About a Greek American....
Gus Drivas
1937 was an historic
year. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was nearing his last year in his
first term as President and by his side, Vice President John N.
Garner. Benny Goodman scored big with his recording of "Sing,
Sing, Sing" while Count Basie did the same with "One O'Clock
Jump". "I Can't Get Started" was Bunny Berrigan's big hit of the
year, followed by Fred Astaire's movie performance of "They Can't Take
that Away from Me". By the way, that song came from the Fred
Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie "Shall We Dance." The composer of
the music, George Gershwin died before the movie's release, at the very
young age of 38. To this day, his compositions such as "American
in Paris" and "Rhapsody in Blue" remain two of the 20th Century's most
muscially astetic bodies of work. The New York Yankees won the
World Series in 5, against the New York Giants, while aerial navigator
Americal Earhart's aircraft disappeared in the Pacific, with her
was her navigator Frederick Noonan. The aircraft was never
found.
In addition, this was also
the year that our Lt. Governor Gus Drivas was born in
New York City. Gus was reared in the Bronx and along
with his family was part of the Zoodohos Peghe
Greek Orthodox community. In his early years he attended
the Greek American Institute, at the time on Forest Avenue but now
has moved to 3573 Bruckner Blvd but still in the Bronx.
In High School, Gus (an Honor Student) was educated at
the Samuel Gompers Technical School located on 455 Southern Blvd.
Semper Fideles!
This phrase is Latin for "Always Faithful" the motto of all
Marines and by the way, 'once a Marine always a Marine' is part of
our Armed Forces that our Lt Governor joined in 1956. He
spent his years as a Radio Operator and in fact spent additional time
training NATO countries with radio procedures. In addition,
he became a Greek interpreter for the 6th fleet in Lebanon during
the 1958 Middle East crisis.
On June 12, 1960 he
married his wife Eugenia and together had three children, Elaine,
George and Jimmy. Unfortunately, Mrs. Drivas passed away, at a
young age but despite the loss, due to the loving relationship Gus has
with his children and grandchildren, he has been living his life with
dignity. Of course the fraternal bond that he has with the AHEPA
and the spiritual one he shares with his church community has helped
him along the way, and at the same time earning our respect. This
is because he continues to give himself within the traditions of the
Marines and his Greek heritage.
With regards to the AHEPA
he was not the first in his family to beocme a Brother, his Father was
one for 35 years before his passing. In May 1986, Gus joined out
Fraternity. Over the years he has been part of the W Nyack
Chapter (#455) serving the Chapter as Vice President for 2 years and
its President for 7.
Gus was employed as
a Supervisor in the Bindery department for H.W. Wilson Co. for 43
years and retired in 1998. His service however to the
Marines continues with his position with the Marine Corp
League Detachment
of Rockland County (a
resident since 1964) and also was elected in 2003 to alternate
Paymaster and then in 2007-2009, Paymaster. This year, he was
elected Commandant to Detachment.
He has remained a steward
of his Chuch community at Saints Constantine and Helen (W Nyack) since
1964 whereas he served through the years as Vice President and then
President of the Parish Counsel. Gus loves his sports, coaching
baseball (minor, major) in the Haverstraw Senior League and
advisor/coach for the GOYA for 25 years.
I first met Gus Drivas
when he became District Treasurer, and by the way his terms as
Treasurer were flawless, under our then District Governor - now Supreme
Trustee - Dean Highland and then the same position for Governor George
Kalyvas. For the last two years he has served as our Lt
Governor. I enjoy his camaraderie, his loyalty and certainly his
contributions to the Lodge. He (like many of us) is not a shy guy
but coversely knows to be careful with his opinions - and words -
that could compromise the AHEPAN oath. He will defend the
District Lodge and the entire AHEPA domain. I strongly caution
all, that Gus is not the type of man that would stand by quietly while
others dare to poke fun at America or denounce its history, in front of
him. I have been present when something like this took
place. Because of all of his qualities that you have read
about (and more) is precisely why I am proud that Gus Drivas
is my Brother and I am thankful that he has been at my side
for the last two years.
In the next few months we
will be holding our District Convention and it will be with much honor
that I am given the opportunity to nominate Brother Gus Drivas as our
next District Governor of Empire State District 6 of the ORDER of the
A.H.E.P.A. Brother Gus, I am confident that when you are elected
our Governor, District 6 will be in good hands. SEMPER
FIDELIS!
Fraternally
Chuck
Stratis
Vasilakos
District
Governor
ESD6
Written for our District by Chuck Stratis Vasilakos - District Lodge
2008-2009
