New Mexico Shriners Serve Children 

Joe D. Shelton, Assistant Rabban and Lady Terry

Joe married his best friend and wife, Terry Shelton, in 1982, while stationed in California.  Born in Wichita Falls, Texas at Sheppard AFB, he moved all over the United Sates for 17 years as an Air Force dependent.  Graduating from Brewer High School, White Settlement Texas in 1971 he enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Terry, originally from Modesto California, works for La Petite Child Care Centers as a Lead for the Baby Room.  Joe and Terry have two daughters and three grandchildren.  Terry is a Past Bethel Guardian for Bethel 4, a member of the Daughters of the Nile, and is in the Ladies Clown Unit.
 
Joe retired from the USAF as a Senior Master Sergeant (E8) after 23 years in the Security Police Career Field. He served at Clear, Alaska; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Iraklion, Crete; Athens, Greece; Castle AFB, California, Taegu and Kunsan AB Korea; Clark Field, Philippines; and Mather AFB, California.  His last assignment was at Phillips Laboratory ~ Air Force Weapons Laboratory at Kirtland AFB.   As Acquisition Security Manager under the Directorate of Acquisition for the Secretary of the Air Force, he managed security programs involving more than 300 employees, both military and contractors.

He has worked in the security industry for more than 38 years. He was a Pinkerton (now Securitas) and currently works for Day and Night Protection Agency as the Human Resources Manager.  He is certified as Level 3 Security Officer by the state of New Mexico.

He is a Past Master of Sandoval 76, has been actively involved in Masonic Youth Programs.  He has served as Associate Bethel Guardian for Bethel 2 and 4, Chapter Chairman for Metro Chapter, DeMolay, and Rainbow Dad for Ashlar 58. He served in the Grand Lodge as Senior Steward and as the Grand Lodge Masonic Youth Chairman. Joe “Howdy” Shelton has been active with this Shrine since 1995.  He has worked hard in the Clowns to preserve that unit’s devotion to the kids and integrity of its members.  He was President of the Unit in 2002, and the Unit’s Secretary/Treasurer for the last 8 years.  

Joe was appointed to Captain of Guard by Past Potentate Wally Vigil and elected into the line as Oriental Guide in 2008.  His goals as a Divan Officer are simple, become a better man, give back to society what he has received from Masonry and the Shrine, develop the ability to laugh at himself, cherish the life and happiness of children, and leave the earth a little better place than he found it.