BLET Division 6 kicked off summer 2026 by co-hosting their annual Family Picnic in Boone, Iowa, on June 20. The large and well-attended event was held in a spirit of solidarity with fellow rail labor unions from the surrounding area. With 170 active and retired members, Division 6 is BLET’s largest Division in The Hawkeye State.
Many BLET Division 6 members and officers helped to plan and organize the event, led by Picnic Chairman Joe Droste and including Secretary-Treasurer Tony Smith, Local Chairman Joseph Gish, President Nate Willits, and Trustee Seth Thomas. Guests included Eagle Grove Iowa Local Chairman Jesse Vargas, DesMoines Iowa Local Chairman Doug Bach, and Iowa State Legislative Board Chairman Ross Grooters.