In 1998, I did not know any railroaders, or anything else about the job my husband Paul had just accepted. All I did know is that it was the job he had always wanted to do. I had no idea what to expect, except that he was on going to be on call all hours of the day. To say I was surprised at the lifestyle change is more than an understatement. I never could have imagined the number of special events in our life that I would spend on my own. Soon after he hired out on the Norfolk Southern in Tilton, Illinois, he joined the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers union, even though he was still working as a conductor.

When we started to receive the monthly newsletters in the mail, we both were interested in these articles that were written by members of the Grand International Auxiliary. We were not even aware of this organization, but thought it was nice that spouses who live the same lifestyles could band together on several issues.   

For the next 3 years, we focused on starting our family, and making our way in this world. After our daughter Paris was born, we dealt with the up and downs of railroad life, seniority moves, and the tragic events of 9/11. When all of the dust settled, we ended up living in Peru, Indiana. Peru is the crew change point of the Lake and Illinois Divisions on the former Wabash Railroad. Talk about being a fish out of water! Here I was, in a new town, where I didn’t know ANYBODY, and I had no one to talk to about life in general, as my family was 500 miles away. While my husband was hard at work on the road, I was trying to adjust to our new life.

In 2003, my husband was elected President of Division 548. We saw this as a good opportunity to follow up on getting a local G.I.A. Auxiliary started. We felt that if I had felt this lost, how many other spouses and families would be feeling the same way. During this process, something happened made us realize another reason that this charter was needed. One of the local members passed away, and his spouse needed help with regards to benefits and Railroad Retirement laws. It made me realize, that there is a world of information that few people knew about. It became my passion to help bring people together, and help people get to know others who deal with the same issues.

I made some phone calls, and got in contact with the right people to organize our family picnic, sponsored by Rathmann and O’Brien, Designated Legal Counsel. It was really exciting to see how many people, that did not know each other, interact and have fun. Not only were the families excited and involved, but their loved one who worked on the railroad as well. Later in the year, when we hosted a Christmas party, it was great to see that everyone knew each other, and see the friendships that had been built.

In June 2006, I attended our National Convention as a delegate. I enjoyed meeting with all of our officers and other members. I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Onita Wayland, Past President, and witnessing Becky Schneider be elected our new National President. All of the officers who have served before me leave very large shoes to fill. Now that I have the great honor of being your 1^st Vice President, I look forward to seeing this organization thrive. Serving as the National Outreach Coordinator, I can’t wait to meet new members, and assist them in their growth. I am the stereotypical soccer mom. I operate two separate firework companies; do my best to raise a great little girl, and balance being a devoted, loving wife. I would definitely tell interested people, that even though it does take a little time out of our busy schedules, it is worth the time to get involved. I feel this is a great opportunity, and hope to serve all of you with pride.

In 2010, I was elected to the position of National First Vice President/National Outreach Coordinator. I am truly honored. I look forward to serving under the newly elected National President, Anita J. Caruso. I was so glad to meet so many of you in Reno, Nevada. I look forward to our continued growth together. I encourage all of you to reach out to our members and remind them how important it is to get our message out. We must support each other and our loved ones as well.