by Travis Mateer

This post will NOT be a reoccurring series, just a one-off look at a Montanan I discovered because I bought the book pictured above, and the Masonic embossing on the pages piqued my interest, along with one of the two labels attributing previous ownership of the book scratched off.

I agree with this quote from Jo Rainbolt, seeing clearly where we’re going definitely requires knowing where we’ve been, and when I look at the obituary for Warren “Skip” Heyer Jr., it’s clear we’ve been at war for a very long time.

From the link:

Warren K. “Skip” Heyer, Jr. left this earthly world May 25, 2022, and was born in Missoula, Montana in March of 1945.

Skip was active in 4-H, and was Missoula County’s Representative for both State and National Congress. He graduated from the University of Montana, a Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, serving with distinction in Germany, Korea and Vietnam, honorably discharged in 1972. His awards include the Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. 

The obituary also indicates that Warren was active in his local Masonic lodge (emphasis mine):

Skip managed Montgomery Ward Automotive in Billings, Montana, and Bakke Tire in Missoula. He was also active in the Masonic Lodge, Shriner Clowns, and Past Master (1993-94) of Missoula Masonic Lodge 13.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with being a Mason, I think it’s fair to ask ANY organizational entity, like the Masons or Shriners, a simple question: is the benefit of membership SOLELY for the membership? Because, if there’s supposed to be a societal benefit, I’m not seeing one. In fact, it’s almost like society is going in the OPPOSITE direction of enlightenment.

Where have we been? And where are we going? I don’t think we, as a country, have a collectively accurate read on the answer to either of those questions.

If you appreciate my local perspective on larger issues, like war and stuff, Travis’ Impact Fund (TIF) is one way to support my work, while making a donation at my about page is another.

Thanks for reading!