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Almost every Club Member has heard of the Navy SEALs. But rarely do we have the opportunity to hear first hand from the men of the Naval Special Warfare Command. We had that chance today!
Prez Dick Troncone introduced the meeting reviewing his policy to allow as much time for fellowship at our meetings as possible. He suggested that there would be days when the agenda made this special effort possible, and today was one of those days! So he started the packed agenda by thanking our talented Club 33 Singers for entertaining us before the meeting. Next up was Tom Karlo who inspired us all by asking us to remember that special someone who mentored us, inspired us, and set us on our way in our lives. Nicely done, Tom! Steve Hubbard belted out “America” (we sang well today!), accompanied by Piano-Man Bryan Verhoye. Janie Davis delivered the Club History Minute, a snapshot of the Club under the leadership of then Prez Gene Trepte, and then all-the-news-that-is-the-news.
Our newest member, April Langwell, sponsored by former Prez and all around tough-guy Stan Hartman, introduced herself. April is the local FBI spokesperson. I strongly suggest you be kind to her as she likely has dossiers on all of us. Oh my! Visiting SDSU Rotaract Heather Rogers was introduced, as were a bevy of visiting seniors. Jerry Doran did his thing for the brown bag lunch next week. Remember Rotarians…next Thursday’s Club meeting will actually take place at a variety of locations. So if you haven’t signed up for one, call the Rotary Office ASAP. Also, Jerry advised that cameras would record the knuckleheads that show up at the hotel instead of the various locations! Prez-Elect Bonnie Schwartz followed with an earnest enticement to get us to attend the October 15 District Council event. She promises the event will be heavy on fellowship and less on… well you know what I mean if you’ve ever attended a DC meeting. And hey, what happened to our Mr. Nice-Guy-Prez? After Terry Moore proudly announced the 100th anniversary of Barney & Barney, and Paul Palmer pitched our favorite Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Prez Dick slammed them both for a big $250! Ruthless!
Chair of the Day Wayne Goodermote was next to be introduced. Wayne is no stranger to warfare having spent four years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. He understands what it takes from the men and women in the Military to protect our country, our families and our way of life. So it was more than appropriate for him to introduce our program. RADM Garry Bonelli, Deputy Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, and Master Chief Brian Yarbro spent the next 30 minutes talking about what it takes to be a SEAL. With 9,000 total in the command (1,500 enlisted and 500 officers), the emphasis has evolved from training the warrior to training the warrior and his family. Master Chief Yarbro shared some personal moments that brought home the challenges of this special service. Admiral Bonelli deftly handled some politically charged questions. In closing, our own Dan Murphy stood tall and, I think on behalf of the all of us, thanked our guests for “standing on the wall, protecting us.”
Editor of the Day: Richard Ledford
Photography by Paul Nestor
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