Are you a Freemason?

LTC Bink Romanick — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 14:10:05 -0400

If you are how did it affect you in your service? If you're not , what was your impression of service members who were? Did you even know that they were Masons?

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Aug 14 at 2015 2:16 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 14:16:56 -0400

My son is and it seemed he had added support in the service.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 2:33 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 14:33:25 -0400

LTC Bink Romanick, some of my best friends are Masons. My first squad leader was a Mason. My experiences with the majority of people that are Masons are just normal good standing individuals, but I've met a few who join the order for the wrong reasons.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 14 at 2015 2:47 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 14:47:08 -0400

I knew one, and he was very well respected in the military. He never went around bragging, however if asked he doesn't lie.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 5:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 17:11:35 -0400

Hmmm touchy subject here. Lets just say, many would not disclose that...

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 14 at 2015 6:55 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 18:55:06 -0400

I am, but I joined after I got out. It was sort of a "transparent" issue when I was in. I'm sure I knew some (actually one of my instructors was, and we reconnected at Lodge), but just didn't know it.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 9:56 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 21:56:14 -0400

The largest and oldest worldwide fraternity did not allow its members to openly discuss their affiliation with it until the mid- to late 1990s, depending upon the state or national Grand Lodge. Members were free to wear a Masonic ring or lapel pin which, in turn, could stimulate a conversation, but only then was the Mason free to answer questions put to him. Presumably, one reason was to assuage the mounting "assassination" of the fraternity due to its centuries-old secrecy. Secondly, membership was in a free fall worldwide. Now, a Mason may freely ask his son, bowling pal, or boss if any would be interested in joining. Masonry is no more a cult than some Lutheran Church ladies' quilting club. The secrets it does keep are published all over the Internet, but a good Mason would not reveal them intentionally. As secrets go, however, they rank right up there with "who keeps the key to the Executive Washroom." Of course, I'm being facetious. Masonry is about good men making themselves better. Our tenets are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. We worship no one God. All men of all religions are free to join after first answering one question: In whom do you place your trust? The answer can be God, Yaweh, Buddha, Mohammed, or whomever. As such, we often refer to God as The Grand Architect of the Universe. In Open Lodge, two things are always prohibited: any discussion of politics or religion. Those topics are the private domain of the individual member. Beyond that, each local Lodge, wherever found, will be engaged in scholastic support, public service support, and community-building in the local area. Members are doctors, politicians, teachers, police, grocery managers, mechanics, truck drivers, and men of every profession in between. Good men, everyday men, the kind you live next to, worship with, work with, and have known since you were a boy.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 15 at 2015 4:22 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 04:22:13 -0400

If I met any during my time in they were Covert about it. Met Several since I have retired and All Wonderful Upstanding Gentlemen.

Response by Cpl Gregory Hajder made Aug 15 at 2015 4:57 PM

Cpl Gregory Hajder — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 16:57:44 -0400

I became a Freemason after my service. But it is interesting to note that I learned a lot about the history of the Marine Corps after becoming a Freemason. For instance, the legendary Tunn Tavern, the birthplace of the Marine Corps, doubled as a Masonic Lodge. The first U.S. Marines were Freemasons.

Response by MSgt Rob Nethaway made Aug 20 at 2015 5:50 AM

MSgt Rob Nethaway — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 05:50:12 -0400

I did not ask to become one until after I retired. While in the military, I felt like I had the bond, the Brotherhood, and fellowship .... But, when I retired I still wanted that and reflected back to some of the men who were Freemasons and approached a prominent person in the community ....

Middle Georgia Daylight Lodge #756, Bonaire GA
Houston Lodge #35, Perry GA

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 12:39 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 00:39:28 -0400

Yes, and went through the 32nd degree this year...love it more and more each day. Always great to meet travelers throughout the service. I don't believe in being a walking billboard, however, showing affiliation can generate interest and general questions.

Response by SGT Chris Hill made Oct 6 at 2015 3:01 PM

SGT Chris Hill — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 15:01:52 -0400

I had one bad experience with being a mason early this year, but other than that, it's been great. I was raised a month ago and I'm very proud to be a mason!

Response by LT Michael Cavaggioni made Dec 31 at 2015 3:28 PM

LT Michael Cavaggioni — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 15:28:22 -0500

I became one after about 10 years in the service. It's been a pretty good experience and have met many other traveling men over the past few years.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2016 10:19 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 22:19:49 -0400

Yes I am! And it's one of the best decisions I have made in my young life!

Response by SFC Brian Chambers made Mar 11 at 2020 2:39 PM

SFC Brian Chambers — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 14:39:40 -0400

Freemasons, is a great thing to become involved with, lots of charity events for children!

Response by CPL Anrae Godley-Cooper made Apr 21 at 2020 8:33 AM

CPL Anrae Godley-Cooper — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 08:33:19 -0400

I was raised after my Military service, however I served with some and all I can say is it was an honor to serve with them.