Tom Smith - a former U.S. Senatorial candidate and chair of the Indiana Armstrong Patriots in Shelocta as seen during a group debate with County Coroner and Sheriff candidates before the November 2013 General Election - told members last month that he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. (KP File Photo)
by Jonathan Weaver
A Tea Party group that includes loyal voters from both Armstrong and Indiana Counties has a new chain of command.
Leadership changes to the Indiana Armstrong Patriots - which meet monthly at the Smith Complex in Shelocta - came after Chair Tom Smith announced he has been diagnosed as terminally ill with cancer.
Media Chair Pat Leach confirmed the news that Smith – a former U.S. Senatorial candidate – was ill following a special reorganization meeting August 18.
“As much as it was a shock to us, the Indiana Armstrong Patriots are carrying on Tom’s vision for the group,” Leach said in a e-mail reply.
Former Chief Operating Officer Julie Anderson has worked with Smith and has seen him “every day” for the past four-and-a-half years.
“He’s not just my boss and the chairman of the Patriots, but also I consider him a friend,” Anderson said.
She estimated Smith told group members the news in July.
Anderson, of Indiana Pa., will be assuming the leadership for the next six months until the group has their elections in April.
“Those are some pretty big shoes to fill. I will do my best, but I do not come close to Tom Smith,” Anderson said. “I’m doing this because I was asked to and I want the group to continue to be as organized as possible.”
Charles Ruffing of Armstrong Township in Indiana County – former chairman of the Membership Committee - has assumed Vice-Chair of the organization.
Time was spent on Tuesday re-organizing committee makeup, with committee chairpersons taking on additional responsibilities.
“The committees, made up of many hardworking, dedicated and talented members, will be working hard to strengthen our outreach to educate the citizens of Indiana and Armstrong Counties of issues important to the county residents at the local, state and federal level,” Leach said.
Indiana Armstrong Patriots started organizing in September 2009.
For the past four years, Indiana Armstrong Patriots members have strived to educate residents about local, state and federal issues. Anderson – a full-time employee at First Commonwealth Bank in Indiana, estimated she sends more than 500 newsletters and mass e-mails to members each month.
“I think we’re in good shape moving forward and can hopefully see out the vision Tom had for us in the beginning,” Anderson concluded.
The next scheduled meeting – at 6:30PM Tuesday, September 8 at the Rustic Lodge in Indiana - will be Anderson’s first and will feature Indiana County Commissioner Mike Baker.
