It was a patriotic Armed Forces Day at the Rotary Club of Sacramento, as the club honored the women and men who have served in the military.
The thought for the day was delivered by USMC veteran Jackie Kirkwood, who spoke of the principles of freedom, justice and peace – and the importance of gratitude to those who protect our freedoms through their military service.
The occasion featured special recognition for a set of club members: PPJack Bowker, the late Art Breuer, PP Bob Cole and Jim Phillips. Rick Davis read a summary of each one's military service and fulfilling lives. Each was presented, in the military tradition, a Challenge Coin by the club in recognition of their lives exemplifying Service Above Self. Accepting on Art's behalf were his daughter Mary and widow Kiefie Breuer.
Meeting sponsor Rod Malloy, founder and CEO of Perspectives Media Group, outlined the work of his film storytelling company. His company has produced many documentaries that tell uplifting human stories, and he described helping businesses tell their compelling stories through media.
Club Announcements
- Networking Night - Ted White invited all to sign up for the May 22 event at Buca de Bepo
- Loaves & Fishes - four more volunteers are needed for May 30, said Virginia Wade
- Demotion of President Todd - Todd encouraged members to watch for an invitation email for his June 25, 5-8pm demotion reception to be held at Centro Cocina Mexicana
Many donations were made in honor of the occasion and the honorees. PP Tim Pinkney made a contribution in memory of his son-in-law, who recently died by suicide. Tim noted that two Gulf War veterans a day have taken their lives since that combat 33 years ago.
Norm Marshall introduced the day’s featured speaker, his son Lieutenant Parker Marshall. Parker described his journey from enlisted man to the Navy SEAL program and through Officer Candidate School. His decorated career includes deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, Japan and Singapore.
The UC Davis Color Guard presented the colors, with US Army soldier Raphael Pazo playing bagpipes to add gravitas to the occasion.
Bob Daly, head of the Armed Forces Day committee, thanked committee members and fellow veterans Rick Davis, Dave McKie, Lev Kaganovich, Jackie Kirkwood, John Swentowsky and PP Thom Gilbert.
Bob and Rose Daly were wine sponsors for the meeting. Virginia Wade handled the photography, and Nancy and Kevin Smith-Fagan shared Pulse reporting duties. Greeters were Moira Doherty, Bajrang Moran and Bob McLean.
No meeting next week, announced Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Keefer, in recognition of Memorial Day.
On June 4, our guest speaker will be Sacramento native and former major league baseball player LeRon Lee, who among his many stories will present a firsthand account of the infamous Ten Cent Beer Night riot at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on June 4, 1974.
Meeting photos courtesy of Virginia Wade
