funds were embezzled was heartbreaking, not only to me but to our organization. And to see that most of it was swept under the rug is even more heartbreaking. I have a lot of great friends that are part of Tennessee that I still stay in contact with, and it ’ s unfortunate that they walk around like they are cheating spouses to talk to us. And a lot of these guys I came up in Ma- sonry with. The feelings surrounding that incident have taken a toll because relationships forged from the military, our cable tow, and the bonds we develop should never be broken. But the things our leaders did back then have caused a division between other fraternal brothers and
us, and it's sad. I know the question lingers, “ Will we ever be able to come together? ” I can only pray for that. The past six years have been a challenge. When I left Tennessee, I left because they didn't do what they were supposed to do. When the vote was taken, Deary Vaughn stood up and wanted to take action against me when I was on the [AASRSJ - Tennessee] executive board for what I did, and he brought it up to our SGIG [USC] that were there. But Bill Chris stood up for me and told them I had a job. And personnel who serve in critical positions must report what was done. After that meeting, I left, packed my bags, and walked away from Masonry altogether; I was going to let everything go. But soon after, Dr. Slaughter reached out along with Dr. A.K. Wilkins, who was putting together what we now know as USC - DC. I told them in our initial conversation that I would be a part of this if I could be on the staff that watches the money. So that's how the journey started for me at the USC - DC. GIG Howard T. Matthews, Jr.: If there is any advice you could give to a Masonic brother, whether it's a young brother or one that's been traveling for 20 or 30 years, what would that advice be? SGIG Nicholas Padilla, Jr.: My advice to any brother is to connect to a knowledgeable brother. Not to a brother who isn ’ t active; I am talking about a brother who will help them grow within the organiza- tion. We, the people that have been in this order for many years, need to learn to is to train up the per- son behind us, so they can pick up the mantle when we are gone. It ’ s the same with every aspect of our
lives, our organization, the church, and our oc- cupations. We need to get them connected to a good mentor that will give them the historical information and the education they need that will render them into the best Masons they can be. GIG Treven Lagerman: So, Bro. Padilla, I have a question for you. I know, Bro. Mat- thews has his notes together and whatnot. What is the proudest moment that you've had in Masonry? Or would you think is your great- est accomplishment?
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