Last week's program honored our nation's veterans, and we were honored to be joined by the following individuals, both members and guests, who have served us in the military:

 

David Davenport

Rob Erickson

Charlie Marvin

Fred Meyer

Cliff Otten

Alex Plechash

Don Scanlon

Bob Shadley

Paul Webster

Ken Wilcox

 

Our speaker, Alex Plechash, is a retired Marine Corps fighter pilot and air combat tactics instructor who has spent his life in service to his country and communties. Most recently he was elected to the Wayzata City Council last Tuesday. Mr. Plechash was inspired to become a military officer by those who came become him--members of "the greatest generation"--who were his heroes because they put themselves at risk for the benefit of others. He saw those real-life heroes return to civilian life and become the fabric of our nation, making their communities better for their service and those around them better for knowing them.  The decision to become a Marine Corps officer was the defining moment of Mr. Plechash's life, as the Marine Corps is about far more than skills and training--it commits a person to building character and against all odds to doing what is right.  We heard that today's service members are as committed as all who went before them; are better trained, better educated and better equipped; and that the service branches work better together in teamwork and communication than ever before. Mr. Plechash stressed that all of this happens despite our current environment of ethical failures, and as such this development of character, sound morals and ethics, practiced until it becomes a way of life, is critical in today's world.  He concluded his remarks by sending us out to "say thanks to veterans."  Thank you!