Leon Y. Wald, 32°
3713 Shallow Ford Road, Temple, Texas 76502–2235

Members of National Sojourners, Inc., are heroes of a special kind.

Once a month I dine in the company of heroes. After almost 20 years, it still amazes me that these men accept me as an equal and welcome me into their midst. I am an ordinary guy. There is nothing different or outstanding about me. Yet I was raised a Master Mason in a New York State Lodge in 1953, and that event opened up a whole new world to me. Then, as a U.S. Coastguardsman and Mason, I was privileged to visit Masonic Lodges in foreign places, always finding fellowship and acceptance as a Brother who is, therefore, worthy of trust.

My retirement from the service allowed me to seek warmer climates near San Antonio, Texas, far from the frostbitten Northeast where I was reared. I soon learned that, as a Mason and a former officer, I was eligible to become a member of National Sojourners, Inc., so I petitioned Fort Sam Houston No. 17 and was accepted. Not long after joining, I was initiated into Alamo Camp, Heroes of '76. Today, after relocating, I am a Past President of Fort Hood Chapter No. 288 and a member of John Bell Hood Heroes Camp. We meet once a month for dinner and companionship at the Fort Hood Officers Club. Wives, of course, are welcome. There is always an interesting program, often featuring active duty personnel who keep us abreast of the ever-evolving military picture. Our members are of every former rank from Second Lieutenants to Colonels, including an honorary member who had been a Command Sergeant Major and a Shrine Past Potentate, yet no rank is stressed. Each member is proud of the nation that he served to the best of his ability, and his pride is reflected in the continued interest in the welfare of our Country and the Armed Forces.

I confess that I have never met a finer group of men than those who are Masons. That I have gravitated to the company of former servicemen is a natural extension of my life's experience. No one understands better the bittersweet reality of leadership and responsibility than those who have been in that position. Thus I can say that these men are in truth heroes, and I am proud to be one of their number.

Leon Y. Wald was raised May 14, 1952, at Wantagh Lodge No. 1112, Wantagh, N.Y. A Life Member, S.R. Bodies, Waco, Tex., he is a member of Knob Creek Lodge No. 401, Temple, Tex.; MIP National Sojourners, Inc., Chapter No. 208, Fort Hood, Tex.; Past President, Fort Hood Chapter, Retired Officers Assoc.; John Bell Hood Camp, Heroes of '76; and Karem Shrine, Waco, Tex. He was a Commander in the United States Coast Guard and is now retired.