Bulletins - 2006 - 07/26/2006
This
Week's Bulletin Was Written
By Jenny K. Goodman
President Carol Jensen promptly started the meeting at 7:30 a.m. Frank De Francesco reminded us all to be thankful for the things we normally complain about in his insightful invocation. Ron Erbetta lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We got a special treat this morning by viewing the videotape of Linda Jalving singing the Star Spangled Banner at a recent Padres game. We are all very proud of you Linda (and thankful we don't have to sing that song on "that note" when she leads us from time to time.) We then sang a spirited verse from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Mike Whitehurst was the raffle winner of the beautiful orchid. Rosalie Kramm handed out a few other fines including putting Tracy Moran on the hot seat. Sig Weitzman reminded us of the importance of giving blood and gave us fair warning that a blood drive was imminent.
We had lots of guests today including family members of Lynn Hamilton and Tom Sayer and the brother of Nancy Vaughan. A visiting Rotarian from the Lancaster, PA club advised us of a Croquet Tournament he was in town helping organize which will take place on October 14, 2006.
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President Jensen advised us that regretfully Linda Spuck and Charles Ishem are resigning from the club.
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President Jensen also requested that anyone interested in taking Charles Ishem's position as the Interact Liason should contact her as we will need to fill that role with Charles leaving.
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Chris Carstens reminded everyone to fill out the Social Committee Survey found on the tables to be eligible for a special prize at next week's meeting.
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President Jenses reminded us to not use the membership e-mail list for any solicitations.
This week we had several important Paul Harris Fellowship presentations. The family's of Lynn Hamilton and Tom Sayer were recognized not only for their financial contributions but the entire family's participation in Rotary service projects such as the Tijuana Homebuilding. When an entire family is involved in Rotary, the true spirit of Rotary is reinforced. Chris Cartsens was also recognized as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. 
Nancy Vaughan introduced our speaker, Vice Admiral Ed Martin who provided a very informative and inspirational discussion about his time as a P.O. W. at the infamous Hanoi Hilton for six years and the changes he saw when he recently returned on a visit. Adr. Martin has numerous medals and honors as befitting an officer of his integrity and service. Adr. Martin talked about how the P.O.W.'s were used as political pawns but still kept to their credo of "Home with Honor." Despite the fact his captors did not recognize the Geneva Convention's mandates on how to treat prisoners, Adr. Martin and his fellow captives were able to survive their imprisonment by keeping five basis precepts of survivorship in mind. First, have trust and faith in God. Second, have trust and faith in the United States and know they would do whatever they could to free them. Third, have trust and faith in family that they would carry on in their absence. Fourth, have trust and faith in fellow P.O.W.'s so their captors would not pit them against each other. And fifth, have trust and faith in yourself to keep your mind active during captivity. Adr. Martin said his experience made him a better person overall and gave him a heightened appreciation for the little things in life that we all generally complain about. We thank you, sir, for your service to this country and look forward to having you return to our club in the future. 
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