Grand Commander's Messages 2008/2009

June Message

Hello Sir Knights, it is a pleasure to address you as the Grand Commander of the State of California. I, again, thank each of you for the vote of confidence and of the support which has been extended to me.  The first month has been a busy one and it looks like June will continue in the same way.  The month of June is special as it gives us the opportunity to honor the Flag of our great country and to honor our Fathers.

We have purchased 300 medallions for the 150^th Anniversary of the Grand Commandery of California. If you have not purchased one please contact your Department Commander. The cost of the medallion is $10.00 and each Sir Knight is allowed to wear it on his uniform for this Grand Templar year only, as we have the unique opportunity to recognize 150 years of California Grand Commandery.

From information that has come to the office, it looks like we may be turning the table on membership. Department 1 knighted 35 on the 29^th of March, Department 2 knighted 25 on the 5^th of April, and there were even more knightings in the northern part of the state. As this trend continues, we should start to see an increase in membership instead of a decline each year.

Each year at Grand Session, we seem to have the same 4 drill teams. With the increase in new members, I would hope some of the Commanderies would consider forming (or reforming) a drill team. The advantages are many and if practices are held on a regular basis this generally results in increased attendance at Stated Conclaves and conferral of the Orders and a bonding of members. I have noticed if there is good bonding among our officers and members then frequently the Lodge, the Chapter, the Council and the Commandery will, most likely, be very successful also. I urge the Commanderies to start forming a drill team and come to Grand Sessions next April  to compete in the drill competition.  If you need suggestions, assistance, or guidelines please contact Sir Knight Richard T. Cooper, PGC at (661) 259-4350

One of the privileges of becoming the Grand Commander, is appointing a Sir Knight to the progressive line. I had the honor of appointing Sir Knight Stephen Eric Alderete, as Grand Warder.

Steve was born on the 29th of June 1962 in Baldwin Park, California. He grew up in El Monte and after graduating from High School, Steve attended Rio Hondo Junior College and College of the Redwoods going on to Humboldt State University and Cal. State Los Angeles University. He majored in geography with an emphasis in geo‑politics, and planned on a teaching career.

In Steve’s senior year of college, he began work as an apprentice industrial mechanic for the City of Los Angeles. With this hands on experience, he realized two facts: first, he had a natural talent for the craft, and second, this career had more earning potential than teaching. Now after 25 years with the City, Steve is a lead Mechanical Repairer II at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Steve is married to his high school sweetheart Susie and together they have six children, Jennifer 23, Renee 20, Jake 19, Nick 18, Kyle 15 and Emily 12. Currently, they reside in San Bernardino.