Greetings from the IAPMO Membership Department! As we approach the end of the year and the holiday season, I want to share some reflections. Many of you know how passionate I am about the United States military veterans who have proudly served our great country. If you’ve read my previous articles, you may recall that my husband and I are members of American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach, California, where we volunteer at least once a month.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting some incredible veterans — both men and women — who have returned home with harrowing stories. Recently, I attended a function called “Veterans Coffee Talk” on a Saturday morning, where I met a soldier (who asked to remain unnamed) who served in the Korean War, often referred to as the “forgotten war.” This conflict lasted three years and fell between World War II and the Vietnam War. More than 5.7 million American men and women served in this war, each carrying their own memories of its challenges. I had the opportunity to speak with this soldier for more than two hours, during which I learned about the brutal winters and steamy summers he endured. Nearly 60 years have passed since the guns fell silent, yet American soldiers continue to maintain peace along the 38th parallel, the border between North and South Korea.
So, what’s my point? By the time you read this article, Veterans Day on Nov. 11 will have passed. I want to extend my gratitude to every IAPMO member who has served our country. If you know a veteran who needs help, please reach out to them!
2024 was an exciting year for me and the Membership Department as we introduced our new “Member Manager” database. I hope you’ve had a chance to log in to the system, where you can now upload a profile picture, download your membership ID card, view chapter meetings, and access “members only” answers and analysis queries.
Our 2024 Education and Business Conference in Las Vegas was a huge success. It was a pleasure to connect with many of you during the event, which is always a highlight for me. I want to emphasize that my staff and I are here to assist you in any way we can. I also traveled to New Orleans for the Trades Women Building the Nation conference, which attracted more than 5,300 attendees this year. The conference continues to grow, bringing together members of unions affiliated with North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU), local building and construction trades councils, and NABTU allies. Each year, I meet new attendees and reconnect with old friends. I invite all of you — both women and men — to consider attending this conference. The training and education offered are exceptional, and it’s inspiring to see everyone working together for a common purpose.
I look forward to sharing more exciting news with you in the New Year!
Tricia Megee
Last modified: December 4, 2024