LAS VEGAS – Five BLET National Division officers were reelected by acclamation here this afternoon at the BLET’s First Quadrennial Convention.
First Vice President Ed Rodzwicz, National Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert, and Vice Presidents Paul T. Sorrow, Richard K. Radek and E.L. “Lee” Pruitt, all won reelection by acclamation to four-year terms.
“Winning reelection by acclamation is one of the greatest compliments anyone can receive in our Brotherhood,” Vice President Pruitt said.
During the nomination process, it was announced that Vice President and National Legislative Representative Raymond Holmes as well as Vice President Paul Wingo would retire and not seek reelection.
During the morning’s opening ceremonies, National Guide Tommy Mayne called delegates to their seats at 9 a.m. and introduced BLET National President Don M. Hahs. President Hahs called the meeting to order, and flags were presented by the Base Honor Guard from Nellis Air Force Base.
Chaplain Bill Mullins provided the opening invocation while Brother Dennis McLaughlin of BLET Division 766 (Las Vegas) welcomed delegates to Las Vegas.
Onita Wayland, International President of the Grand International Auxiliary (GIA), presided over a dedication ceremony to unveil the new BLET memorial plaque. The plaque is a tribute to all BLET members killed in the line of duty. The plaque lists the names of all members who were killed in on-the-job accidents since 1989. Sister Kathy Yambra, the GIA’s Texas State Legislative Representative, came up with the idea to create the plaque and assisted President Wayland in the dedication ceremony. The plaque will be displayed in a prominent location at the BLET’s National Division headquarters in Cleveland.
Additional presentations to the delegates were made by: Willard Knight, Chairman of the Credentials Committee; Bill Hannah, Chairman of the Salaries Committee; Larry James, Chairman of the Work Committee; and Gil Gore, Chairman of the Bylaws Committee.
The convention resumes at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow and is expected to conclude on Thursday.