[Nfbwv-talk] AN EMOTIONAL DAY FOR WEST VIRGINIA FEDERATIONISTS

[Ed McDonald]

Dear Fellow Federationists,

As Karen and I were waking this morning and preparing to listen online to 
the day's sessions of our national convention, Charlene called from Orlando 
with the shocking news and Sketchy details of the automobile accident that 
took the life of our friend and colleague, Glenn Grogg, and left his wife 
Mary in critical condition. Minutes later, Dr. Maurer announced Glenn's 
tragic death to those gathered in the convention hall.

The afternoon session ended with a video presentation reflecting upon Dr. 
Maurer's 28 years as our president, and later tonight he will deliver the 
final banquet address of his presidency. I was in attendance at the 
convention when he was first elected to the position in 1986.

As our national convention pays tribute to the long-time leaderof the 
Movement, we in West Virginia are saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of 
a long-time soldier in the Movement. To the best of my knowledge, Glenn 
never attended a national convention, and thousands around the country will 
not mourn his passing. Nevertheless, he worked tirelessly for his chapter 
whenever there was Federation work to be done. For many years he "manned the 
keg" at state conventions and extended Federation hospitality to veteran 
members and newcomers alike. He also demonstrated that a blind guy could 
serve his community as an employee and later as a member of its town 
council. And what more generous thing could one do than to play Santa Claus 
year after year!

A day such as this reminds me once again what the National Federation of the 
Blind is all about. Each of us has a part to play and a responsibility to 
play it well. If I were not a member of the National Federation of the 
Blind, I would never have met Marc Maurer or Glenn Grogg, but my life is 
richer for having known both of them.

Thank you, Dr. Maurer, for your years of devotion and leadership. Glenn, 
rest in peace; we will miss you.

Ed