| Home | Feedback | Contents | Search | Links | Forms |
Brotherhood's Relief and Compensation Fund
Summer 2006 Newsletter
|
|||||
|
Much was accomplished during the April Board of Directors Meeting and the Annual Meeting of the Members. This was made possible, in part, by the participation of the members who returned their proxies or attended the Annual Meeting in person. Your involvement is very much appreciated.
At the Annual Meeting, Top New Obtainer, Brother J. E. McDaniel, and Top Obtainer, Brother K. E. Holman, were presented with awards in recognition of their achievements. Brother C. R. Brantley, who tied for Top New Obtainer, unfortunately could not attend. The Fund is growing, thanks to the efforts of all Obtainers, Terminal Presidents, and especially due to the hard work of these three members.
The big news was the change of Officers. International President R. J. Myers announced his retirement at the Annual Meeting of the Members on April 22, 2006. The Board of Directors and the members present all expressed their appreciation and gratitude for his many years of dedication and leadership. A short biography can be found on Page 3 of this “Highball.” We all wish him well in the years ahead.
Although Brother Myers chose to retire from full-time duty, he will remain actively involved in the BR&CF as a member of the Board of Directors. As a Director, he will continue to share his knowledge and contribute to the success of the Fund.
In accordance with the provisions of our Constitution, at the Board Meeting following the Annual Meeting the Board of Directors appointed me International President. In considering candidates to fill the vacant International President position, the Board expressed their confidence in my ability and they were unanimous in their support. This appointment is a great honor and responsibility and you have my pledge that I will work diligently on behalf of each member and the membership as a whole.
For those of you who don’t know me, I joined the Fund in 1990 and became a Terminal President in 1991. I commenced service on the Board of Directors in 1992 as a Director and in 1996 became Assistant International President. In 1999 the office of the Assistant International President became a full-time position and I moved to Pennsylvania to work in the Principal Office. In 2001 I was elected Secretary-Treasurer and served until April 2006.
In other changes, Brother M. A. Wofford, who became a Director in 1995, was appointed Assistant International President. Brother J. E. Taylor, who joined the Board in 2002 and began full-time work in the Principal Office in 2004 as Assistant International Secretary-Treasurer, was elected International Secretary-Treasurer. Brother L. V. Galati, who joined the Board in 2004 and became Assistant International President in 2005, was appointed Assistant International Secretary-Treasurer.
These Board Members bring to the membership not only a wealth of railroad experience and BR&CF knowledge but, more importantly, enthusiasm and dedication. I look forward to working with the Board and BR&CF staff in providing the members the very best job income protection.
Annual Meeting Held on April 22, 2006 18th Annual BR&CF Photo Contest Now in Progress Photo Contest Rules - Deadline July 7, 2006 2006 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Winners Is your Beneficiary Designation Current? Terminal President Appointments
Annual Meeting Held on April 22, 2006 Draws Members from United States and Canada
As BR&CF members gathered to attend this year’s Annual Meeting, warm greetings were exchanged between old friends and newcomers received a hearty welcome.
In fulfillment of the requirements of the BR&CF Constitution, the Annual Meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m., with International President Richard Myers presiding. Old and new business was conducted and the election of officers held.
This year, there were two offices up for election: the office of International Secretary-Treasurer and one Director’s seat. Brother J. E. Taylor (Dupo, Illinois), who was elected last year as the Assistant International Secretary-Treasurer, was elected to a five-year term as the International Secretary-Treasurer. R. J. Myers, who retired from his position as International President, was elected to a five-year term as a Director.
The BR&CF traditionally awards plaques to the Top Obtainer and Top New Obtainer. This year was no exception. Brother K. E. Holman (Houston, Texas) earned the honor of being the BR&CF’s Top Obtainer for the year 2005. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that two of our Obtainers, Brother J. E. McDaniel (Houston, Texas) and Brother C. R. Brantley (Memphis, Tennessee) tied for the honor of Top New Obtainer.
After 22 Years of Service to the BR&CF
Richard J. Myers was just a youngster when his family moved from Omaha, Nebraska, to Harrisburg so that his father, John Myers, could accept a position as Secretary-Treasurer with the BR&CF. Who was to know then that young Richard would eventually follow the same path?
As a young man, Richard joined the Navy where he received training in the field of communications. Among other assignments, he served on a ship off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After fulfilling his obligation to the Navy, he ended up accepting a civilian job which took him back to Vietnam where he worked in the field of communications. It was there that he met his wife, Kim. Following the fall of Vietnam, Richard and his family returned to the United States, settling in Pennsylvania.
In due course, Brother Myers accepted employment with Conrail and became involved with the BR&CF. In 1981 he was appointed Terminal President of Terminal 110. He was appointed as International Secretary-Treasurer in 1985 and was elected International President in 1988, holding that office until his retirement in April 2006.
Many of the benefits that members presently enjoy were put in place during Brother Myers’ tenure as International President, with the cooperation and support of several Boards of Directors. Those included the increase of job income protection while the dues/protection ratio went unchanged, increased days of benefit eligibility and days paid on waivers, the resurrection of the “Highball,” the implementation of the Obtainer Points Program, the Scholarship Program, the Photo Contest, the annual BR&CF wall calendar which is sent to all active members, and the $50,000 accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy which is provided free to active BR&CF members.
At the April 22nd Annual Meeting, Brother Myers was elected to serve on the Board of Directors where he will remain actively involved in the BR&CF. He also continues to hold his position as Chairman of the North American Railway Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed during his tenure (see www.narfoundation.org).
How do you adequately pay tribute to a man who has given 22 years of his life to an Organization? We can only say, “Thank you for a job well done.”
Mr. and Mrs. Myers are retiring to their newly-built home on the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where they are certain to enjoy visits from their two daughters’ families.
18th Annual BR&CF Photo Contest NOW IN PROGRESS!
Grand Prize - $300 Other Winning Entries -- $150
Entries must be received in the BR&CF Office by July 7, 2006.
Follow these contest rules!
2006 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Winners “Only the educated are free.” -- Epictetus
Letters of congratulations were recently mailed to the twenty students who earned a scholarship award through the BR&CF’s 2006 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Program. These winners will each receive $1,000 this year and, providing they meet eligibility requirements and maintain a 3.0 GPA, they could feasibly earn up to a total of $4,000 over four years toward the furtherance of their education.
As in previous years, selection of the winners was based on a number of factors, including such criterion as the grade point average, degree of difficulty of the student’s courses, financial need and hardships. In addition to earning grades worthy of receiving scholarship awards, many of these students have performed community service, participated in sports and were involved in other extracurricular activities while holding part-time jobs.
Again this year, we were gratified to have the same team of distinguished educators serve on the Scholarship Committee as we have since the early years of the program: Gary Dolbin, Supervisor, Cooperative Education, Dauphin County Technical School, 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109; Christel L. Ertel, former Dean of Admissions, Roger Williams University, who is presently fulfilling another important role as a stay-at-home Mom; and, Donald Holtzman, Senior Director of Student Life and Enrollment Services, Penn State Harrisburg, 777 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057-4898. Correspondence for Ms. Ertel may be sent to her in care of the BR&CF, 2150 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
If your child did not receive a scholarship award this year, please encourage him/her to apply again when applications for the 2007 Luther G. Smith Scholarship Program become available. Details will be provided in the Fall 2006 issue of the “Highball.” Remember that your children are eligible to apply even if they are already attending college, up to age 27.
Linda Alvarez Whittier, CA University of California, Irvine Daughter of Antonia and Enrique Alvarez
Linda would like to work with people and make a difference in someone’s life. As she embarks on her college experience at the University of California, she is leaning toward a medical career; however, she is not completely sure of the exact vocation she will pursue.
Apart from her schoolwork, Linda was involved in her high school’s drill and dance team for three years. She loves to dance and she enjoys performing/competing even more. She was occasionally involved in community service and says her favorite was participating in a tutoring program for a nearby elementary school. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and boyfriend.
Linda’s mother, Antonia, is a homemaker and her father, Enrique, is employed by the Union Pacific as a locomotive engineer. Holli F. Brandt Sterling, CO Colorado State University Daughter of Susan and Matthew Brandt
It is Holli’s goal to become a radiologist or an anesthesiologist. If she doesn’t become a physician, she would like to enter the field of pharmacy.
Throughout high school, Holli was a dedicated student who was actively involved in the National Honor Society (president), Health Occupations Students of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has volunteered for the Salvation Army, Cooperating Ministries and St. Anthony’s Church. During the summer she works at the Sterling Country Club.
Holli’s father, Matthew, is a locomotive engineer for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and her mother, Susan, is an administrative assistant employed by Dinsdale Bros. Inc. Rebekah L. Davis North Platte, NE University of Nebraska, Kearney Daughter of Gaylene and Robert Davis
Rebekah will be attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney where she will major in advertising.
Throughout high school, she has been involved in several organizations, including Key Club, Art Club, Project Kids, National Honor Society, Flag Corp and her church’s youth group, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Rebekah is employed by the City of North Platte at Cody Park Rides and Concessions.
Her mother, Gaylene, is a paraeducator with the North Platte Public Schools and her father, Robert, is employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as an electrician.
Carthage, MO University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Daughter of Caryn and Greg Deckard
After graduating from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Laura plans on using her Masters Degree to obtain a job teaching secondary language arts.
She has been involved with several organizations and clubs, both in and out of school, including the National Honor Society, FBLA and FCCLA (president). She was historian of her senior class, is president of her youth group, and a member of RPC. She also worked after school at the YMCA with elementary school children.
Laura’s mother, Caryn, is a teacher with the Joplin R-8 Schools and her father, Greg, works for the Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad as a locomotive engineer.
Saskatoon, SK University of Saskatchewan Daughter of Janice and Aaron Fouhse
Janelle’s career goals include completing her Bachelor of Agriculture, majoring in animal sciences, and exploring a career path in veterinary medicine focusing on pathology/research.
With an avid interest in horseback riding, Janelle is an active member of the Canadian Pony Club (achieved B2 level) and volunteer (tester, assistant instructor). She participates in hunter/jumper horse shows in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba and is youth advisor to the Sandcastle Riding Club. She works part-time as a supervisor at Dairy Queen and holds a summer job at a mountain resort as housekeeper.
Janelle’s mother, Janice, is a teacher for the Saskatoon Public School Board and her father, Aaron, is employed by the Canadian National Railroad as a locomotive engineer. Beau S. Ganas Waycross, GA University of Georgia Son of Tracey and Sammy Ganas
At the University of Georgia, Beau plans to pursue a degree in accounting with the goal of becoming a CPA. He was encouraged to reach his goals by his father and grandfather, who work/worked for CSX.
As a senior in high school, Beau ranked fourth in a class of 277 and was voted by his classmates as “Best All Around” Senior Superlative. He lettered in football and wrestling and has worked with Special Olympics. Beau has also worked as a tax preparer for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service for two years. He attends and is a member of the Sweat Memorial Baptist Church, and he enjoys turkey and deer hunting on the family farm.
Beau’s father, Sammy is a locomotive engineer working with CSX and his mother, Tracey, is employed by the Ware County School System as a technology specialist.
Christine Haas Sanger, CA University of California, Davis Daughter of Lorraine and Fred Haas
Christine has been accepted into the UC Davis Integrated Studies Honors Program with a major in biochemistry. She hopes to earn a DVM and a Ph.D. to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and research.
Christine, class valedictorian with a weighted GPA of 4.27, is best known as “America’s Top Young Scientist” for earning first place at the Discovery Channel’s Young Scientist Challenge. She was one of three Americans to represent the United States at the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation’s 100th Anniversary Celebration and Future Creations Fair in Tokyo, Japan. Christine is involved in and earned awards in numerous activities, including the National Honor Society, Rodeo Club, FFA, 4-H and the California High School Rodeo Association. She was also Chair for the very successful “Be Our Guest Tea” at the Claremont Senior Center.
Christine’s mother, Lorraine, is a child development specialist and her father, Fred, is employed by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe as a locomotive engineer.
Hendersonville, NC University of North Carolina Daughter of Stacy and Troy Hall
By majoring in nutrition and minoring in psychology, Heather would like to make her dream of becoming a nutritionist come true. Her ultimate goal is to open her own clinic for women with eating disorders.
She describes her experience of working for the Hendersonville Times News as incredibly enlightening. Her articles are featured in the weekly “Class Act” section, which offers the public insight into local high school concerns and events.
Her father, Troy, is employed by the Norfolk Southern as a signal foreman and her mother, Stacy, is a waitress at the Pampered Palate.
Holly L. Harris Williamson, WV Mountain State University Daughter of Toni and Robert Harris
Holly is involved in the Physician Assistant Graduate Program in Beckley, West Virginia. Her goals include taking care of people who are sick, both physically and emotionally, providing comfort to the patient and treating the whole person while being cognizant of the family’s needs.
She loves all sports, animals, outdoor activities, family outings and going to the beach. In high school she was a member of all the clubs, Homecoming Queen, cheerleader and honor student.
Holly’s mother, Toni, is employed by the Mingo County Board of Education and her father, Robert, is a conductor employed by the Norfolk Southern Railway.
Julia M. Hoekstra Battle Creek, MI Grand Valley State University Daughter of Jean and Charles Hoekstra
Julia plans to graduate Grand Valley with a Bachelors Degree in biomedical science in hopes of going to a graduate school for medicine or the physician’s assistant program.
She is currently on the dean’s list for the third semester in a row. She plans on volunteering at the local hospital, enjoys participating in Relay for Life and playing dodgeball. She likes to keep busy with work, school and her friends.
Julia’s mother, Jean, is a service rep for the Social Security Administration and her father, Charles, is a conductor employed by the Canadian National Railroad. Megan L. Huggins Danville, IN Indiana Business College Daughter of Tammi and Robert Huggins
During high school, Megan was involved in cheerleading, track and soccer. She was also in French Club, Spanish Club and the National Honor Society. She obtained her Pharmacy Technician Certification in her senior year through IUPUI night classes and is currently working as a pharmacy technician. She is also working hard to continue her education in surgical technology.
Megan attends Indiana Business College. Her goals include becoming a surgical technologist when she finishes school and perhaps continuing her education to become a first assistant in surgery.
Her father, Robert Huggins, is employed by CSX as a locomotive engineer and her mother, Tammi, is a teacher at the Indiana Business College. Roxane Milot Montreal, QC University of Montreal Daughter of Ginette Hamel and Normand Moreau
While obtaining her Bachelors Degree, Roxane was an executive member of the Montreal University History Students Association (AEHUM) and was in charge of all socio-cultural activities. In her free time, she enjoys learning German, watching films, reading, writing and listening to music.
Roxane is majoring in international studies, which will provide her the opportunity to train in Berlin, Germany, with the help of an international agency. Moreover, she will soon submit her application for a special government program that allows college students to teach French in Germany for a period of eight months. This internship would help her develop her teaching skills and would be important for her to reach her goal of becoming a college teacher.
Roxane’s mother, Ginette, is employed as a waitress at Score’s Restaurant and her step-father, Normand, is a locomotive engineer working for Canadian Pacific Railways.
Richelle M. Neal Eugene, OR Santa Clara University Daughter of Karen and Jeffrey Neal
Richelle will be attending Santa Clara University in the fall, majoring in biology with emphasis in pre-med.
In high school, she participated in the honors program, earning a 4.0 GPA in seven of eight AP classes and three college-now. She was president of the National Honor Society, Key Club vice-president, Junior Class president, head of the Prom Committee and ASB Elections Commissioner. She played soccer her whole life and was captain of her club and high school teams. Richelle served over 500 hours of community service at a local middle school as a mentor and tutor for eighth grade students. Her hobbies include swimming, photography, running and spending time with her friends.
Richelle’s mother, Karen, is an accounting assistant working for Hutchinson Cox Coons, et al., and her father, Jeffrey, is employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as a locomotive engineer. Allison L. Pritchard North Olmsted, OH Kent State University Daughter of Jeanne and Donald Pritchard
Allison is a junior at Kent State University majoring in TV-radio production with a minor in writing. She states that she enjoys writing and even wrote once as a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. She also worked on the crew for KSU’s TV-2 (college-run television station) and was a DJ for the college radio station. Allison enjoys painting and photography.
Allison hopes to become active in the film industry and would like to be a screenwriter for major motion pictures.
Her mother, Jeanne, is a homemaker who is also a registered nurse. Her father, Donald, is employed as a locomotive engineer with Norfolk Southern.
Anthony J. Ring Marysville, KS Kansas State University Son of Cynthia and Michael Ring
With plans to become an accountant upon graduation from college, Anthony will attend Kansas State University where he will major in business with an emphasis on accounting.
In high school, Anthony was a Who’s Who Among American High School Students honoree and participated in numerous activities, including FFA (state degree recipient), Catholic Youth Group, Letter Club, and Kays. He attended the Kiwanis Honor Banquet four years and participated in football, basketball, baseball and golf. Anthony was involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, community recycling and helped with Punt/Pass/Kick.
His mother, Cynthia, is employed as an English teacher with USD 364 and his father, Michael, is a locomotive engineer with the Union Pacific Railroad.
Temple, TX University of Texas, Austin Son of Valorie and Paul Rutherford
As a senior at Temple High School, Tyler was active in band and jazz band. He is an Eagle Scout and a member of Venture Crew 152. Tyler is a member of First United Methodist Church of Temple. He enjoys backpacking and calculus.
At college, Tyler plans to major in either petroleum or mechanical engineering. He would like to enter a corporation that will utilize the skills he learns in college. Outside of his profession, he would like to travel and backpack across the world.
His mother, Valorie, is a custodian at Temple College and his father, Paul, is employed by the BNSF as a locomotive engineer. Audrey L. Saunders Rothville, MO Truman State University Daughter of Lori and John Saunders
Audrey aspires to become a doctor of optometry. Thus, her career goals include attending Truman State University to earn a pre-optometry degree, and then continuing her education at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. She would like to live and work in her home area and eventually have her own practice.
Audrey grew up on a farm in north-central Missouri. In high school, she was captain of her softball and basketball teams, FCA Huddle leader, senior class president, NHS president, FBLA vice-president and FFA treasurer. She was a cadet teacher for seventh grade social studies. She loves to travel and enjoys music and reading.
Her father, John, is a conductor with the BNSF Railroad and her mother, Lori, is a homemaker. Oly T. Ward Mena, AR Arkansas Tech University Son of Elizabeth and Russell Hoffman
Oly loves foreign language, especially German, and he loves to teach. It is therefore fitting that he has chosen to become a high school teacher of German. He received an academic letter for two consecutive semesters and was a Superintendent Scholar also for two consecutive semesters. Oly was featured in Who’s Who Among American High School Students and received the International Foreign Language Award.
In his senior year in high school, Oly was accepted into the Southwest Region Honors Choir making him eligible to audition for the All-State Honors Choir. He is interested in martial arts and prefers bagpipes and classical music to any other form.
Oly’s mother, Elizabeth, is a student (BSN) and his father, Russell, is employed by the BNSF as a conductor.
Vancouver, WA Pacific Lutheran University Son of Sheryl and David Wheelon
Daniel’s current plan is to major in mathematics and music. He aspires to enter a career in math, particularly a field in actuarial science or physics. Music is highly important in his life so it may be an option, but for now he intends to pursue this apart from his primary occupation.
In high school, Daniel enjoyed leading in his school choirs, singing in various community events, taking private voice lessons and playing guitar with his friends. He is very involved in his local church as a worship and children’s leader, and recently participated in a mission trip to Nicaragua.
Daniel’s mother, Sheryl, is employed by the state of Washington as a home care aid. His father, David, is a locomotive engineer working for Amtrak.
Bradley T. Windy Speedway, IN Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Son of Annette and Thomas Windy
Bradley has been accepted to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and intends to major in engineering physics. His career goals include working for a large car or transportation company.
He enjoys playing soccer, running track and bowling. He has done a large amount of community work, such as helping with sports events and Sunday school. At Speedway High School, he was a member of the National Honor Society and Top Twenty.
Bradley’s mother, Annette, is a homemaker and his father, Thomas, is employed by CSX as a train conductor.
IS YOUR BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION CURRENT?
If you have not provided the BR&CF with the name of your beneficiary, you should contact us immediately to request the necessary form. You may also print the form from our website at www.brcf.org and click on “Forms.”
Unsure who is currently listed as your beneficiary? Once in the home page, click on “Members” to log in. After logging in, select “Your BRCF Member Information” and submit to retrieve your current information. Your beneficiary is listed on the lower left side of the screen.
Terminal President Appointments
Effective: February 1, 2006 Michael D. Frank Terminal #298 Birmingham, Alabama
Effective: April 1, 2006 Bart R. Volkmann Terminal #554 Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
July 7, 2006
July 17, 2006
October 2, 2006
October 16, 2006
|
| Home | Feedback | Contents | Search | Links | Forms |
Send questions or comments about
this web site to. mailto:brcf@brcf.org
Last modified:
September 14, 2007
Copyright © 2000 Brotherhood's Relief and Compensation Fund. All rights reserved.