Compiled by John Burton
The “Victory Lodge” Local 1725, one of nearly 1,100 Local Lodges affiliated with more than 742,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), swore in Helena Thornton as its first female President in January.
Thornton is the first woman to hold the top leadership position for the local lodge. The trade union’s senior leadership was on hand to honor Thornton. Richard Johnsen, Chief of Staff to the International President; Edison Fraser, Transportation Coordinator; Tom Regan, Airline Coordinator, Grand Lodge Special Representative Will Cashion, and Headquarters Communications Representative Tanya Hutchins, joined General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes as she swore in Thornton and the 1725 Executive Board and grievance committees.
Starting her airline career in Charlotte as a part-time fleet service agent and a single mom, Thornton was simply trying to provide for her children. Thornton’s passion for her profession progressed and she ascended in positions in her almost two decades career. “As president, I want to ensure fair wages,” Thornton said. “It doesn’t matter your color, gender or race. Just that everyone works together.” Victory Lodge 1725 continues to lead the way in promoting women into leadership positions. Renae Miller was sworn in as Recording Secretary and Tami Travis as Trustee. Three of the current executive board members are now women.
This lodge is one of 1,100 Local Lodges affiliated with more than 742,000 members of the IAMAW, 100,000 who are employed in the Transportation Sector. Victory Lodge 1725 represents approximately 3,000 active members from both District Lodges 141 and 142 and covers members employed at American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, PSA Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Most of its members work at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in several locations.