MEETING RECAP
A Veterans Day to Remember
Sunday, November 7, 2021
By: Gayle SeldenVeterans Day Program to Remember
THE LAKEWOOD KEY for November 5, 2021
Greg Rediske with
Gayle Selden
What if you had a Lakewood Rotary meeting and there wasn’t anyone to write the bulletin? Would it still exist? Would it count? Such was the dilemma posed on Friday, November 5 in the year 2021. A bulletin writer was announced, but he (or was it she? I’ll never tell…..) was not in the house. There was immediately a collective gasp of shock and surprise from all those assembled. Well, at least Gayle Selden and Greg Rediske raised their eyebrows. Might have been a gasp between them, who can tell.
So about half way through, Gayle realized that both she and GR were taking notes. What follows is a rough approximation of the events of that day, November 5th, as noted above. With two of us, it allowed room for observation and musing. Additionally, it spreads blame two ways for mistakes. (Or maybe three or four ways…Ed.)
The Rotary Meeting on October 10th started normally enough for Gayle Selden. She did choose the wrong parking space at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club as she realized upon stepping into the muddy puddle located outside her driver door. Opening the doors to the Country Club, she was greeted by Jim Weinand holding down the Paul Harris Desk. She picked out her badge and put a check mark next to her name on the attendance sheet. Handling the raffle table was Chuck Hellar who appeared to be coaching Greg Horn on the workings of the Sergeant at Arms Desk. Raffle tickets in hand, Gayle greeted Teresa collecting funds for lunch. Greeting and hellos occurred throughout the dining hall as Gayle found a spot at a table with a view of the water and the speaker. As a bonus, the aforementioned Chuck Hellar was seated to her right.
Ready to hit the buffet line, Gayle was intercepted by Rob Erb, super conductor of the universe of Lakewood Rotary. He asked, and Gayle responded in the affirmative, to be the meetings Zoom host or Zoom advocate. It is the responsibility of the Zoom host to mute participants on Zoom, spotlight speakers and make sure the President recognizes our guests online. That is, tasks that Gayle can accomplish with an 80% success rate. So, she felt ready to take on the job after enjoying her mixed meat sandwich. She felt confident until she saw James Osundwa and the speaker setting up a Power Point presentation on the main Zoom hosting computer. There are a couple things that give Gayle instant anxiety. . .those are curvy mountain roads and Power Point presentations.
Taking a deep breath after finishing lovely conversations with Steve Saalfeld, Kim Prentice and Chuck, Gayle headed to be the Zoom host at 12:25 pm. The interesting thing about the setup of the meeting is there is one computer for sound and another computer for viewing. Two screens in the meeting room illuminate either the podium area or those members enjoying the meeting at home. But two computers mean a little confusion as to what degree of control one has. It was noticed by James at 12:28 that those on Zoom were talking but we could not hear them in the meeting room. Usually, Zoom attendees can be heard loudly. Phil Eng and John Lowney were sitting next to each other looking like Bert and Ernie and talking away and we could NOT hear a word. So as President Jim Rooks called the meeting to order James and Gayle were worried the Zoom attendees would be muted forever.
Jim introduced Barlow Buescher for the invocation and Carl Bronkema for the flag salute. President Jim then thanked the set-up committee that includes James, Rob Erb and Rick Selden. He also thanked bulletin writer **** ***** and photographer Walt Richardson. It was at that moment both Gayle and Greg Rediske realized that **** was not in attendance in the room or on Zoom. Both Greg and Gayle looked around the room wondering if someone was covering for ****. Nobody was writing anything down! There were no notepads in front of the other possible writers. Jim continued the meeting and highlighted guests including Kim from a Rotary Club in Canada. Kim was on Zoom and went to speak and Gayle did the only thing that seemed like it could help a muted Zoom audience: she turned to the sound board and hit the main volume to Max. That worked! Kim could be heard all the way from Canada seeing how seamlessly we host hybrid meetings. (If she only knew. . .). Did the Puffins stand then? Gayle was distracted by the sound board.
While still gasping with eyebrows raised and a bit dazed by the turn of events, I (GR) remember that there was another superb invocation by Barlow Buescher. I may be prejudiced because he’s my neighbor, but doggone those are good invocations/thoughts that he provides. Then it was the pledge leading of Puffin Carl Bronkema, appropriately grateful to our assembled past and present service people, as today was our annual Veteran’s Day meeting. In recognition thereof, President Jim Rooks called upon Rob Erb to have his minions (led by Chief Minion James Osundwa) air our program which pictures our current Rotarians who have served, along with their unit and years of service. Always a delight. That Swedish guy’s photo always cracks me up, although we were warned not to laugh out loud.
President Jim then invited Rob Erb to share a video in honor of our veterans. Rob grabbed the mic and a screech was heard by all. Gayle quickly pulled the volume down to try and end the horrible sound. Thankfully, James was at the presentation computer to share the Power Point presentation Rob had created. But wait, it was playing without sound. Where was the sound????? A picture of Bill Allen as a youth serving in the Navy was projected on the screen for a long, silent moment. James figured out in a moment that the sound is shared by the other computer and the presentation computer had been muted. After a lengthy pause, the video, with sound, started playing. And Gayle again looked to Greg Rediske and wondered who is writing the bulletin. Gayle jumped up and went to her purse and found a notepad and a pen. She jotted down notes trying to remember what had happened in the meeting as pictures of Rotarians with younger faces passed on the screen. She notices how timeless Gary Fulton is and how John Magnuson’s picture could also double as a wanted poster. Troy Wilcox had such a baby face while talking on a pay phone. Gayle lamented that there will be a day when the world will have forgotten pay phones. It was a great show by Rob highlighting the service of so many of our members.
Eric Warn announced that Tom George’s brother-in-law recently passed, with sympathies to Tom and his family. Then it fell to Steve Enquist to be presented by President Jim with his 8th Paul Harris, followed by Steve then presenting Anne Enquist her 3rd (with a kiss as well, the only recipient to get a kiss from Steve),
Above: Not all Paul Harris awardees get a kiss but Anne Enquist did! Walt’s photo!
… Jim Weinand with his 6th, and finally, Mary Horn came to the front to receive her 6th. And her 7th. And her 8th. And her 9th. She was also showered with accolades for her work as Chief of Staff for Past DG Greg Horn and for her many announcements of where and when to get vaccinated this past year. We don’t usually announce this, but the bulletin staff got together and voted Mary the “Outstanding Member of the Meeting”. (God… isn’t this bulletin team fantastic, especially when they cover each other.)
Lakewood Rotary in Action Around the World:
Rose Stevens announced a global grant that she and Tom George were spearheading-- a water project for Brazil. She is in talks with other clubs for additional support to increase the total, while noting that our club got in for zero dollars. A friend of Tom’s from Microsoft volunteered money for a project in India that remains in limbo and agreed to put some of his gift to use here for our club’s contribution. Just fabulous work by all.
Above: Rose Stevens—Walt Richardson Photo
President Jim invited the glowing Rose Stevens to the podium to make an announcement about the World Community Service Committee. It was Rose’s first time back to meeting since before Covid. It was a moment she was relishing. Rose was excited to share that Tom George had found a Global Grant project to work on. Lakewood Rotary will be working with a club in Brazil doing something with water. Gayle realized her attention went to the Zoom screen checking on the attendees there and totally missed what Rose was talking about. Oh wait, she noticed Greg Rediske writing on a notepad. Is he writing the bulletin? Will Gayle’s transgressions of missing the important announcement be covered by Greg? Oh, she wished that would be. Gayle knew she could call Rose and get the information that the grant will cover 1,100 water storage tanks to help 5000 Brazilians who rely on a water truck to bring a weekly delivery of water. These tanks will also be for the safe and sanitary storage of water in this drought-ridden region of Brazil. And the funding for Lakewood Rotary’s part of the project was provided by a donor who wanted to support our world community service efforts.
Thankfully Greg Rediske’s notepad looked fuller than Gayle’s, she thought, as Jim Rooks handed Steve Enquist his 8th Paul Harris. Steve then thanked other members and they were handed their Paul Harris pins. Anne Enquist got a kiss, Jim Weinand did not. And the most noticeable of them was Mary Horn getting her 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Paul Harris. Just one step away from being a major donor. Support of the Rotary Foundation helps fund global grants like the project in Brazil.
Then came the Bob Martin and Greg Horn show, with anniversary and birthday announcements. Highlights included Gordy Quick’s 51 years in Lakewood Rotary, and Bud Montgomery’s 52 years of marriage. Birthday boys present had to tell of their Thanksgiving traditions: Ed Shannon said, “Turkey”. Jim Rooks said, “Chicken, because I don’t like leftovers.” Rick Selden said, “Creamed onions, and voiced thanks by all attending”. Happy Birthday to all.
The room groaned as President Rooks announced it was time for Birthdays and Anniversaries with Greg Horn. Greg dragged Puffin Bob Martin to the Podium and they listed the Rotary Anniversaries and Wedding Anniversaries. Only three Birthday folks were in attendance and they were asked to share their family’s Thanksgiving traditions. Ed Shannon eats Turkey on Thanksgiving. Jim Rooks eats Chicken, as he hates leftovers. Rick Selden’s family food tradition is creamed onions and a tradition after the meal his sister, Marsha, asks all members to share what they are most thankful in the past year. As a member of Rick’s family, Gayle is thankful her father has perfected a non-dairy version of creamed onions so her lactose intolerance does not discourage continuing such a tradition.
Fines and Generous Giving:
Anne Enquist won $816 last week in the drawing and plans on a gift of a significant percentage to Rotary, once she figures out what Uncle Sam intends to take. Rob Erb thanked Phil Eng, John Lowney, Steve Mazoff, Don Daniels, and Rick Selden for the help in organizing the storage trailer and paid $20 as a result. Kim Prentice just returned from watching WSU beat ASU in Scottsdale, $20. Jason Whalen travelled a bit further, to Tuscany, Italy, where he was able to more effectively monitor his re-election campaign (which was apparently a good plan, as he won), $100. Peter Marsh was proud of his four eligible grandchildren (one of the five is only three years old) who got vaccinated, $80. And bringing up the tail end of this generosity was Ed Shannon, he who recently admitted to the shocking Thanksgiving tradition of eating turkey. Ed is turning 80 and rounded it up to $100. Jim Rooks’ fine budget continues to be blown up by our club’s great generosity.
President Rooks donned a sheriff hat and opened the floor for fines and generous giving. Gayle’s attention was diverted to the Zoom room. Peter Marsh was ready to speak. She missed Jason Whalen’s confession of an Italy trip and thankfulness for support in his winning of a race for City Council. Rumor has it he contributed $100. Peter Marsh paid $20 per vaccinated grandchild. Rob Erb paid $20 to honor those members who organized and cleaned the Rotary trailer including Rick Selden, John Lowney, Steve Enquist and Rob Erb. Ed Shannon promised $100 for a Birthday. Kim Prentice paid $20 for a trip to Arizona and the Cougs winning. Gayle is certain she missed something as the clock was ticking to another power point presentation being shared.
Above: Colonel Chung by Walt Richardson, Photographer
The Program:
John Caulfield took the podium and smiled with a grin you wouldn’t expect to see from a hockey player. He listed the amazing accolades of the speaker Colonel Jonathon Chung, commander of the 5th Security Force of the Assistance Brigade. It was at that moment the anxiety and dread were spreading in Gayle’s mind. . .a Power Point presentation needed to be shared. It’s on the browser and you have to share the screen with sound. What could go wrong? Thankfully James could assist with the Power Point prepared by the Colonel’s right-hand man.
Col. Chung shared his life with Lakewood Rotary. It was a presentation in which his life was presented like a story. You could see his growth and hear a dialogue of belief and perseverance. Col. Chung is a life-long learner and searches for enlightenment around all the corners. He made it through West Point after attending prep school. He led his two younger brothers in service. He is a leader to the troops and to the extended family in his home. Col. Chung mentioned his family and community connectors as an important part of his full health and well-being. Community manners. His words flowed out and filled the room with the wish to do and be better. Col Chung handled the speech well when a video with sound was to be shared and couldn’t be shared due to Gayle’s lack of knowledge. And James and the Colonel’s right-hand man could not figure it out either. So at least the failure of the video share was not on Gayle’s shoulders alone.
The Program
Above: The Colonel and the President by Walt Richardson
John Caulfield had the honor of introducing Colonel Jonathan Chung, who recently assumed command of the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade at JBLM. The Colonel graduated from West Point in 1998, and subsequently has attended about a million army schools and received countless medals and commendations. His presentation was called “Family, Service, and Community,” and he proceeded to show how important a social network is in pursuing a successful life. A healthy lifestyle is one thing, but without the social network, it is all for naught. He recounted many of the times in his own life that his “team”, either compatriots or family, helped him up the ladder of life. His father was a lifetime military man, and both of his brothers also graduated from West Point. His greatest achievement is his two children and his wife, and now two grandchildren. His wife is fighting stage four cancer, but they are not alone in this fight, or any fight. Among his observations was that initially, Afghanistan was sent a brigade of 820 advisors. The second group was down to 400; then 100, and at the end, 29 advisors were there doing the same job that 820 did. That helps to explain the withdrawal problems. The Colonel said, “Life doesn’t get easier. You just get stronger.”
And that was a superb and inspiring Veteran’s Day presentation.
The Drawing was “won” by Walt Richardson, who drew white, which was worth $5. Which reminds me of something that I neglected to write down during my gasping and eyebrow raising time: Walt was the photographer; Jim Weinand was at the Paul Harris desk, and Bob Hammar or Chuck Hellar was teaching intern Greg Horn how to collect drawing money. And not only that, we had a visiting Rotarian from Victoria, Canada, via Zoom: Kim Barnard. (It should be noted that if you demand perfection from the bulletin writing team, well, sorry.)
Gayle’s failures did not end with the video on this day. She left the notes she had scribbled during the meeting behind on the table. From memory and picking the brains of Greg & Mary Horn and Rose Stevens she tried to document the meeting the best she could hoping Greg Rediske took much better notes. (In that case Gayle, you did darn well!...Ed.)
This Bulletin by Committee works pretty well, as what one misses, the others can cover. Maybe we should write one someday comprised of the notes of all bulletin committee members who are present in person or on Zoom that day. Editor.
Ready to hit the buffet line, Gayle was intercepted by Rob Erb, super conductor of the universe of Lakewood Rotary. He asked, and Gayle responded in the affirmative, to be the meetings Zoom host or Zoom advocate. It is the responsibility of the Zoom host to mute participants on Zoom, spotlight speakers and make sure the President recognizes our guests online. That is, tasks that Gayle can accomplish with an 80% success rate. So, she felt ready to take on the job after enjoying her mixed meat sandwich. She felt confident until she saw James Osundwa and the speaker setting up a Power Point presentation on the main Zoom hosting computer. There are a couple things that give Gayle instant anxiety. . .those are curvy mountain roads and Power Point presentations.
Taking a deep breath after finishing lovely conversations with Steve Saalfeld, Kim Prentice and Chuck, Gayle headed to be the Zoom host at 12:25 pm. The interesting thing about the setup of the meeting is there is one computer for sound and another computer for viewing. Two screens in the meeting room illuminate either the podium area or those members enjoying the meeting at home. But two computers mean a little confusion as to what degree of control one has. It was noticed by James at 12:28 that those on Zoom were talking but we could not hear them in the meeting room. Usually, Zoom attendees can be heard loudly. Phil Eng and John Lowney were sitting next to each other looking like Bert and Ernie and talking away and we could NOT hear a word. So as President Jim Rooks called the meeting to order James and Gayle were worried the Zoom attendees would be muted forever.
Jim introduced Barlow Buescher for the invocation and Carl Bronkema for the flag salute. President Jim then thanked the set-up committee that includes James, Rob Erb and Rick Selden. He also thanked bulletin writer **** ***** and photographer Walt Richardson. It was at that moment both Gayle and Greg Rediske realized that **** was not in attendance in the room or on Zoom. Both Greg and Gayle looked around the room wondering if someone was covering for ****. Nobody was writing anything down! There were no notepads in front of the other possible writers. Jim continued the meeting and highlighted guests including Kim from a Rotary Club in Canada. Kim was on Zoom and went to speak and Gayle did the only thing that seemed like it could help a muted Zoom audience: she turned to the sound board and hit the main volume to Max. That worked! Kim could be heard all the way from Canada seeing how seamlessly we host hybrid meetings. (If she only knew. . .). Did the Puffins stand then? Gayle was distracted by the sound board.
While still gasping with eyebrows raised and a bit dazed by the turn of events, I (GR) remember that there was another superb invocation by Barlow Buescher. I may be prejudiced because he’s my neighbor, but doggone those are good invocations/thoughts that he provides. Then it was the pledge leading of Puffin Carl Bronkema, appropriately grateful to our assembled past and present service people, as today was our annual Veteran’s Day meeting. In recognition thereof, President Jim Rooks called upon Rob Erb to have his minions (led by Chief Minion James Osundwa) air our program which pictures our current Rotarians who have served, along with their unit and years of service. Always a delight. That Swedish guy’s photo always cracks me up, although we were warned not to laugh out loud.
President Jim then invited Rob Erb to share a video in honor of our veterans. Rob grabbed the mic and a screech was heard by all. Gayle quickly pulled the volume down to try and end the horrible sound. Thankfully, James was at the presentation computer to share the Power Point presentation Rob had created. But wait, it was playing without sound. Where was the sound????? A picture of Bill Allen as a youth serving in the Navy was projected on the screen for a long, silent moment. James figured out in a moment that the sound is shared by the other computer and the presentation computer had been muted. After a lengthy pause, the video, with sound, started playing. And Gayle again looked to Greg Rediske and wondered who is writing the bulletin. Gayle jumped up and went to her purse and found a notepad and a pen. She jotted down notes trying to remember what had happened in the meeting as pictures of Rotarians with younger faces passed on the screen. She notices how timeless Gary Fulton is and how John Magnuson’s picture could also double as a wanted poster. Troy Wilcox had such a baby face while talking on a pay phone. Gayle lamented that there will be a day when the world will have forgotten pay phones. It was a great show by Rob highlighting the service of so many of our members.
Eric Warn announced that Tom George’s brother-in-law recently passed, with sympathies to Tom and his family. Then it fell to Steve Enquist to be presented by President Jim with his 8th Paul Harris, followed by Steve then presenting Anne Enquist her 3rd (with a kiss as well, the only recipient to get a kiss from Steve),
Above: Not all Paul Harris awardees get a kiss but Anne Enquist did! Walt’s photo!
… Jim Weinand with his 6th, and finally, Mary Horn came to the front to receive her 6th. And her 7th. And her 8th. And her 9th. She was also showered with accolades for her work as Chief of Staff for Past DG Greg Horn and for her many announcements of where and when to get vaccinated this past year. We don’t usually announce this, but the bulletin staff got together and voted Mary the “Outstanding Member of the Meeting”. (God… isn’t this bulletin team fantastic, especially when they cover each other.)
Lakewood Rotary in Action Around the World:
Rose Stevens announced a global grant that she and Tom George were spearheading-- a water project for Brazil. She is in talks with other clubs for additional support to increase the total, while noting that our club got in for zero dollars. A friend of Tom’s from Microsoft volunteered money for a project in India that remains in limbo and agreed to put some of his gift to use here for our club’s contribution. Just fabulous work by all.
Above: Rose Stevens—Walt Richardson Photo
President Jim invited the glowing Rose Stevens to the podium to make an announcement about the World Community Service Committee. It was Rose’s first time back to meeting since before Covid. It was a moment she was relishing. Rose was excited to share that Tom George had found a Global Grant project to work on. Lakewood Rotary will be working with a club in Brazil doing something with water. Gayle realized her attention went to the Zoom screen checking on the attendees there and totally missed what Rose was talking about. Oh wait, she noticed Greg Rediske writing on a notepad. Is he writing the bulletin? Will Gayle’s transgressions of missing the important announcement be covered by Greg? Oh, she wished that would be. Gayle knew she could call Rose and get the information that the grant will cover 1,100 water storage tanks to help 5000 Brazilians who rely on a water truck to bring a weekly delivery of water. These tanks will also be for the safe and sanitary storage of water in this drought-ridden region of Brazil. And the funding for Lakewood Rotary’s part of the project was provided by a donor who wanted to support our world community service efforts.
Thankfully Greg Rediske’s notepad looked fuller than Gayle’s, she thought, as Jim Rooks handed Steve Enquist his 8th Paul Harris. Steve then thanked other members and they were handed their Paul Harris pins. Anne Enquist got a kiss, Jim Weinand did not. And the most noticeable of them was Mary Horn getting her 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Paul Harris. Just one step away from being a major donor. Support of the Rotary Foundation helps fund global grants like the project in Brazil.
Then came the Bob Martin and Greg Horn show, with anniversary and birthday announcements. Highlights included Gordy Quick’s 51 years in Lakewood Rotary, and Bud Montgomery’s 52 years of marriage. Birthday boys present had to tell of their Thanksgiving traditions: Ed Shannon said, “Turkey”. Jim Rooks said, “Chicken, because I don’t like leftovers.” Rick Selden said, “Creamed onions, and voiced thanks by all attending”. Happy Birthday to all.
The room groaned as President Rooks announced it was time for Birthdays and Anniversaries with Greg Horn. Greg dragged Puffin Bob Martin to the Podium and they listed the Rotary Anniversaries and Wedding Anniversaries. Only three Birthday folks were in attendance and they were asked to share their family’s Thanksgiving traditions. Ed Shannon eats Turkey on Thanksgiving. Jim Rooks eats Chicken, as he hates leftovers. Rick Selden’s family food tradition is creamed onions and a tradition after the meal his sister, Marsha, asks all members to share what they are most thankful in the past year. As a member of Rick’s family, Gayle is thankful her father has perfected a non-dairy version of creamed onions so her lactose intolerance does not discourage continuing such a tradition.
Fines and Generous Giving:
Anne Enquist won $816 last week in the drawing and plans on a gift of a significant percentage to Rotary, once she figures out what Uncle Sam intends to take. Rob Erb thanked Phil Eng, John Lowney, Steve Mazoff, Don Daniels, and Rick Selden for the help in organizing the storage trailer and paid $20 as a result. Kim Prentice just returned from watching WSU beat ASU in Scottsdale, $20. Jason Whalen travelled a bit further, to Tuscany, Italy, where he was able to more effectively monitor his re-election campaign (which was apparently a good plan, as he won), $100. Peter Marsh was proud of his four eligible grandchildren (one of the five is only three years old) who got vaccinated, $80. And bringing up the tail end of this generosity was Ed Shannon, he who recently admitted to the shocking Thanksgiving tradition of eating turkey. Ed is turning 80 and rounded it up to $100. Jim Rooks’ fine budget continues to be blown up by our club’s great generosity.
President Rooks donned a sheriff hat and opened the floor for fines and generous giving. Gayle’s attention was diverted to the Zoom room. Peter Marsh was ready to speak. She missed Jason Whalen’s confession of an Italy trip and thankfulness for support in his winning of a race for City Council. Rumor has it he contributed $100. Peter Marsh paid $20 per vaccinated grandchild. Rob Erb paid $20 to honor those members who organized and cleaned the Rotary trailer including Rick Selden, John Lowney, Steve Enquist and Rob Erb. Ed Shannon promised $100 for a Birthday. Kim Prentice paid $20 for a trip to Arizona and the Cougs winning. Gayle is certain she missed something as the clock was ticking to another power point presentation being shared.
Above: Colonel Chung by Walt Richardson, Photographer
The Program:
John Caulfield took the podium and smiled with a grin you wouldn’t expect to see from a hockey player. He listed the amazing accolades of the speaker Colonel Jonathon Chung, commander of the 5th Security Force of the Assistance Brigade. It was at that moment the anxiety and dread were spreading in Gayle’s mind. . .a Power Point presentation needed to be shared. It’s on the browser and you have to share the screen with sound. What could go wrong? Thankfully James could assist with the Power Point prepared by the Colonel’s right-hand man.
Col. Chung shared his life with Lakewood Rotary. It was a presentation in which his life was presented like a story. You could see his growth and hear a dialogue of belief and perseverance. Col. Chung is a life-long learner and searches for enlightenment around all the corners. He made it through West Point after attending prep school. He led his two younger brothers in service. He is a leader to the troops and to the extended family in his home. Col. Chung mentioned his family and community connectors as an important part of his full health and well-being. Community manners. His words flowed out and filled the room with the wish to do and be better. Col Chung handled the speech well when a video with sound was to be shared and couldn’t be shared due to Gayle’s lack of knowledge. And James and the Colonel’s right-hand man could not figure it out either. So at least the failure of the video share was not on Gayle’s shoulders alone.
The Program
Above: The Colonel and the President by Walt Richardson
John Caulfield had the honor of introducing Colonel Jonathan Chung, who recently assumed command of the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade at JBLM. The Colonel graduated from West Point in 1998, and subsequently has attended about a million army schools and received countless medals and commendations. His presentation was called “Family, Service, and Community,” and he proceeded to show how important a social network is in pursuing a successful life. A healthy lifestyle is one thing, but without the social network, it is all for naught. He recounted many of the times in his own life that his “team”, either compatriots or family, helped him up the ladder of life. His father was a lifetime military man, and both of his brothers also graduated from West Point. His greatest achievement is his two children and his wife, and now two grandchildren. His wife is fighting stage four cancer, but they are not alone in this fight, or any fight. Among his observations was that initially, Afghanistan was sent a brigade of 820 advisors. The second group was down to 400; then 100, and at the end, 29 advisors were there doing the same job that 820 did. That helps to explain the withdrawal problems. The Colonel said, “Life doesn’t get easier. You just get stronger.”
And that was a superb and inspiring Veteran’s Day presentation.
The Drawing was “won” by Walt Richardson, who drew white, which was worth $5. Which reminds me of something that I neglected to write down during my gasping and eyebrow raising time: Walt was the photographer; Jim Weinand was at the Paul Harris desk, and Bob Hammar or Chuck Hellar was teaching intern Greg Horn how to collect drawing money. And not only that, we had a visiting Rotarian from Victoria, Canada, via Zoom: Kim Barnard. (It should be noted that if you demand perfection from the bulletin writing team, well, sorry.)
Gayle’s failures did not end with the video on this day. She left the notes she had scribbled during the meeting behind on the table. From memory and picking the brains of Greg & Mary Horn and Rose Stevens she tried to document the meeting the best she could hoping Greg Rediske took much better notes. (In that case Gayle, you did darn well!...Ed.)
This Bulletin by Committee works pretty well, as what one misses, the others can cover. Maybe we should write one someday comprised of the notes of all bulletin committee members who are present in person or on Zoom that day. Editor.
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