SDRotary - Getting Involved

July 16, 2003

This week's Bulletin was written by Jay Sener

THIS WEEKS MEETING – ANNOUNCEMENTS

Grandmaster Frank De Francesco rang his “4^th” meeting to order at promptly 0732 with a subtle ding (unlike the eager clang of our former long-winded leader, Gary Green). All in attendance sprang to their feet for the pledge. Brad Leitch gave the morning Invocation followed with awes and guffaws at the site of the old worn song books. Things only got better…

Mary Engles lead the group with a healthy rendition of “Watermelon, Pineapple” er-uh “California Here I Come”, originally composed in 1924 by Al Jolsen, Bud De Sylva and Joseph Meyer (though many argue Jolsen had little to do with the composition of the song), the group was looking spry, ready and engaged!

With the groups’ full attention, Pete McGuire made the acquaintance of Visiting Guests and Visiting Rotarians. Visiting Rotarians included an exuberant visitor from Fredericksburg, TX, Kevin Picard, who presented the club with his local chapter flag. Our thanks and blessings are extended to you, Kevin, and your son as he prepares for deployment.

Announcements

Ø First Annual Picnic and Bar-B-Que will be held this Sunday, July 20, 2003. Where: Vacation Island Model Yacht Pond in the middle of Mission Bay. Time: 11:00 until 3:00 Please bring your own alcohol, NO BOTTLES. Click Here For Directions and Event Information

Ø Next meeting will be a field-trip to the Berkeley Maritime Museum at 0700. For details: http://www.sdmaritime.org). For directions click here… and if you’re really paying attention click here.

Ø Joe Ciokon will be the Grand Marshal of the Veterans Day parade!

Ø Frank De Francesco will be picking volunteers if the Pledge and Invocation lists remain “sparse.” (Please, I implore you all, sign up! As the finger will eventually point my way and I have absolutely nothing interesting to say).

Ø Gary Green, limited to three minutes, was pinned…

Ø Gary Green has also pledged $5.00 per letter written on behalf of Lou Scanlon in support of him as San Diego City Police Chief. The pledge will go to the charity of choice selected by the club (Frank has deferred this choice to the club), for each letter written on behalf of Lou. To find out where to send the letters, contact Gary Green.

Frank, Mike Sisson, Larry Nuffer and Lynn Hamilton

Tony Perry

Ø By the way, Gary Green exceeded his three minutes by twenty-eight seconds.

Ø Mike Sisson, our new Membership Chair outlined his aggressive goal of 10 new members this year. First new member inducted was Larry Nuffer (pictured here with Mike, Frank and sponsor Lynn Hamilton).

Speaker

Tony Perry, the San Diego Bureau Chief of the LA Times, put forth an eloquent, riveting presentation about his time as an embedded reporter with the 1^st Marine Division during the most recent conflict in the Gulf. In addition to his recent time spent in Iraq and Kuwait, Mr. Perry covered the tragedy of 9/11, combat in Afghanistan in 2001, and activity in the Gulf in 2002.

His most recent media work for the LA Times and other outlets, found him in Kuwait, ready to springboard into Iraq. Armed with two of everything technological (except socks) he awaited being “embedded.” His posh accommodations were shared with hundreds of other reporters awaiting similar assignments. It was then Mr. Perry discovered he’d only packed one pair of socks.

As the beginning of the war neared, Mr. Perry found himself camped in a tent with his new division longing for the hotel (not to mention clean socks). War drew closer, accommodations waned, and the thin veil of security drew back. The company commander approached with the news that the war would begin in forty-five minutes.

Crammed into a HUMVEE, Mr. Perry leapt into Iraq with the vengeance of the 1^st Marine Division. Mr. Perry regaled in great detail the hazards faced by all, ranging from enemy combatants and friendly fire incidents, to the overwhelming boredom suffered by all. He spoke of the dangers of convoys and challenges of logistics; as well as the prepackaged culinary delight, Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s).

Overall, the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary sat riveted by his story and the truths that were presented. With plates of food unfinished (quite a feat in this club), The meeting drew to a close around 0835. Mr. Perry’s presentation conveyed many messages, the least of which are as follows:

Ø Shaving increases your “survivabily”

Ø Bring extra socks

But most importantly:

Ø What is reported here on the home-front has a dramatic effect on the troops abroad