MEETING RECAP
Just the Facts Ma'am
Sunday, November 14, 2021
By: Gayle SeldenJust the Facts, Ma’am
THE LAKEWOOD KEY for November 12, 2021 meeting
President Jim Rooks called the meeting to order on November 12th. Jan Gee shared a celebration of gratitude for our Veterans while Gayle Selden led the pledge with an assist from Walt Richardson.
President Rooks then thanked the Setup Crew with the addition of Bob Martin, Walt for taking the photos and Gayle for writing the bulletin. Gary Barton was running the two-dollar desk, acting as Sergeant at Arms and handling the roving mic, along with Bob Martin.
There were no visiting Rotarians present but the “Old” Ed Shannon (that is three days older than our President) brought his daughter Kerry Pechon, from Kentucky. Kerry is a UW grad and a 6th Floor Lander crew member where she was good friends with Jeff Selden, this bulletin writer’s older brother.
Eric Warn shared the Sunshine Report. Mo Sarram is in the ICU at Swedish recovering from removal of debris in his brain that was affecting his balance. Duncan and Joan Cook are having a difficult time getting around and could use help with getting groceries and rides to doctor’s appointments. Please contact them if you can help. Soon to be a member, Angela Connelly could not make it to her induction today, as her son had ACL surgery after a High School sports injury. Dr. Rooks then told everyone if you have any wrestling children or grandchildren they should always be wearing a helmet, even when just practicing.
Volunteer Opportunity: On November 22nd (that’s a Monday) Lakewood Rotary will be delivering bags of food from the Clover Park School District Warehouse to schools. Volunteers need to have a vehicle that can hold 10 to 100 shopping bags (that means cars to SUVs to minivans). Work starts at 9 am and there is no lifting of bags unless you really want to do that. There are loaders at the warehouse and unloaders at the schools (you are welcome to load if you’d like). Work ends whenever you want it to…so you can do one run or more. Please let Gayle Selden know if you can participate at gayle@edseldenc1.com.
Past President Bill Potter took the mic and opened the floor for nominations for Treasurer, Secretary, President Elect Elect and Board Members. Please contact Bill Potter or Mark Edgecomb if you have a nomination. If you’d like to be in one of the offices you can self-nominate.
Above: Bill Potter took the microphone. Photo by Walt Richardson
Bill talked about the Build a Bike program and members participated in a build on Saturday. Lakewood Rotary will have 40 bikes to get out to the community, so volunteer for that delivery day if you missed the build.
Bob Bruback, representing the Community Concerns Committee, requested the club approve a $2000 donation for the Waste Connection Build a Bike program. It was moved, seconded and passed.
Past President Rose Stevens took the podium over with a flourish, as only a PP can. Rose gave us an update on the Little Free Pantries. During the last two days of the election Lakewood Rotary and the Lions manned a tent collecting food for the Little Free Pantry. They ended up with 2 vans worth. At every Rotary meeting there will be a collection of protein (peanut butter, tuna, canned chicken) and hygiene products to help fill the Little Free Pantries. Remember to try and get pop tops for the canned goods. This will be an ongoing project. So, when you grocery shop just pick up one extra item for a pantry and drop off at the Friday meeting. (On Dr. Rooks’ orders, skip the spam.) The partners will also be collecting canned food at the Holiday Dinner Dance.
What Dinner Dance-you ask? On December 3rd the Partners will be hosting a Dinner Dance at the Country Club. Past President and Current Treasurer John Lowney has set up a payment portal on the Lakewood Rotary website. More details forthcoming as well as a fun fun time.
Above: John Lowney has a link for everything! Walt Richardson photo
President Rooks than donned his Sheriff’s hat for fines and generous giving. First stop was Past President Joe Quinn, who went to Reno not to gamble. Also, apparently not to shoot a man either. As he flashed the medal around his neck he let us know he broke 6 national Masters records at the American Masters weightlifting competition, but an even older guy lifting after him broke his records two minutes later. Still not too shabby! Congrats Joe! $50 to the pot.
Colonel Ed Shannon modeled his Army uniform that he first donned at Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1965. He wanted to disprove Rob Erb’s theory that Gary Fulton is the only Lakewood Rotarian that can still fit into their uniform. He modeled it well but maybe had to be cut out of it at home by Jayne. He said something about paying a dollar per year with a $100 Foundation donation. And then he clarified and said, “But I am not 100!!!” He also contributed $20 to Dr. Rooks’ budget for daughter Kerry’s visit. He also convinced Rob Erb to pay $5 for his misleading statement last week.
Bob Martin shared a story about his Dad, thanking him for his service. His Dad worked as a photographer that took pictures so invasion forces would be ready to fight on the ground in Japan. He was one of the first to see the aftermath of Hiroshima’s bombing.
Mike Murtha was in the building and offered $150(!!!!) for a trip to Hawaii and Cancun.
THE PROGRAM
Don Anderson came up to introduce our speaker. He made sure to note that his Navy hat still fits!
Colonel Roerhman at the podium. Photo by Walt Richardson.
Col Roerhman commands the Lancer Brigade, also known as the 2-2 Stryker Brigade team, our Lakewood-JBLM Community Connector. Col Roerhman is a West Point Grad who got a Masters and Doctorate at Kings College. Don listed many accomplishments and honors.
Col Roerhman was happy to share thanks to our Veterans. He asked those that served to raise their hands. It was impressive how many were up!
He explained the origins of the 2-2 team including the 5-2 and reflagging of the 2-2 from armored to Stryker. The brigade has 4500 soldiers and 300 combat vehicles. It is a medium-sized brigade created to quickly and rapidly deploy via Sea, Air or Rail for mountainous terrain or urban environment combat. We learned the unit can deploy within 96 hours as long as all support services (ship/rail/air) are ready too. It would take some sleepless nights to get it done that fast.
The location at JBLM makes the Brigade mostly ready for battle in the Indo-Pacific Region. Soon they will be training with the Japanese Defense Force and the Royal Thai Army. Their hope is to test the Stryker in jungle environments.
Col Roerhman shared stories of some of his soldiers. He likened some of his battalion’s goals and plans to Lakewood Rotary’s goals. Although they pray for peace, they are prepared for action. The Brigade is also happy to continue to work with the City of Lakewood, doing their part to serve the community. The Lancer Brigade’s motto is “Seize the High Ground.” Lucky to have them in our community.
Here is a Sub Times article from their visit:
Lancer Brigade Commander Provides Veterans Day Remarks to Lakewood Rotary – The Suburban Times (thesubtimes.com)
The meeting was adjourned; Terry Roarke pulled a white chip. Just the Facts, Ma’am. (Gayle is too young to know this but that was Sergeant Joe Friday’s motto on Dragnet…must see TV. Ed.)
I am sorry Greg Rediske was not taking notes as this bulletin did not roll out as easily as last week’s.
All the same thanks for reading….. Ole and Donnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
Gayle
Eric Warn shared the Sunshine Report. Mo Sarram is in the ICU at Swedish recovering from removal of debris in his brain that was affecting his balance. Duncan and Joan Cook are having a difficult time getting around and could use help with getting groceries and rides to doctor’s appointments. Please contact them if you can help. Soon to be a member, Angela Connelly could not make it to her induction today, as her son had ACL surgery after a High School sports injury. Dr. Rooks then told everyone if you have any wrestling children or grandchildren they should always be wearing a helmet, even when just practicing.
Volunteer Opportunity: On November 22nd (that’s a Monday) Lakewood Rotary will be delivering bags of food from the Clover Park School District Warehouse to schools. Volunteers need to have a vehicle that can hold 10 to 100 shopping bags (that means cars to SUVs to minivans). Work starts at 9 am and there is no lifting of bags unless you really want to do that. There are loaders at the warehouse and unloaders at the schools (you are welcome to load if you’d like). Work ends whenever you want it to…so you can do one run or more. Please let Gayle Selden know if you can participate at gayle@edseldenc1.com.
Past President Bill Potter took the mic and opened the floor for nominations for Treasurer, Secretary, President Elect Elect and Board Members. Please contact Bill Potter or Mark Edgecomb if you have a nomination. If you’d like to be in one of the offices you can self-nominate.
Above: Bill Potter took the microphone. Photo by Walt Richardson
Bill talked about the Build a Bike program and members participated in a build on Saturday. Lakewood Rotary will have 40 bikes to get out to the community, so volunteer for that delivery day if you missed the build.
Bob Bruback, representing the Community Concerns Committee, requested the club approve a $2000 donation for the Waste Connection Build a Bike program. It was moved, seconded and passed.
Past President Rose Stevens took the podium over with a flourish, as only a PP can. Rose gave us an update on the Little Free Pantries. During the last two days of the election Lakewood Rotary and the Lions manned a tent collecting food for the Little Free Pantry. They ended up with 2 vans worth. At every Rotary meeting there will be a collection of protein (peanut butter, tuna, canned chicken) and hygiene products to help fill the Little Free Pantries. Remember to try and get pop tops for the canned goods. This will be an ongoing project. So, when you grocery shop just pick up one extra item for a pantry and drop off at the Friday meeting. (On Dr. Rooks’ orders, skip the spam.) The partners will also be collecting canned food at the Holiday Dinner Dance.
What Dinner Dance-you ask? On December 3rd the Partners will be hosting a Dinner Dance at the Country Club. Past President and Current Treasurer John Lowney has set up a payment portal on the Lakewood Rotary website. More details forthcoming as well as a fun fun time.
Above: John Lowney has a link for everything! Walt Richardson photo
President Rooks than donned his Sheriff’s hat for fines and generous giving. First stop was Past President Joe Quinn, who went to Reno not to gamble. Also, apparently not to shoot a man either. As he flashed the medal around his neck he let us know he broke 6 national Masters records at the American Masters weightlifting competition, but an even older guy lifting after him broke his records two minutes later. Still not too shabby! Congrats Joe! $50 to the pot.
Colonel Ed Shannon modeled his Army uniform that he first donned at Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1965. He wanted to disprove Rob Erb’s theory that Gary Fulton is the only Lakewood Rotarian that can still fit into their uniform. He modeled it well but maybe had to be cut out of it at home by Jayne. He said something about paying a dollar per year with a $100 Foundation donation. And then he clarified and said, “But I am not 100!!!” He also contributed $20 to Dr. Rooks’ budget for daughter Kerry’s visit. He also convinced Rob Erb to pay $5 for his misleading statement last week.
Bob Martin shared a story about his Dad, thanking him for his service. His Dad worked as a photographer that took pictures so invasion forces would be ready to fight on the ground in Japan. He was one of the first to see the aftermath of Hiroshima’s bombing.
Mike Murtha was in the building and offered $150(!!!!) for a trip to Hawaii and Cancun.
THE PROGRAM
Don Anderson came up to introduce our speaker. He made sure to note that his Navy hat still fits!
Colonel Roerhman at the podium. Photo by Walt Richardson.
Col Roerhman commands the Lancer Brigade, also known as the 2-2 Stryker Brigade team, our Lakewood-JBLM Community Connector. Col Roerhman is a West Point Grad who got a Masters and Doctorate at Kings College. Don listed many accomplishments and honors.
Col Roerhman was happy to share thanks to our Veterans. He asked those that served to raise their hands. It was impressive how many were up!
He explained the origins of the 2-2 team including the 5-2 and reflagging of the 2-2 from armored to Stryker. The brigade has 4500 soldiers and 300 combat vehicles. It is a medium-sized brigade created to quickly and rapidly deploy via Sea, Air or Rail for mountainous terrain or urban environment combat. We learned the unit can deploy within 96 hours as long as all support services (ship/rail/air) are ready too. It would take some sleepless nights to get it done that fast.
The location at JBLM makes the Brigade mostly ready for battle in the Indo-Pacific Region. Soon they will be training with the Japanese Defense Force and the Royal Thai Army. Their hope is to test the Stryker in jungle environments.
Col Roerhman shared stories of some of his soldiers. He likened some of his battalion’s goals and plans to Lakewood Rotary’s goals. Although they pray for peace, they are prepared for action. The Brigade is also happy to continue to work with the City of Lakewood, doing their part to serve the community. The Lancer Brigade’s motto is “Seize the High Ground.” Lucky to have them in our community.
Here is a Sub Times article from their visit:
Lancer Brigade Commander Provides Veterans Day Remarks to Lakewood Rotary – The Suburban Times (thesubtimes.com)
The meeting was adjourned; Terry Roarke pulled a white chip. Just the Facts, Ma’am. (Gayle is too young to know this but that was Sergeant Joe Friday’s motto on Dragnet…must see TV. Ed.)
I am sorry Greg Rediske was not taking notes as this bulletin did not roll out as easily as last week’s.
All the same thanks for reading….. Ole and Donnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
Gayle
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