2009 National Convention

Happy Trails

Just as quickly as this Convention started, it's now over. But many friendships have just started. This morning I sat with fellow Texas delegate Craig Logan from Lodge 502 in Amarillo. He's been a member for 20 years, too, so we had a lot to talk about.

Danny Cummins and the rest of the Officers and Directors were re-elected. They really are tremendous leaders, and we're lucky to have them in the saddle. Another highlight from this morning was Mike Rolands, a member of the Youth Forum. What a fine young man! I wish Jake had been here to be a part of the Youth Forum, but he's busy taking summer school classes at college.

I also wish I had spent more time with the Ohio delegation! They seem like a fun group, and they gave the Convention a few laughs this morning. They insisted every committee stand and be recognized with applause, which they definitely deserved.

Well, it's time for me to head to the airport. My Wranglers are all packed, and on this cloudy day in Austin, it's time to say good-bye. But, you haven't heard the last from me, fellow Woodmen members! Check your Wfm magazine in the fall for my complete report. Until next time, happy trails to you all!

A Meal Fit for Woodmen

 

I left a little early from the banquet tonight, I'm just tuckered out. I didn't expect to be on the go so much! But it's been more fun than I ever thought it would be, too.

The winery tour this afternoon was more laid back. We took a bus about 23 miles outside of town and visited two wineries. One was a little more established, and the second one was more new. It's been such a dry season in this part of Texas that everything was pretty brown. I think everyone had a good time.

The banquet tonight was a very nice time. I actually sat with fellow members from Pennsylvania. Some of them had never been to Texas before, and I told them I've never been to Pennsylvania! But we roped each other in with our stories - it's funny how Woodmen members from all parts get along so well.

Taking Care of Business

I tell you what, this Convention has kept me busier than a one-eyed cat watching nine mouse holes. The business sessions yesterday and today were packed full of speakers and information. It's a lot to take in! First, we were all concerned about Chairman Bill Owen, who had to leave the Convention early because he was ill. We all prayed for his speedy recovery. I'll post more highlights later, but now I've got to get ready for the banquet tonight. I need to make sure my Wranglers are still pressed! 

Some of Us Have Gone Batty (But Not All of Us)

The bat cruise filled up incredibly fast, so fast that I didn't get a ticket! No worries, though, because I'm set to go on the winery tour tomorrow. I'm told that because of the dry season, that the bats leave earlier than usual to hunt the mosquitos, who are farther away. Even though I didn't get a ticket on the bat cruise, I still found great camaraderie in those who were chosen for the Youth Forum and other activities. Thanks again for taking advantage of these great opportunities.

Registered and Rarin' to Go

I was one of the first delegates to get registered today. I wanted to get my information as soon as possible, and I wasn't the only one. I've learned Woodmen people are a prompt bunch -- when that triangle gets struck for dinner, they're already at the table. We received a nice red and black Woodmen bag with our convention materials. Woodmen also printed a wonderful hard-bound coffee table book that explains our history in photographs. What an unexpected gift. I can't wait to spend more time reading it once I get home. They also gave us a big basket full of Texas food items -- pecans, salsa, barbeque sauce, you name it. My hands were so full I had to go back up to my room and unload!

But I quickly came back down to the registration area to explore some and meet new people. The first place I stopped was the Woodmen Store. I wandered around and bought a real nice Texas-orange shirt and a baseball cap.

Then I went and thumbed through the award-winning scrapbooks. I got a lot of new ideas for activities for my lodge back home from the photos in those books. I don't scrapbook myself, but I sure do admire those who are so creative. I hung out a bit in the hospitality room and watched a video of older photos, and a really funny song that had new words to Deep in the Heart of Texas, except it was Deep in the Heart of Woodmen! They had ice cream for us in the room, so I took my time in here.

 

Then I noticed people taking photos outside the hospitality room near where we registered, so I checked it out. Turns out the cowboy statues in the middle of the hallways were real people! I've never seen anything like it before! How do they stand so still?

Then it was time for a session from Larry King, who is in charge of all the Woodmen Representatives out there who sell the insurance. He gave a very personal talk about his own 36-year career with Woodmen, and asked us all to think of someone we know who might make a good Representative. This is an important job, and I know I hold my own Representative in high regard. He has helped my family get through some tough times. I've been thinking about people I know who might be able to live up to that standard.

After all that activity, I sat down at some chairs in a corner and met some long-time Woodmen members from Alabama. In the photo above, delegate Eddie Colvard from Lodge 1862 is on the left, and North Alabama Community Outreach Manager Philip Robertson are just enjoying each other's company. I love that about Woodmen -- Eddie's been a member since the 1950s and has served in nearly every possible way, and is still serving. It was a pleasure meeting you folks.

Finally in Austin

After a lot of planning, nervousness and travelling, I'm finally in Austin and settled into my hotel room. It's nice to finally be here at the National Convention.

Today has been a whirlwind of activity, and it's sure to be just the beginning. And I thought I was getting here early to relax a little! I got to Dallas to the airport just fine, and it was just a short 29-minute flight to Austin. I sat next to the nicest lady. Her white hair reminded me of a nearly-spent dandelion, and she was just as beautiful as a flower. I helped her with her overhead luggage, and her non-stop gratitude nearly made me blush. I could tell by her struggle with the seatbelt that she doesn't fly much (I had the same troubles).

When we got to Austin, I was elated to see these big banners welcoming us in the airport! I thought I was seeing things! I felt quite honored. I took the photo above from the escalator from the terminal into the baggage claim area. I hitched a short shuttle ride to our hotel in the downtown area, and met a fellow delegate from New Mexico on the same bus. We told our driver all about Woodmen, how it's more than just life insurance, it's like a second family. I could tell he was impressed.

I checked into my room, and then it was off to explore Sixth Street a little, and eat some Tex-Mex food. I caught up with a few more Woodmen members in the lobby, and now I'm simply exhausted. But I'm ready to see what adventures await me tomorrow. It should be a more somber day, with the Memorial Service and all. I'm looking forward to honoring those who came before us. Good night, y'all!

Pressing the Wranglers

I've been packing and getting ready to go, and I feel like I'm forgetting something. I've got my Wranglers pressed, my boots shined and my belt buckle polished. I'm leaving tomorrow, which is a day earlier than most, but I wanted to get settled in and get my bearings. Plus I'll need time to find whatever I've forgotten!

I should tell you a little more about myself. Like I mentioned before, I've been a Woodmen member for 20 years. My wife June and I joined when we had our son Jake. We knew we needed life insurance, and we knew our Field Representative from church. When we bought the insurance, we didn't know all the benefits that come with it, like the lodge activities and conventions and that. Jake's now in college, and he's been teaching me about all this technology. We keep in touch through e-mail, and he's even got me texting now. I told him about this blog, so I'm sure he's reading it. Hi, Jake!

Forecast: Hot

I just checked the 10-day forecast, and it's going to continue to be fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk hot down here in Texas. So to you delegates coming from nice and cool places like Oregon, don't say I didn't warn ya. It's gonna be triple digits probably every day. But don't worry too much. It's not like we'll be out on my ranch digging fence posts. We'll be enjoying the air conditioning at the Austin Hilton.

Like I mentioned before, this is my first National Convention, so I'm not certain on what to expect. But I always enjoy meeting fellow Woodmen members, they're like second family to me. It's just a few more days until the convention starts!

Anticipation

Well, I'm all registered for the National Convention, and I have my hotel reservations. And you know how big of a state Texas is -- even though I'm from here, I'll be flying into Austin. So my flight is booked, and I'm getting ready to go. I signed up for a winery tour, and a tour of the state capitol. I'm also looking forward to seeing the bats from the bridge. Now I just need to start packing. I'm excited to meet fellow members from all over the nation, and to show off the great state of Texas. I know it'll be a real fun time.

Howdy, y'all!

My name is Johnny Austin, and I'm from a small town in Texas. I've been a Woodmen member for about 20 years, but this is the first time I've gone to the National Convention. Since I'm from Texas, and I'm going to the Convention for the first time, they've asked me to blog about my experiences. So come back here often, because I'll be sharing my adventures with you. Woodmen's a great organization with the best people you'll ever meet, and I'm real excited to tell y'all about it.