Who Is Your Hero

Sometimes I reflect on those who have impacted my life and provided guidance and direction. Many are Brothers. Others have been people who have entered my life and then moved on. Some are famous faces I’ve never met, such as historical figures, leaders of our country, or current popular media personas. Several come to mind for me, starting with historical leaders of our country, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and John F. Kennedy. Growing up and watching my favorite Westerns, John Wayne was one of my early heroes. Becoming a Mason and learning several of these figures were Masons and the accomplishments they made, strengthened my belief that they had a fundamental impact on who I am today.

My grandfather, W.B. Kenneth W. Miles, was truly a role model for me growing up and one of my heroes. He was instrumental in getting me to join DeMolay. That led me to ask the right question which started my Masonic journey. He conferred all three Degrees and was my coach and mentor. The precious time I spent with him learning my proficiencies created memories that will last a lifetime, and oh-the family stories he shared.

There are a lot of people who have influenced me over the years who were ordinary people that I observed and looked up to. This year at the East-West Shrine BBQ in Baker City, I had the joy and pleasure of reuniting with my high school drafting teacher, Mel Sorenzen. I had not seen him since graduating from high school. He nurtured my interest in drafting, surveying, and engineering. He was instrumental in helping me start down the path of becoming a registered engineer, a career that I truly loved. It also got me to reflect on how those drafting skills related to Masonry like drawing straight lines, parallel lines, and a lot of right angles.

The impact of our actions is sometimes surprising. By practicing our Masonic values every day, I truly believe we are making a difference, and you never know who is watching, whether it is the newly initiated Entered Apprentice or an acquaintance on the street.

Your actions and presence in our communities creates a strong Masonic interest and our Lodges continue to be busy with Degree work. This is a result of exposure to our Masonic culture, whether firsthand or by what they have seen and read. Having a strong coach and mentor is critical to starting a man on his Masonic journey. We all need to strive to continue our Masonic learning. I find that taking on the role of coach and mentor not only is challenging but rewarding in that I continue to grow and learn as well. You just may be someone’s hero.

Sincerely and Fraternally,Craig A. Sipp Grand Master 2023-2024