 452 S. Main St., High Point.  Members must be 16.
For more information, call Charles Riehs 336-883-2372 or email [email protected]   
 

    It is always so good to be able to attend the National Session, to see old friends and meet new Brothers and Sisters.  It is not the meetings, or the good food, the awards or the door prizes that make a National Session such a special time.....it is the people, it is you.
    Juniors, all coming together from different states.  Many we have known for years and look forward to seeing, each time . . . and others, we just meet and look forward to seeing again.  
​     It was so good to see you all !  

Brother Gene Braddy,  Charles W. Riehs and Vicky Braddy from North Carolina

At Registration,  Ms. Crystal Coatney and Vickie Smith from Tennessee;  Brother Scott Harris of New York and Brother Carroll Bonnett from West Virginia.

New friends from the State Council of New Jersey, Carole and Bill Moore.  We were so glad to have you guys visiting with us. 

Greg and Donna Frye, of West Virginia

Brother Russell Wheatley, MD,  receives a Distinguished Service Award.  

The delegation from Kentucky;  PNC-Don Wyatt,  Nat. Rep.-Olga Sullivan,  PNC-Roger Sullivan;  National Conductor-Gary Louie Jump and wife, Kay Jump.

National Treasurer, Wayne Vandermark and wife, JoAnn from New York

Another new friend, and guest at this National Session, Nathan Smith, Trustee for the State Council of Virginia, Jr. OUAM.

At the banquet, Crystal Coatney, baby Shae and Adam Coatney from Tennessee

From Pennsylvania, our new National Chaplain - Harry Lauenslager and wife, Pat;  Nat. Rep.-Mary Ann Beppler and the new National Vice Councilor, Rich Beppler.

Delegates from New York,  Nat. Rep - Alan Sajnacki,  National Credentials Committee - Scott Harris, National Board of Control - Bob Reeves and National Treasurer - Wayne Vandermark.

Russell Wheatley and Ray Arnie from Maryland

At the banquet, Rose Ann and Ray Arnie; Russell and Jeanette Wheatley from Maryland and Kyle, Crystal, Shae and Adam Coatney from Tennessee.   Another beautiful Jr. Order Quilt was made by Dennis Everett's daughter, Lisa, shown here on the stand behind the table...this one was auctioned off during the banquet.  

Alan Sajnacki, NY-Nat. Outside Sentinel;  Bruce Hust, OH-Nat. Warden; Wayne Vandermark, NY-National Treasurer;  Rich Beppler, PA-Nat. Vice Councilor;  Charles W. Riehs, NC-National Councilor;  Gary Louie Jump, KY-Nat. Conductor;  Harry Laudenslager, PA - Nat. Chaplain;  Dennis Everett, WV - Jr. Past National Councilor;  David Kendig, WV-Nat. Inside Sentinel.  

As always seems to happen, no matter how hard we try, we never seem to get good pictures of everyone that is there.  But here are a couple of group pictures taken during the Opening Ceremony, with a few more faces you may know.  Far right is Ms. Joyce Everett, every time I saw her she was on her feet, heading somewhere always busy...and she did a great job. Thank you Ms. Joyce !   In the forefront are the visitors from Virginia and New Jersey.  There in the middle are several from Tennessee, J.F. Workman, Frank Potter, Vickie Smith, Kyle, Crystal and Shae Coatney.   Behind them I see Gene and Vicky Braddy and Brother Dennis's sister and daughters.  To the left is Brother Jim Wolfe, and his wife Gladys from North Carolina.  Far left is Rose Ann Arnie from Maryland.  

And here is the rest of Rose Ann's table, all from Maryland; Russel and Jeanette Wheatley and Ray and Rose Ann Arnie.  Far right you can see, Jim and Gladys Wolfe from North Carolina.

   Here in the forefront is Brother Jim Pritt, West Virginia.  Across from him is Don Wyatt of Kentucky, next to him Carroll Bonnett, West Virginia.  At the back table left to right, JoAnn and Wayne Vandermark, New York.  Lenny Kloeker, OH;  Dave Gies and Jane Fisher Gies, OH;   Standing is Brother Bob Reeves, NY,   next to him Alan Sajnacki, NY; Scott Harris, NY; Bruce Hust, OH.  
   There are still some people I know I didn't get pictures of. . . . so, if you have pictures from the National Session, you would like to post, please get them to the Author for your State or e-mail a copy to the National Office, and we will be happy to post them for you.   Thank You !   We hope you enjoy the pictures, and the memories.