GIA Dialogue

Into the third century

GIA delegates elect new officers for 21st century leadership

By Onita Wayland, International President, GIA to BLE

Under the esteemed leadership of our Past International President Ruth E. Windham, the GIA has spanned three centuries, and many new doors have opened to us. We will continue Growing with Integrity as we Advance into the new millennium. As times change, the GIA must change also - we must be flexible, but continue to maintain our high standards and principles.

As your new International President, I am proud to have been a dedicated member of the GIA since 1969. I have held every auxiliary office except one, and have also served as an International Representative/Organizer for 15 years. I have served my auxiliary, Palestine Rose 584, as Delegate to the International Convention four times, and each time was a true learning experience.

Reflecting upon the growth we have experienced in recent years, and the growth we are working to continue, all our GIA programs assume greater importance. The Scholarship Program has benefited the children of many GIA-BLE members since its inception in the 1980s. The Care and Assistance Program, established in 1921 as the Aged Dependent Sisters and Relief Fund and renamed by delegate action in 1991, has assisted and continues to assist many members who have special needs.

One of our new endeavors is the Mobilization Program, a joint effort between the GIA and BLE. Through this network, we can respond quickly and effectively to any immediate call for action.

The Legislative Program has steadily expanded the past several years, and has become a very important tool in assisting GIA and BLE members in ongoing efforts to improve quality of life, working conditions and retirement issues. The GIA works closely with the BLE National Legislative Representative and the BLE Canadian National Legislative Representative, as well as state and provincial legislative chairmen, to keep abreast of vital issues, enabling our membership to respond in a timely fashion.

I extend my personal congratulations to BLE International President Don Hahs and his staff. I look forward to working with President Hahs on issues of mutual concern to our great organizations. I have worked with President Hahs for many years on the Southwestern Convention Meeting Scholarship Committee, and have found him to be capable, dedicated and congenial to work with - he is also a person with a sense of humor, whatever the task may be.

I also congratulate BLE Vice-President & U.S. National Legislative Representative Raymond Holmes, and look forward to working diligently with him on legislative issues and mutual interests pertaining to our organizations.

It is with pleasure and anticipation that endeavor to guide us as we embark on the upcoming five years and the challenges before us. We must continue to work together, harmoniously, in order to continue growing and to achieve our goals.

Newly-elected GIA officers hold ceremonial flowers during the installation of officers ceremony. From left: Onita Wayland, GIA President; Mabel Grotzinger, International Vice-President; Bettye Jo Dollar, International Treasurer; Anita Caruso, International Secretary; Becky Schneider, International Vice-President & U.S. National Legislative Representative; Brenda Hayes, International Canadian Vice-President & Director; Ray Poole, 2nd International Vice-President; and Kim Linkletter, International Canadian First Vice-President & Canadian Legislative Representative.

From left: Sereena Hogan, Third International Vice-President; Mary Anna Mullins, International Chaplain; Delaine Morris, International Guide; Sherry McGunigal, International Sentinel; Debbie Keele, Alternate International Secretary; and Pat Murphy, Alternate International Treasurer.

Back to Winter 2001 Journal

© 2001 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers