BULLETIN – August 14, 2024

By Tim Dempsey

 

Presidentelect Tom Gore, subbing for Jon Robb, found the Bell. Tom Zengler gave the Pledge, Greeter Rich Babjak led us in prayer, and Dennis Kratohwil, celebrated the 55^th anniversary of Woodstock by urging us to channel Joe Cocker and sing “With a little help from my friends”.

 

-Elliot Pinsel played golf for the first time and exclaimed it is a stupid game!

-Larry Neal’s son got married.

-Steve Risley has had a busy summer. He helped move 3 kids to new residences.

-Scott Hezner just returned from a 2-week road trip where he saw a ghost!

 

-We need more volunteers for the upcoming Fundraiser.

-Our next service project will be 8/19 at Giving Kind from 1 to 3.

-There is a fifth Wednesday in October. We are looking for suggestions for a Halloween Party.

 

Acting President Tom Gore was given a pass on the Wheel for forgetting Brags. Rookie mistake.

 

Larry Neal conducted a putting contest.

 

Today’s program was Major General James Mukoyama from Military Outreach USA. General Mukoyama went through ROTC at the U of Illinois and served in Vietnam. He was the youngest General of Asian decent in the US Army. He lives by the motto that every day is a good day. He said he lives in the greatest country in the world and believes in Faith, Family and Flag, the title of his book.

He has seen improvement in the treatment of minorities. There were 300,000 casualties in our Civil War that was fought to end slavery. We have the oldest Constitution in the world. America is the most successful and generous country. He thinks our most important freedom is freedom of religion. We are a republic of free individuals with a belief in our Creator, liberty, and country.

One of the challenges of today is caring for those who served. There are 22 suicides of veterans every day. Many vets suffer from PTSD and moral injury. The warrior code violates a person’s moral code. Moral injury is an invisible wound of war. Veterans tend to bury the injury. They need to heal with counseling not drugs. A unit is most vulnerable after a victory. Troops need to pray for their enemies.

General Mukoyama started the 501(c)3 called Military Outreach USA. They set up a veteran’s crisis line. A vet only needs to dial 988 and push 1 to talk to someone. The organization provides beds for vets. They have given out over 3000 beds to vets who have received housing. They also provide necessities for those that need them. Their objective is to reduce the suicide rate.

 

-Daily: $32 won by Tom Zengler who spent it on the General’s book.

-Progressive: $575 (29 cards). Yours Truly drew the 9 of Spades. ROLLOVER!

 

-Greeter & Prayer: Carol August.

-Fun & Frolics: Robin O’Connor.

-Program: Heidi King.

 

“The things that hurt, instruct.” Ben Franklin