Southwestern Region leaders enlist an “Army of Educators”

Responding to PSEA President Jim Testerman’s call for an “army of educators,” Southwestern Region President Fred Berestecky enlisted 130 uniformed recruits at the Region House of Delegates on October 30 at Seven Springs.

“We are responding to President Testerman’s call,” Berestecky said. “And we have an army right here - ready for duty.”

The 130 local leaders and region staff members who attended the meeting suited up in camouflage t-shirts and caps emblazened with the PSEA logo and bold lettering saying “An Army of Educators.”

Berestecky and Region Vice President Donald Grenaldo, Secretary Susan Dillon, and Treasurer Eric Pringle emphasized the need for PSEA members to mobilize like never before to protect the pension benefits they were promised. Potential legislative changes to the pension law could negatively impact the system and members’ retirement security.

“Our leaders can’t do this alone,” Berestecky said. “We need to make sure that they have an army behind them. And here it is.”

Berestecky encouraged the local leaders to return to their schools and prepare for action by establishing e-mail lists, phone chains, and contacts that can be put to use at a moment’s notice.

PSEA Vice President Michael Crossey, who attended the meeting and donned the region uniform, complimented the officers on their commitment.

“Thank you for responding to the call, for enlisting in this army, and for standing together,” Crossey said. “I am proud to be a member of your PSEA army. Believe me, we will need every one of you.”

The members began mobilizing that evening, signing postcards addressed to their legislators stating their opposition to changes to the pension system.

“This is a great way to begin our campaign,” Berestecky said. “Now, we are going to keep marching forward.”