Paul D. Helsel
RESOLUTION
Whereas, the officers and members of Newark, Delaware Lodge No. 2281 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America recognize the exemplary service, accomplishments, and many years of service given to our fraternity by their most distinguished member, Paul D. Helsel; and
Whereas, Paul was initiated into the Newark Lodge in 1970. He immediately became active, and over the years has served on or chaired virtually all of the major committees of the lodge. He was appointed Esquire in 1971 and progressed through the chairs serving as Exalted Ruler in 1975-1976, where he earned “All-State Exalted Ruler” honors in the Ritual. He remains active in our lodge after serving 15 years as treasurer; is still a trustee after serving over 10 years; is active in our PER Association; and is a working member of the bingo committee.
Whereas, He has diligently served the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Elks Association as chairman of the Elks National Veterans Service Committee and Officers Training Committee, and served on the Executive Committee of the Association’s Major Project. He served as State Trustee and State Treasurer, Vice-President Northeast District, State President 1981-1982, and served three years as chairman of the Association Advisory Committee.
Whereas, He has served the Grand Lodge with distinction as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Northeast District of the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Elks Association in 1979; on the Grand Lodge State Association Committee 1989-1991, and in 1992 was elected to The Board of Grand Trustees. He served an additional year with the Board of Grand Trustees on a Special Planning Committee to develop a long range plan for upgrading and improving the Elks National Home. He still serves as a Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, having been first appointed to that position in 1996. He served with distinction as the chairman of the Host Committee for the 2001 Grand Lodge Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Whereas, Paul earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1962 from the Pennsylvania State University, and later a second degree in Accounting from the Goldey Beacom Business College. He started a successful and distinguished 43 year professional career as a design engineer with the DuPont Company. To broaden his experience, he sought out and accepted employment with other major manufacturing companies, and in 2005 retired from ATK Elkton Co. (formerly Thiokol Corp.) after 26 years of service as Manager of Plant Engineering and Maintenance in their rocket manufacturing facility in Elkton, Maryland.
Whereas, For over 42 years he has had the support, encouragement and assistance of his gracious and loving wife, Jane, as well as that of their two daughters and three grandchildren.
Whereas, Paul has a record of distinguished service to his family, community, professional and fraternal life, all reflecting well on him, as well as our Order; now therefore
Be it resolved, that the Newark, Delaware Lodge No. 2281 is honored and proud to present to the 2008 Grand Lodge Convention in Anaheim, California, the name of Paul D. Helsel as a candidate for the office of Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elk of the United States of America.
Dated this 9th day of October, 2007
Robert H. McIntyre, Exalted Ruler
Donaldine Ledeker, Secretary