President
Leland R. Schwein
2009 - 2010
"Elks Love Kids' Success"
Becoming the State President of the Arizona Elks Association is something I would have never considered as possible when I first became an Elk, due two American gentlemen Bobby Troutman and Jim Furimsky asking me to get more involved in the great works of our order. This journey began as an officer at Payson Lodge #2154 and culminates becoming State President. Where do I start this open letter of thanks - I would like to thank the Past State Presidents who served as installing Officer's. Acting Grand Exalted Ruler: Jerry Grimes from Kingman Lodge #468: Grand Secretary: Jack Wailer Jr. from Pinal Mountain Lodge #2809: Grand Sergeant. at Arms: Don Waggoner from Sedona Lodge #2291, and Grand Chaplain: Earl Wilford from Tucson Lodge #385. I also would like to thank all of the Past State Presidents of the Arizona Elks Association for their confidence in me, and for their support. Now a message to the Elks of the great state of Arizona: It is a privilege and an honor to be able to serve you and the members of the Arizona Elks Association as your State President for the year 2009-2010. A big thank you to all the Lodge members and their spouses for all you do to further the works of the Order of Elks in your local communities. Thank you Grand Exalted Ruler Paul Helsel and your lovely lady Jane for taking the time to attend my installation. And to my friend Larry Torres, Area 7 Regional Hoop Shoot Director, thanks for your attendance as well. And of course a big thank you to the officers, members and their spouses from my home Lodge, Payson #2154, who took the time to attend my installation. And to the ones who could not attend for their support. I don't want to forget everyone who took part in the rally. I know there were a lot of people from different Lodges in the State involved. I really appreciated your participation and of course your support. I didn’t get to become the State President of the Arizona Elks Association all by myself. I am in position because of the support of my son Jason; my daughter in law Kelli and my adopted grandson Devon. Thank you for attending the installation and supporting me. And, the person who is most responsible for me standing before you today, my helpmate, my friend and the love of my life, my wife Sunday. Thank you for your support, guidance and love. From the bottom of my heart I love you. My motto for this year is "Elks Love Kid's Success". Yes we do! I truly believe in helping others. We, as Elks, take care of our Veterans, senior citizens, our youth and anyone that needs our assistance. We give scholarships. We have the Hoop Shoot program. I could go on and on about the Elks. These community-based programs operated at the local Lodges across this state was the main reason for my becoming an Elk. I know you have all probably had the warm feeling of taking a needy child Christmas shopping. Seeing a tiny little baby given the chance to live a productive life. How nice it is to see a child smile when they get a gift from Santa. These are just some of the good works that make me proud to be a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. My concern this year is membership and retention. The same as my predecessors. This will also be one of my goals this year. I believe that educating our new members in Elkdom is the key to retaining our new members. I have official visitations to make throughout our state. Sunday and I are looking forward to visiting old friends and making new friends. But, we are going to try and visit as many Lodges as we can officially and unofficially. Hope to see you there. God Bless our Troops, God Bless American and God Bless all of you. Sincerely and Fraternally LeLand R. Schwein, President Arizona Elks Association