Notes from last Friday’s meeting:

Bob Schrock provided our opening prayer, and Gene Stutsman led our singing.

Everett Thomas introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.  Visiting Rotarians included Sherm Hansen, Doug Risser, and Jeanie Stuckey. The sole guest was Claude Brewton.

President Jamie Stickel announced that the next Goshen Rotary Board meeting will be Friday, November 15, 2019 at 7:30 a.m. at the Goshen Chamber of Commerce. Stop in for an attendance credit. He also announced there will be no Rotary board meeting on November 29, 2019, the day after Thanksgiving.

Jeanie Stuckey announced a raffle contest for the Super Bowl in Miami. Concord Rotary is selling the raffle tickets, which are $5.00 each.

Steve Fidler announced he needs 6 or 7 people to help at the Salvation Army Pancake Day on November 22, 2019. He needs volunteers for a few afternoon and early evening time slots. You can sign up online. Steve also encouraged Rotarians to sign up for bell ringing, which is on December 6, 2019. He noted there has been a location change for one of the bell ringing spots. You can sign up online for bell ringing too.

Bob Cripe made an impromptu “happy dollars” donation of $69 to commemorate 69 years of marriage.

Dave Birky made an announcement on behalf of the Rotary Legacy Committee about the major project honoring 100 years of the Goshen Rotary Club. The major project celebrating 100 years of Goshen Rotary will be a splash pad at Pringle Park. Rotary is partnering with the City of Goshen for the 1,600 sq. ft. splash pad. The estimated cost is $160,000 to $170,000. Fundraising will kick off in January with construction anticipated in the spring. Dave Birky said there will be more information about the project at the November 22 Rotary meeting.

Steve Pettit presented the program today to recognize Veterans Day and honor our veterans. Steve mentioned The Hugs Project (cards were on the tables) for sending care packages to military men and women serving overseas. Contact Glenn Stutzman with any questions, or you can visit www.thehugsprojectofelkhart.com to learn more about The Hugs Project.

Steve Pettit played a short clip of Ronald Reagan’s Veterans Day speech in 1985 reflecting on the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers and celebrating the U.S veterans. Jamie Stickel then read the names of the veterans present at our meeting: Donald Neer (Army), Scott McKee (Navy), Chuck Rink (USAF), Denny Yoder (USAF), Steve Schermerhorn (Navy), Stacey McKee (Navy), Charles Stace (Army), John Fidler (Army), Cork Wagner (Army), Wayne Kramer (USAF), Joe Farrell (USAF), Jeff Schrock (USAF), Lloyd Walrick (Army), Bob Morris (Army), David Daugherty (Navy), Richard Cripe (Army), Keith Rupel (Army), Bob Cripe (Navy), Phillip Straw (USMC), George Buckmaster (USAF), Phil Whitehead (Army), Terry Morgan (Army), Jim Snowden (Navy), John Alheim (Army), Ravon Hail (Navy), Todd Eby (USMC), and David Maldonado (Army). Those veterans in attendance were thanked for their service and given a standing ovation.

Jim Snowden, Director of Veterans Affairs of Elkhart County, spoke briefly about Veterans Day. He noted there are three holidays honoring the military forces. Veterans Day celebrates all U.S. military veterans. Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service. Armed Services Day honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. Veterans Day is celebrated on the 11th day of the 11th month and originated on November 11, 1919 (one year after the armistice of the first world war). It was originally called Armistice Day, but President Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day in 1947. Don then noted some famous individuals that were veterans (Elvis, Clint Eastwood, Johnny Cash, Mr. T., Steve McQueen, Johnny Carson, Paul Newman, Bob Barker, Mel Brooks, and Bea Arthur). He also noted that 29 U.S. Presidents were veterans. According to Jim, there are approximately 24 million living veterans, of which 1/3 served during the Vietnam era.

John Fidler then talked about his service in the Army, focusing on the culture shock he experienced in the first few days. After telling some funny stories about his first exposure to the Army, he said he was assigned to the infantry and they were told they needed to be combat ready in a mere two weeks. John commented that he had more life changing experienced in those two years than any other time in his life.  

Quote for the week: "The Willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude." – Jeff Miller

 

                                                                                    Until next time.