The past few weeks we have been informed of the passing of Brother PNP Philip Tilson, may our thoughts and prayers be with Victoria and his children in their time of loss.

Having just returned from another wonderful Midwinter Conference held in Alexandria, LA., I am glad to hear that all Committees accomplished their goals, and ended with a delicious banquet meal followed with some entertaining Cajun music. What a great ending which I believe it was enjoyed by all.

Last year our National Heroes Line suffered a few losses, and was necessary to fill with qualified individuals to carry forward. A couple years ago Bro. PNC Roy Ota introduced the National Line Officers which consists of eight progressive line, four of who are elected and four who are appointed along with the six Staff Officers. I want to introduce to you our new elected line officer, Bro. Andrew F. Hirst, retired 1stSgt Army. Andy was appointed as Commander of the Guard in 2007 and this past year became the elected Officer of the Day. He makes his home in New Hampshire with wife Dorothy whom he married in 1954 and raised two daughters. His Masonic history began in 1954 and his associations are many. I will not list all but a few. Brother Andrew was raised to the sublime degree in Loo Choo Lodge #172 F&AM, Koza, Okinawa, which is now Okinawa Lodge #118 F&AM, Kitanakagusuke-Son Okinawa and he is a life member. Also, affiliated Saint James Lodge #102 F&AM, Hampton, N.H. June 1973 and affiliated Lawrence United Lodge AF&AM, Lawrence, Massachusetts 2002 as a life member. He has held many offices in Lodges and as WM in 1991, representative to Grand Lodge in 1992 and is an honorary member in several Lodges and served on committees in the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire.

He has many activities in the York Rite and Scottish rite Bodies. He was awarded Knight Commander Court of Honor in 2001 and Thirty-Third Degree Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction in 2005 in addition to many other honors. What can I say; where Andrew has been, he has been actively associated with a Masonic Body.

The four appointed line officers are Sr. Lt, Brother CW3 David H. Gardner of Ft. Worth, Texas; Jr. LT, Brother LTC Richard W. Wyatt of Longwood, FL; COG, Brother CAPT Merlen F. Howe, Lockhart, Texas and Sentinel Brother SSGT Robert Mason, from Seal Beach, CA. With Bro. David Gardner's introduction, we don't have enough space to list all his affiliations. He was raised a Master Mason in Oregon Military Lodge #936, October 24, 1978 in Frankfurt, Germany. During the past 29 years he has become an Active Member in several Blue Lodges and most all York Rite Bodies and Scottish Rite Bodies in the Fort Worth and Waco, Texas areas. He continues to be an active participant in anything he gets involved in. He has memberships in the Royal Order of Scotland and Trinity York Rite College. A Life member of The Order of High Priesthood of Texas and holds the office of Senior Warden in Council #54 and Council #342 of Ft. Worth and many more. David also serves as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher in his church. Along with his wife Diane, they both volunteer their service to Meals on Wheels and participate in the Cancer Walk each year. Recently he became a member of Star of Bethlehem Conclave Red Cross of Constantine and the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons, International. Besides of all this, he is a Sojourner and Hero in Chapter #463 and Cowpens Camp.

The next issue will be our last message and I want to invite and see each of you at our National Convention in Indianapolis, this June 2-6, 2009.

E.I.A.R.
Fraternally,
Dick Sutton, National Commander