DDGHP – 9th District
Companion Andrew Friend was born in 1984 in Escondido, California. In 2010, he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona for his bachelor’s degree in Global Security & Intelligence. In 2017, Friend then attended Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona for his Master’s degree in Emergency Management & Homeland Security. Friend spent nearly 10 years overseas contracting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Friend was asked to support response operations in the USA and relocated to the state of Illinois. Friend was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 24, 2021, at St. Paul’s Lodge No. 500 AF&AM in Springfield, IL, where he is currently serving as the Junior Deacon. At the Grand Communication in 2021, Friend was asked to serve on the Grand Lodge Committee for Masonic Charities for the State of Illinois. In early 2022, Friend organized and led the first Masonic Charities Symposium in the state. In July of 2022, Friend joined the Society of King Solomon as a Charter Member. In his first year as a Master Mason, Friend attended over 80 degrees across the state and plans to test for his Certified Lodge Instructor (CLI) certification in November of 2022. Friend has also attended/participated in degrees in the states of Michigan, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
Companion Friend was exalted a Holy Royal Arch Mason in January of 2022, with Springfield Chapter No. 1 at Unity Chapter No. 185 in Collinsville. He is currently serving as the Excellent High Priest for Springfield Chapter No. 1, in Springfield. In May of 2022, at the chronological degree day in Bloomington, Friend joined the Society of Zerubbabel as a Charter Member. In July of 2022, Friend was appointed as District Deputy Grand High Priest for the 9th District.
Companion Friend was greeted as a Select Master in January of 2022 with Springfield Council No. 2 of Cryptic Masons at Unity No. 185 in Collinsville. In June of 2022, he obtained his Super Excellent Master Degree at the Belleville Council Day. Friend is currently serving as the Captain of the Guard for Springfield Council No. 2.
Of note, Friend won the national award of Emergency Manager of the year for 2021 and is currently a presidential representative for nationwide response to both natural and human-caused disasters.