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International Conference Representative
John Gordon
Dear Friends; This web page is designed to keep you informed of my activities as your GLRC International Representative. You will find various Agenda Items that are posted here. Please review them, and contact me with your position on these various issues.
GLRC Meeting & August 2010 Report
Dear Friends,
The Blue Knights International Convention is over and was interesting to say the least. Like almost everything, it was what you made it. Traveling to, during, and from the convention was loaded with history and some amazing scenery. Let me summarize what occurred during the convention.
Monday was filled with meetings. The Blue Knights chapter from Tyler, Texas won the bid for the 2012 International Convention. Past International President Ronnie Young from Virginia V gave an update on events for the 2011 International Convention. The host hotel will be the Marriott and reservations can be made after August 15, 2010. The convention will be held at the same complex as the 2003 convention. Registration will include a welcome reception and cookout, five buffet breakfasts, a fish fry, a “southern” style BBQ, and the banquet. Ronnie assured the membership that his chapter will not run out of beer which happened during the first night in Billings. Pre-registration is $89.00 and the host hotel room rates will be $99.00 per night. More information will be on the GLRC web-site.
The Great Lakes own Pam Carlton and Glen Wheat were unsuccessful in their bid to become board members of the Board of Governors, but they did make a good showing, and GLRC members should be proud of them.
During the General Membership meeting, President Mulford displayed a sample of a new vest that will be sold through the International office. This vest is a very dark blue and almost looks black. President Mulford has traveled to various conferences with color swatches. He has asked members for their opinion of this potential new color. The amount to be charged has yet to be determined. This new sales item was an Executive Board decision.
For the first time in the history of the Blue Knights, I am happy to say that five $1,000 scholarships were awarded to the children of Blue Knights. I am also happy to inform you that children of the Great Lakes membership submitted 18 applications out of a total of 65 applications. The scholarship program was the brainchild of Rio Grande International Rep. D. J. Alverez. I am absolutely tickled to tell you that two of the scholarship winners went to sons of Great Lakes members. These two winners are Zachary Nitch, son of John Nitch, Illinois XII, who wants to receive a degree in civil engineering, and Matthew Navas, son of Kevin Navas, Illinois IX, who wants to receive a degree in physical education and health. I wish these two young men the best of luck in their studies and their future.
Following the General Membership meeting, I attended the International Board Meeting. During this meeting I learned that the constitution and by-laws that are posted on the International web-page are not current. A warning in small print states: “We are aware that the International By-Laws are outdated, and we are patiently waiting on the latest files to be shared electronically.” At this time please do not rely on the by-laws as printed on the web-page.
Minus a special meeting on Thursday morning, the remainder of the week meant traveling. There were some great motorcycle roads in the area like the Beartooth Highway and the Chief Joseph Highway. The scenery could not be topped with the likes of these two roads and Yellowstone National Park. Historic locations were abundant with places like the Little Big Horn. For those of us who took in Yellowstone, Mother Nature welcomed us by offering hundreds of buffalo, grizzly and black bear to admire. The weather was beautiful except for one night when a thunderstorm hit which brought 60+ MPH winds to the Billings’ area. Past International President Ellen Smit’s motorcycle was blown over and suffered some damage to the mirror.
I joined the Blue Knights in the early 1980’s. I still remember the story I was told about how this great fraternal club was started. Imagine seven law enforcement friends riding their motorcycles and having coffee. They wanted nothing more than to ride their bikes and tell their war stories. Back in those simple days, everything was less stressful. Today, almost 40 years later, we are a million dollar organization; the club has grown with more than 20,000 members, and we have employees. When I decided to run for office in 2000, the one person I admired the most was Dan Adams. I wanted to follow in his footsteps because he was a true Blue Knight. He was honest and had integrity. His actions were always guided for the betterment of the Blue Knights, as a whole, and not for personal or political gain. I have never forgotten that about Dan and have tried to keep those same values alive.
Forty years ago business people and police officers alike could do whatever or say whatever they chose, and there were rarely any repercussions. Their actions became known as “the good ole boys club.” Cover-ups were common place, and the trust of many police officers and departments were often questioned. Intimidation, coercion, and retaliation seemed to be acceptable ways of doing business.
Today, there are standards and laws that should protect us from the actions of “the good ole boys club,” but please understand that “the good ole boys club” is still alive. It has become hurtful and very costly to allow those “good ole boys clubs” to exist, and I refuse to play a part. I will not dishonor the memory of Dan Adams and the things he stood for to do so. Recently, my beliefs and actions have been questioned by a small number of members in this organization. Some believe that I should remain silent and just be a puppet. Let me assure the members whom I represent that my actions will never be guided by personal or political gain.
The Executive Board represents “the Club,” and I represent the Great Lakes Conference. What some have forgotten is that the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club membership is “the Club.” We as law enforcement officers live by rules, regulations, and should be above reproach. Our membership deserves to have leaders who live by the oath that they took when they became law enforcement officers. Most of us have worked very hard to keep the Blue Knights from being called a 1%er club. For years we have been likened to those 1%er clubs because of a three piece patch that we wear, or could it be the actions of a few of our members? I want to assure you that I will follow the Blue Knights International pledge, which reads: “As a Blue Knight, I pledge to act with honor and pride to promote motorcycling and motorcycle safety by being an example of the safe use, operation and enjoyment of motorcycles. I will work at all times to improve the relationship between the motorcycling law enforcement community and the general public. The fraternal spirit will always guide me in relating to other Blue Knights.” I love the Blue Knights. I love the fact that we have contributed over $13 million to charitable causes. I love the fact that we are recognized as the “good guys” in the law enforcement motorcycling community. I love the fact we honor our children by offering scholarships. I love the fact that we are not just an organization but a large family. No other law enforcement motorcycle club can make these same claims, and I do not want that to change.
When I was the GLRC Vice-Chairman, I made a comment that communication is the key to this organization. I believed it then, and I believe it now. While conducting normal business, I have always sent the meeting agenda and meeting minutes out to the board and state representatives. They would forward it onto their respective chapters. With the help of our web master, Paul Croteau, it has always been posted on the web page the day I published it. I have always asked for the input of our membership and considered these opinions when casting votes during board meetings. When the abnormal happens, I have found that I do not always have the luxury of, and under certain circumstances, I am prohibited from contacting board members to seek their input before casting votes and conducting business. I hope that I have the trust and confidence of this membership body to do the right thing for this conference and the Blue Knights as a whole.
Elections of the International Executive Board are just around the corner and the ballots will be arriving at your homes very soon. I encourage you to talk with the candidates and get to know them. Most importantly, I encourage you to vote. On average, only 30% of the membership mail in their election ballot. I challenge this conference to step up to the plate and cast more ballots than any other conference.
On a personal note, today (August 28, 2010), the three raffle tickets that I have been selling for the past four months will be pulled. The raffle is for a 42” flat screen television, $250 cash for second place, and $100 cash for third. The money is going to the John T. Gordon Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund. Each year a scholarship will be offered to a young man who earns his wings and becomes an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. My son was an Eagle Scout and a regular member of the Blue Knights, and I would appreciate your support.
Riding
With Pride,
John P. T. Gordon
International Representative
Great Lakes Regional Conference
Every Mile I Ride Is For My Son
Don’t Text and Drive
International Board Meeting 15 June 2010 - Agenda Items
To Create a "International Chaplain" Position
Agenda Item 2010-005
To Create a "Bids" section under Rule of International
Convention
Agenda Item 2010-006
June 2010 Report
Dear Friends,
Since my last report, the Great Lakes Regional Conference conducted our Spring meeting in Green Bay, Wisconsin. During our meeting, our 2010 to 2012 officers were nominated, and everybody is unopposed. Bill Haylett, New York V, will be the Chairman; Dennis Hafeman, Wisconsin VI, will be the Vice-Chairman; Tom Peed, Ohio III, will be the Secretary; and Joe Kubicek, Wisconsin VI, will be the Treasurer, and I was re-elected as the International Rep. For the first time since the Great Lakes was formed, we have separated the Secretary and Treasurer position. The hotel, the food, and the friendship were top notch. I was very impressed with Lambeau Field which was within walking distance from the hotel. We took a tour of this amazing facility, and one of our stops was to visit the owner’s box. Just before we left this area, I asked our guide where “the Dawg Pound was located?” He was a good natured young man, and he took it in stride. He told us about the padding where they do the “Lambeau Leap.”
I tried to keep this board and the members of our conference updated on Dick Lear since he became ill in January. For the 100 plus days that he remained in the hospital, his wife Diana never left his side. She had taken a leave of absence from her employment with the Muncie City Schools; however, she had to pay for both hers and the employer’s share to maintain their medical insurance. Many people donated to this worthwhile cause and for that I thank you. One person wanted to help her friend’s family in a special way. In the tradition of the Blue Knights she went above the ordinary, and that person was Ontario IV member Pam Carlton. During the banquet in Green Bay, she raffled off an English Bobbie Helmet. That night almost $1,700 was raised to help Diana thanks to Pam and her idea.
I am happy to inform you that International Honorary Eric Estrada is again working to make the Blue Knights name one of quality. On June 19, 2010, Eric will be present at a motorcycle run in which Indiana I is a co-sponsor. All proceeds will be donated to the Delaware County Alzheimer’s Association. Once again Mr. Estrada is demonstrating to our membership that he is honored to be a member of this organization.
Our next GLRC will be the summer conference meeting at the Holiday Inn French Quarter, in Perrysburg, Ohio. The dates are August 27 to 29, 2010. More information is on our web site. I checked the hotel web site, and they did survive the tornadoes that swept this area last week-end. So it sounds like the party is on.
I would like to thank everybody for their kind words and prayers following my recent surgery.
Are there any questions for me?
Riding With Pride,
John P. T. Gordon
International Representative
Great Lakes Regional Conference
Every Mile
I Ride Is For My Son
Save A Life, Don’t Text and Drive
April 2010 Report
Dear Friends,
Since our last meeting, Heaven I has admitted far too many members. On March 9, 2010, Dan Adams finally lost his fight to ALS, commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” Dan had been a Blue Knight for many years. Dan served this organization with pride, having served most positions in his chapter, conference, and on the International Board as the Great Lakes International Representative. Dan also served as a member of the Building Committee. Before Dan retired from the Bowling Green, Ohio, Police Department, he would spend much of his off-duty days traveling the highways in an 18-wheeler. Dan loved to drive those big trucks almost as much as he loved traveling on his motorcycle. In fact, Dan would travel to International Conventions in his truck with his BMW loaded in the trailer. Following the convention, Dan would pick-up a load and return to Ohio. Dan traveled this country so much that he knew the location of every Hooters Restaurant by heart. I admired Dan for his love and dedication to his family, his country, and the Blue Knights.
Just one short month later, we lost another true Blue Knight. Dick Lear was known by many as a person who enjoyed life. Whenever Dick was at a Blue Knight’s event, you would usually see him centered in a crowd of laughing people. Dick was one of the funniest people I have ever known. Dick knew how to make people the subject of a joke that could take months to develop. At a Blue Knights event in Dover, Ohio, Dick was able to obtain the chapter flag of Ohio 17. He came into custody of this flag with the help of Bob and Connie Flannagan’s daughter, Stephanie. A couple of months later, Bob decided to put a flag pole up in his front yard. Bob painted this pole, and much of the basement, white and then had a very large and deep hole dug. Connie always loved to tell stories about Bob’s attempted home improvements. Dick heard this story and his mind went to work. Dick packed up the Ohio XVII chapter flag in a box filled with excessive packing peanuts. The shipping label was from the Flag of the Month Club, Muncie, Indiana. Bob caught an earful from Connie for getting involved in such an expensive club. When she opened the box and found her chapter flag, she knew that she had been had. Dick got two at once and loved it. Dick lost his long battle to complications of pancreatitis on April 9, 2010. Dick was taken to his final resting place in a hearse coach that was pulled by a Harley trike. On behalf of the Lear family, the members of Indiana III, and the Great Lakes Conference, we would like to thank all his friends and Blue Knights members who made donations to help offset his extremely large medical bills. We would also like to thank President Mulford for expediting the issuance of Dick’s 30-year pin and certificate. Dick was presented this award just two days before his death.
The Great Lakes 2010 spring conference meeting is this week-end in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is not too late to make plans to attend. Our friends at Wisconsin X have a great week end planned. Our summer conference will be in Perrysburg, Ohio, just south of Toledo. The dates are August 27 to August 29. Check for updates on our web site.
Many of you have heard me talk about a scholarship fund in my son’s name. I have a raffle going on right now for a 42” flat screen television, $250.00 cash, and $100.00 cash. I would love to send the International board members several hundred tickets to sell or to pass along to your chapters to sell. The drawing will be held at the Summer Great Lakes Conference.
Are there any questions for me?
Respectfully Submitted,
John P. T. Gordon
GLRC, International Rep.
International Board Meeting 27 Apr 2010 - Agenda Items
To Publish a "New Presidents Handbook" as a guideline;
Agenda Item 2010-003
Friends;
I have the scholarship applications in hand. Please pass along to your chapters that any Blue Knight, child, step-child, or grand-child can apply. Five scholarships will be given away at the International Convention, so time is of the essence.
Click to download - Scholarship Application Form / Scholarship Guidelines Form
John
February 2010, International Board Meeting
Dear GLRC Friends,
The February 2010 International Board meeting took place on February 23, 2010. I must admit that I was about 10 minutes late in making my call-in, as I was at my grand-daughters school music recital. The new up-to-date Blue Knights International Website is up and running. There have been a few complaints about being able to log into the members-only section. Remember that your membership ID number is the User Name and your last name (IN CAPS) is the password. The board discussed at length with Mark Howard different ideas on how to improve the web-site. The Internet Committee is open to your input. If you have any suggestions, please contact Webmaster John Long at longjc@verizon.net
Agenda Item 2010-004 dealt with the issuance of a Blue Knights Scholarship. This item was passed unanimously by the board. This year five (5) Blue Knights immediate family members (son/step-son, daughter/step-daughter, or grandchild) will be able to apply for a $1,000 scholarship to assist them in the furtherance of their education. Applications will be available from any International board member and will be available on the web-site in the members-only section. Applications must be postmarked no later than June 1, 2010.
International Office Manager Bessie Small reminded the board that your 2009 membership cards are still valid until April 30. The main reason for this reminder is the office is one employee short. Historically, when chapters don’t receive their new cards in a short period of time, they call the office to inquire why things are taking so long. Getting this year’s cards out could take a little longer than normal, so please be patient.
Under Old Business we returned to the nominations of International Honoraries for 2010. More information in support of nominee Christine Fulton had been provided and with this new information, we voted to welcome Ms. Fulton as an International Honorary.
Agenda Item 2010-002 was withdrawn. Agenda Item 2010-003 was tabled in order to provide more information on the proposed booklet. Several Reps. have had this idea in the works, and as a result, they are going to put all of their information together to make this book a very useful tool for our members.
Under the Good of the Organization, President Dave Mulford, Vice-President Pat Fox, and Treasurer Russ Harper announced that they will be seeking re-election of their current positions. Rio-Grande International Representative D. J. Alverez announced that he will seek the position of Vice-President. No other announcements were made.
Since my election as your International Representative, I have tried to get current information out to you. It is virtually impossible to get it to the 2,900 members of this conference on my own. I want to thank Paul Croteau, the conference webmaster, for keeping my information posted and up-to-date. I also want to thank Secretary Dennis Hafeman for having the patience in publishing the newsletter until after I send him my information. Finally, I would like to thank all of the State Representatives. They stay in contact with their chapters, and always make sure their members have the information they need. You all are truly the unsung heroes of this conference.
Our next meeting will be on April 27, 2010, at 8:00 PM, EDT. Deadlines for submitting agenda items will be April 13, 2010 at 9:00 AM, EDT. This means that the Agenda will be published no later than April 20, 2010. It will be posted on the web-site and sent to the state reps. for distribution.
Riding With Pride,
John P. T. Gordon
International Representative
Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Inc.
Great Lakes Regional Conference
Save A Life, Don't Text and Drive
Every Mile I Ride is for My Son
23 February 2010 - Agenda Items
To Change Section A of the Sales Rules;
Agenda Item 2010-001
To Amend Bylaw Silver Dues Tier wording to include a break
in continuous service;
Agenda Item 2010-002
To Publish a "New Presidents Handbook" as a guideline;
Agenda Item 2010-003
To Provide a Scholarship to children of our members;
Agenda Item 2010-004
Please review the above agenda items and contact me with your opinion.
February 2010 - International Rep Report
Dear Friends,
The New Year has arrived, and like a new snow fall, changes will be happening. New officers will be elected in chapters and in the conferences. With that, it will bring new responsibilities for the newly elected officers. Newly formed chapters will be trying to get their feet wet (so to speak) and learn what the Blue Knights are all about. We need to all work together to help the new officers and new chapters follow a long standing tradition of Blue Knights brotherhood and fraternalism. Like it or not, this is a 20,000+ family. As with all families, there are sometimes issues that need to be resolved. How we go about resolving these issues is the $64,000 question.
When there are problems, we should work together as friends and not as some type of dictator, which could ultimately cause a divorce in our family. Remember, before any problem existed, we were friends who rode together; we were friends who shared the dinner table with each other; we were friends who fought together on the streets; we were friends that shared a drink with each other; we were friends who healed each other’s wounds (both physically and emotionally); we were friends who watched each other’s children grow up, from childhood onto marriage, and now we are friends watching new grandchildren as they continue to grow. I can remember when attending Blue Knights events, I would tell my son to have fun and not to get into trouble. I also told him that if any Blue Knight told him to do something or stop doing something, that it was the same as if I had told him. Why, because Blue Knights are family, and I trusted my Blue Knights family to watch over my son, and that they did (although there was a time or two when he and another Blue Knights’ son snuck some beer at an event, remember Steven?)
I encourage each new officer to go to the Blue Knights International web page and enter the “Members Only” section. Inside, you will find a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws. Print it and learn it. Most problems can be resolved by abiding by the by-Laws. All too often we are seeing chapters and members who try to side-step these by-Laws, because “it doesn’t say that we can’t.” It is not always the printed word that is important, but the spirit of the by-Laws. As police officers, most of us from one time or another have tried to side-step department rules. Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn’t. The end result usually required a new written policy, which would usually tick someone off. As in our departments, the Blue Knights can’t always make everybody happy. When one person, or chapter, tries to side-step the rules, then other members or chapters may become unhappy.
The January 2010 International Board Meeting was held on
January 5, 2010. The highlights of that meeting follow:
Illinois State Rep. Gayle Murnane was appointed to be the chairperson of the
International Honorary Committee by President Dave Mulford. This committee
did a bang-up job providing the board with the information on each candidate
which makes our decisions easier. The International Honoraries for 2010 are:
Eric Estrada, and the King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium.
The final 2009 membership statistics are in and the Blue Knights ended the year with 20,490 members, in 635 chapters, and 24 countries. The Great Lakes Conference ended in third place in the membership race with 2,756 members in 91 chapters. We followed the Tri-State Conference which has 2,995 members in 65 chapters, and the Mason-Dixon Conference which has 2,900 members in 73 chapters.
The Continuous Service Awards program is still up and running. This program recognizes members who have maintained their membership continuously within the Blue Knights for 20, 25, 30 or 35 years. If you qualify and would like to receive this free pin and certificate, please contact Vice-President Pat Fox at intlvp@BlueKnights.org Please do not contact the International office with this information, but Pat directly. There have been questions about purchasing additional pins, and they are now available for $10.00 each.
From our International President Dave Mulford, “I want to remind all Blue Knights, new and old, that if they have questions and concerns to contact their chapter or conference officers, before you just pick up the phone and call the office. Our office staff is there to assist you but they are also very busy. We have many knowledgeable Blue Knights throughout the organization. Many times your new questions or concerns have been already been looked into or answered. Whether a Chapter, Conference or International officer these individuals may be able to answer the many questions or concerns that you have. And if they do not have the answers to your questions they will know where to go or which way to look for an answer. These are the individuals that have stepped up to the various positions that they hold or have held and may be able to assist you.”
The next meeting will be on February 23, 2010. Deadline for agenda items will be February 9, 2010.
Riding With Pride,
John P. T. Gordon
International Representative
Great Lakes Regional Conference
Every Mile I Ride Is For My Son
Save A Life, Don’t Text and Drive
January 2010 - International Rep Report
Dear Friends,
From the Great Lakes Regional Conference, I bid the Blue Knights membership a Happy New Year. We hope that 2010 brings you happiness, prosperity, and good health. We hope that your Blue Knights travels will be safe and worry free. For the members who have not joined the retired ranks, we pray for your shifts on our world’s streets and highways to be injury free. Please remember those Ten Fatal Errors that an officer can make (your attitude, tombstone courage, not enough rest, taking a bad position, danger signs, failure to watch hands, relaxing too soon, improper use or no handcuffs, no search or poor search, and dirty or inoperative weapon) and don’t become one of the news stories that have become all too familiar. Keep in mind that we have a riding season coming up, and there will be many Blue Knights weekends to attend. Don’t forget that these Blue Knights events have some adult beverages, and I need help in its consumption.
Far too many of our friends have passed on to Heaven I, least of which was Gil Mitchell. Gil was probably responsible for recruiting more members to the Blue Knights than anybody and without ever receiving the proper recognition. He did this through his efforts and hard work on the Blue Knights web-site. In honor of Gil’s dedication to the Blue Knights, I will formally propose at our next meeting that the “Blue Knights Web-site of the Year Award” be renamed to the “Gil Mitchell Award”.
Our next Spring Great Lakes Regional Conference meeting will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin on April 30, 2010 to May 2, 2010. It will be at the Midway Best Western Hotel in downtown Green Bay. Our Summer Great Lakes Regional Conference meeting will be held at the French Quarter Holiday Inn in Perrysburg, Ohio, on August 27-29, 2010. This will be our election meeting for conference officers. It will also be time to visit the famous Tony Paco’s Restaurant in Toledo. Make your plans now. More information is available on our web-site.
Are there any questions for me?
Riding With Pride,
John P. T. Gordon
International Representative
Great Lakes Regional Conference
Every Mile I Ride Is For My Son
Save A Life, Don’t Text and Drive
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