Alternate National Secretary

My husband Jim and I celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary in May of 2014 and are the proud parents of two wonderful daughters who have blessed us with four amazing grandchildren. We reside in Paola, Kansas, which is approximately 45 miles southwest of Kansas City. We are both retired and are enjoying the freedom we had never known as a railroad family. It’s wonderful!

I am proud to be a member of Helen Gould Auxiliary #235 in Osawatomie, Kansas. We have held our charter since January 26, 1898. I joined the auxiliary November 6, 1974, at the suggestion of my husband. I was a young wife and mother far away from my home and was so happy to meet other railroad wives and make new friends. We enjoy our meetings and have gained a few new members and associate members in the last few years.

I have served the local auxiliary over the years holding many different offices, have attended many Southwestern Convention Meeting (SWCM) Conventions, served on the SWCM Scholarship Committee, and attended four National BLET Auxiliary Conventions. It has been an honor to serve as National Alternate Secretary and National Alternate Treasurer in the past, and I am happy to serve once again as National Alternate Secretary. It was great to see so many new faces at the 2014 National Convention and I look forward to seeing them again. They breathe new life into the organization with their energy and fresh ideas!

It has been rewarding to see the changes that have been made to the auxiliary since I have been a member. What began as a social gathering has now become an organization focused on education, safety, and political issues that affect our spouses. I know that we will continue to grow, both in size and scope, under our new leadership.

Debbie Keele
Email: debbie.keele@yahoo.com
17319 Old KC Road
Paola, Kansas 66071
(913) 645-4459