The Wertz Warriors

For the past 28 years the Wertz Warriors have started their week-long journey through Northern Michigan at American Legion Post #370 in Skidway Lake.  Each year Post #370 has donuts and refreshments to welcome the many riders on their long trek. 

The Wertz Warriors are a fundraising group that travels all throughout Northern Michigan raising funds and awareness of the winter games for the Michigan Special Olympics.  As the Commander for Post #370, it was my privilege to award the first check of many that they will receive along the way.

Among the crowd at the Post was Mary Florian, from Rose City, and her two Special Olympian Athletes that compete in the winter games each year. 

Tuesday’s Meet & Greet With Linda Goldthorpe

Tuesday evening I attended Linda Goldthorpe’s Meet & Greet in East Tawas at Hsing’s Garden Chinese Restaurant.  Linda is running for the US House of Representatives in the 1st District.  I was given a chance to speak to the crowd in addition to meeting some great people from the area.

Heading Back From Wisconsin

On Monday, while on my way home from dropping my oldest grandson, Patrick, off at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, I made a couple of stops in Missaukee County.  While there I visited for a while with Sheriff Jim Bosscher and then met momentarily with the Treasurer, Barbara Hancock.  Unfortunately, Carolyn Flore, the County Clerk, was out of the office at a County Clerk’s meeting.  I also stopped by the Building and Zoning Department and the Commission on Aging where I met with Pam Niebrzydowski.  The reception by local constituents was wonderful. 

After leaving the court house I stopped by the Lake City Area Chamber of Commerce and spoke with Becky.  Wes, the Commander of the American Legion happened to be in the office also.  We discussed upcoming events that will be taking place in the county.  I cannot wait to attend these events, and to get to know more of the people of Missaukee County.  Wes and I were also able to discuss common issues concerning Veterans.  We have plans in place for future discussions regarding these issues.

4th Congressional District Republican Committee

On Saturday, January 9th, I had the privilege of introducing myself to the 4th Congressional District Republican Committee.  While in Clare I was able to catch up with a couple of old friends, Dave Camp and Bill Schuette.  During the 80′s we all worked together on both of their campaigns.  I also had the privilege to meet the 2010 Gubernatorial candidates, and John Moolenaar.  John is running for the 36th District Senate seat that is currently held by Tony Stamas.

Dave Camp & I

Bill Schuette & I

Speaking to the Committee

Work History

Warehouse and Sales Worker, State of Michigan Federal Surplus Property, 1967-1968 & 1971-1972

All Vehicle Mechanic, U.S. Army, 1968-1971

School Bus Driver, Big Rapids Public Schools, 1973-1975

Jobber Salesman, A.H. Joynt Automotive, 1975-1977

Regional Vice President, Mutual Savings and Loan, 1978-1989

Sales Manager/Part Owner, Boyce Office Supply, 1988-1990

Life, Health, Disability, Variable Annuities & Mutual Fund Sales, Equitable Life Insurance and Equico Securities, 1989-1990

Assistant Football Coach, Ogemaw Heights High School, 1988-2003

General Manager, NEMDI (The Source Book) 1990-1995

Circulation Director, Sunrise Printing and Publishing 1996-2002

Branch Manager, Nations Title Agency of MI, 2003-2007

Notary Closing Agent, Reliable Mobile Services, 2007-Current

Community Service

Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout-Vigil Honor/Order of the Arrow

Ferris State University, Veterans Association, 1974

Michigan Association of Collegiate Veterans, Treasurer, 1974 Member of Legislative Lobbying Committee for Vietnam Veterans Bonus

Chamber of Commerce:   Big Rapids, Tawas Area, West Branch (President  1983, 1984 and 1985) and Skidway Lake Area

West Branch Downtown Development Authority, Vice President

Ogemaw County Economic Development Corporation, 14 years (President 1994 and 1995)

Region 7-B Consortium Private Industry Council – 11 years

Michigan Works/Region 7-B Work Force Development Board, 14 years, currently Executive Steering Committee and Vice-Chairman and Board Chairman 8 years

West Branch Optimist Club, Member-Distinguished President 1991-1992

Michigan District Optimist, Distinguished Lt. Governor 1992-1993

American Legion Post 370, Skidway Lake, Vice Commander 1997-1998, Commander 1999-2003, 2008-2010

Ogemaw County E-911 Advisory Board

Prescott/Skidway Lions Club

Ogemaw County CASA Advisory Board, President – 2002

Ogemaw County Veterans Commission, Chairman 2002-2003, Board Member 1997-2003

Northern Michigan Affordable Homes

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, American Legion member of the Ogemaw County Trust Fund Committee 2008-present

Ogemaw County Republican Party, Vice-Chairman 2010

Education

Grand Ledge High School, 1967

       General Education

 U. S. Army, 1968-1971 Honorable Discharge

       Vietnam Tour (1969-1970), Bronze Star

       Spec 5 63C20 All Vehicle Mechanic

Ferris State University, 1975

       Bachelors Degree, Public Administration

Institute of Financial Education

       Leadership Development School, University of Central Florida (1984)

       Executive Development School, University of Georgia (1986 & 1987)

       Consumer, Commercial, Mortgage Lending and Single Family Residential

       Appraisal Courses

University of Michigan

       Economic Developers, Practitioners Workshop

Dale Carnegie Course

       Effective Speaking and Human Relations