RENO, Nevada — Through the generosity of Brother Gary L. Perrien and the delegates attending the BLET’s Second National Convention, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen will establish a benevolent fund to assist the spouses and children of BLET members in need.
To be known as the “Gary Perrien Fund,” the fund will provide financial assistance to the spouses and children of fallen BLET members, and will assist BLET members and their families who are experiencing severe illnesses or disabilities.
Brother Perrien, 1st Vice Chairman on the Union Pacific-Southern Region General Committee of Adjustment, was assigned to the Arrangements Committee at the BLET’s Second National Convention in Reno, Nevada. However, he fell ill during the performance of his duties and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. The initial diagnosis is that Brother Perrien suffered from blood clots in his lungs, which made it difficult for him to breath.
The good Brother and Sister delegates in attendance passed the hat to collect more than $4,000 in donations to help Brother Perrien and his family defray expenses related to his stay in the hospital.
From his hospital bed, Brother Perrien sent a video taped message back to the delegates. With his own unique brand of humor and wit, he expressed deepest gratitude for their generosity. Brother Perrien said the costs to treat his condition were exorbitant, but thanked the Brotherhood for negotiating a quality health insurance plan, which kept his out of pocket expenses to a minimum.
He then humbly asked the delegates for their permission to donate the check back to the National Division to establish a benevolent fund to help BLET members less fortunate than himself.
“Let your generosity to me spread out and help others,” he said.
The delegates unanimously agreed to Brother Perrien’s request. In fact, they passed the hat again to supplement the initial $4,200 donation.
BLET General Chairman Pat Williams (BNSF-ATSF), who presented the check at the hospital, said Brother Perrien’s gesture was the finest example of Brotherhood he has ever witnessed.
Brother Perrien credited the thoughts and prayers of the BLET delegates for helping him get back on his feet His condition improved so much over a few days that he was able to return to the convention floor on Thursday, October 7.
In an emotional presentation, he received a standing ovation from the assembled delegates as he presented the check to National Division President Dennis Pierce.
President Pierce said the National Division would use it to create a permanent fund, to be known as the “Gary Perrien Fund.”
“Brother Perrien’s selfless act and the generosity of our 2010 delegates will go a long way toward helping our BLET families in need,” President Pierce said. “This is the Brotherhood at its finest. It’s what the Brotherhood is all about.”