The Rotary Clubs of Louisville and East Canton hosted a breakfast for military veterans and their families, gold and blue star families, on the morning of the gala.  Blue star mother Susan O'Conner shared her experience and agonies as the parent of five veterans and how equine therapy has been a lifesaver for several of her children.
 
Ken Harbaugh, a retired Navy Pilot, the founder and Past President of Team Rubicon,  a disaster relief organization utilizing the skills and talents of the military veterans, presented information on how this organization grew from 8 volunteers to 50,000, working tirelessly in USA as well as different parts of the world making a difference. 
 
Retired Army Veteran Brook Harless provided information on the services available to military veterans and their families at the SAM (Serving Area Military) Center.  Harless was recently inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame.  Growney-Selene thanked those in attendance for their service and dedication to advocating for and assisting our service men and women.
 
Growney-Selene was also treated to a tour of the new Military Family Center and learned more about how District 6650 clubs joined forces with various the Stark County Foundations and several local charities along with the Rotary Foundation global grant to raise additional funds for the rehabilitation center benefiting military veterans, first responders, and their families.  During her stay, Growney-Selene also visited the Warther Museum with Meena and toured the Pro Football Hall of Fame with PDG Dave Ewing. 
 
 
To view pictures from this event click on this LINK