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BLET Fifth National Convention Recap

BLET Fifth National Convention Recap

  • November 1, 2022

Our Association was proud to attend the BLET Fifth National Convention, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bob Brown, Vice President Union Relations, and his wife Donna represented LECMPA.

BLET National President Dennis Pierce opened the session on October 10 with his presidential report. He focused on the tentative national agreement being negotiated and called for unity now and in the days to come.

The convention featured a full slate of presentations and special guests, including sessions led by a series of esteemed special guests, including:

  • Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
  • International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien
  • Dina Titus, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and its Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials
  • National Division Guide Marketa Wells
  • National Division Chaplain Gary Pedigo
  • U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh
  • Amit Bose, the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • John Bragg, Labor Member of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board
  • Greg Regan, President of the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department
  • Kat Bisbikis, National President of the BLET Auxiliary
  • Lyndon Isaak, President of Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC)

LECMPA would like to congratulate BLET on another successful convention and continues to stand in solidarity with union brothers and sisters across North America.

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Gil Clark
Marketing Manager – Trucking/Logistics/UPS

I was employed by UPS for 38 years, serving as a package car driver and feeder truck driver from St. Louis to Earth City, MO. I served as a union shop steward for 25 years. My wife and I have two children and two grandchildren. My hobbies include travel, property rehabilitation, and spending time with family.

I strongly believe in our product. I was a LECMPA policyholder myself and I’m personally committed to making sure my union brothers and sisters are aware of the peace of mind our coverage can provide. My mission is to continue to reach, teach, and guide others on this valuable asset that solely protects your income should you be placed in the position of suspension or termination.

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Cameron Reeves
Marketing Manager – Western Region

I am a 4th generation railroader, and becoming a railroader myself seemed like the natural decision — it was all I knew. I started as a manager with Union Pacific for 10 years and I have been a trainman for the past 16 years. I was a yardmaster in South Oakland, MTO in Stockton, CA, and a Senior MTO in Roseville, CA. I’ve been in Stockton, CA since I returned to train service and I am the Vice Local Chairman for Division 283 out of Oakland. My wife Christina and I have four children — Rylee, Haley, Hannah, and Cade. My free time is mostly spent following my daughter from softball field to softball field as she tries to earn her college scholarship. I also enjoy going to concerts with my wife. I’ve been with LECMPA for 11 years. I do what I do because I enjoy the travel,  and the most rewarding part of this job is being able to call our members when their claim has been approved.

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Kenneth Romero
Marketing Manager – Great Plains Region

BNSF was hiring after my time in the Army ended. It was the best job in the area with the best benefits. I worked in the Illinois/Chicago Divisions then transferred to the Gulf/Red River Division. I have been assigned to several locations throughout my 24 years of service, including Galesburg IL, Chicago, Peoria, West Quincy, Creston, IA, Lacrosse, WI, New Orleans, and Lafayette, LA. My wife Jennifer and I have four kids — Olivia, Angelle, Zachary, and Beau, and one Grandson, Casey Jr. Throughout my 20 years with LECMPA, I’ve loved going above and beyond to help people. Our job isn’t just about selling insurance. It’s about making sure that they have peace of mind knowing that they will be taken care of if something were to happen.

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Wiley Yates
Marketing Manager – Eastern Region

I was hired on as an assistant signalman with CSX Transportation in May of 1990, before being granted a signalman position on a maintenance team in Tampa, FL. I have worked as an electronic signal specialist in the CSX Dispatch Center in Jacksonville, FL for the last 31 years. I am also the Vice General Chairman of the SE General Committee of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for over 32 years and have three children. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time traveling with my family, fishing, and playing golf. I started as an LECMPA Florida State agent in March of 2009. I truly enjoy working for LECMPA, as it allows me to help fellow transportation workers protect their income against heavy-handed discipline handed down by big corporations.

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Bob Brown
Vice President, Union Relations

I started working for Union Pacificat at just 18 years old. I went back to school in 1986, earning a BA in economics. I worked in the railroad industry for 32 years, with UPRR from 1972-1986, WCRC from 1986-1996, and BNSF from 1996-2005. My assignments have included: Maintenance of Way, Brakeman, Conductor, Engineer, Agent, Dispatcher, Sales Manager, and Vice President of Marketing. My union roles have included serving as a Local Chairman. My wife Donna and I have four sons, Jeremy, Sean, Cody, and Jerry. I enjoy hobbies such as scuba diving, traveling, motorcycles, fishing, and golf. I have been with LECMPA for 23 years. My greatest reward is when a member calls to thank me because his claim was paid. We save homes and families — what could be better?

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Craig Rehse
CFO, Secretary, Treasurer

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.

Bob Brown
Vice President, Union Relations

I started working for Union Pacificat at just 18 years old. I went back to school in 1986, earning a BA in economics. I worked in the railroad industry for 32 years, with UPRR from 1972-1986, WCRC from 1986-1996, and BNSF from 1996-2005. My assignments have included: Maintenance of Way, Brakeman, Conductor, Engineer, Agent, Dispatcher, Sales Manager, and Vice President of Marketing. My union roles have included serving as a Local Chairman. My wife Donna and I have four sons, Jeremy, Sean, Cody, and Jerry. I enjoy hobbies such as scuba diving, traveling, motorcycles, fishing, and golf. I have been with LECMPA for 23 years. My greatest reward is when a member calls to thank me because his claim was paid. We save homes and families — what could be better?

Rod Bloedow, President

I’m a railroader who grew up in railroad households, where Soo Line callers would ring my engineer dad and conductor grandfather at all hours. During college, I landed summer employment with the railroad. Then, in May of 1998, I was hired onto “the Chessie” and spent the next 23 years working the road in engine service and serving as a union officer. Like my father and grandfather, I made the wise decision to purchase job insurance.