By: Kim Jones

Greetings Sisters and Brothers,

Did you know…

This will be my last article as your UAW Local 659 Recording Secretary. Has it really been 27 years? That sounds like a long time. I can’t believe it’s time for me to start the next phase of my life.

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve this membership. I want to express my sincere gratitude and thanks for all the years of support you, the membership, have given me.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Donna, Natasha, and Nicole for all their hard work and dedication. I could not have done this job without them.

I would also like to thank my fellow officers – President Alex Ortiz, Vice President Anthony Davis, Financial Secretary Duane Ballard – and to the Executive Board members.

To all of the newly elected officers and 659 Executive Board members, congratulations! Continue to keep our Union strong.

I would also like to thank the strong women who have helped me on my journey. They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. These women include Rita Jackson, who encouraged me to run for office. I told her “no” several times, and she told me “no” was not an option. Joanna Ross, Recording Secretary of UAW Local 651, was a tremendous aid in helping me to learn my job as Recording Secretary. Also, Xantheia Carter always called and checked on me and would ask if I needed anything. These are just a few positive, strong women who are/were in my life, and I thank God for them.

I also want to thank our former President and my mentor Reginald Smith. There are so many people who made an impact on my life and I want to say thank you to them also.

Last, but most certainly not least, none of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family.

This is not “goodbye.” This is “see you later” and “Retiree Chapter, here I come!”

Blessings to all. God bless the UAW!