A Look Back at May 24th, 2012
President Dan’s father, Jack would have been 100 next month had he lived beyond his 83 years. He was born in 1912 and when the war broke out at Pearl Harbor he was already 29 and married to his first wife and his son was 5 ½ years old. Because of his age, Jack felt he would not get drafted so he enlisted in the Marine Corps in late 1942. After basic training at Camp Pendleton, he was sent to Oahu and was stationed on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor and he spent the duration of the war there serving as a Tech Sergeant running the PX’s on the Base.
While serving in Oahu, Jack received a Dear John letter from his wife indicating not only was she leaving him, but also was leaving their son with his mother.
Upon Jack’s death in 1996 his then 60 years old son was asked, “What was the happiest moment you ever shared with dad?” His answer came quickly and when he was 9 years old and it was a November afternoon in Tacoma, Washington and the year was 1945. There was a knock on the back door of his home and when he went to see who was there, the door opened and in came his dad in his Marine uniform. He looked up at his dad and simply jumped into his arms and never wanting to let go. After more than three years of being away from one another and fearing they may never see each another again they were finally reunited.
Over 16 million men and women served in the armed forces during WWII and because of their sacrifice, over 450,600 never got to experience the incredible and emotional moments like Jack and his son shared in the fall of 1945.
Memorial Day is not just about our men and women in uniform who gave their lives and just remembering them on this particular day, but rather it’s about honoring them for all days. They sacrificed and preserved our liberty and provided us the comfort of freedom in which we live today and very simply put, we owe them everything! We can best honor the memory of our veterans by continually asking ourselves, “What have we done in our lives to “Earn this?” May God bless our veterans!
Lorenzo celebrated thirty-five years in our club this past January and could not remember who his sponsor was but thinks he is dead. When President Dan joined the club back in 1994, Lorenzo was our President Elect and although Lorenzo was very welcoming to him, understanding Lorenzo was very difficult and it only got worse when he took over as President, but what a wonderful year it was!
Lorenzo has been an integral member in International Projects and will be very active in Stewart’s year. Lorenzo is the President and CEO of Advanced Design Consultants, Inc. They are experts in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design for high-tech companies.
Lorenzo shared a very animated welcome in Spanish to the club, which drew a lot of cheers and also shared a warm invocation with the members. Bob Ricks led the club in the pledge.
The District Conference at Squaw Creek is only a few days away and if you are going on June 01, 02 and 03 please register today!
The last District Cabinet Meeting of this Rotary Year will be on Wednesday June 06 at the DoubleTree Hotel with social beginning at 5:30 and Dinner at 6:30.
Save the Date, July 12 is DG Arley Marleys Roast & Toast. Details to follow soon with a sign up sheet.
John B., was recognized for the fabulous Vintage Car Show he held on May 03. Thank you to John for sharing your love and passion and incredible insight into the history of these beautiful automobiles. Andy was also recognized for procuring the lunch for all of us and for going to the trouble in putting out labels for entire meal being served. Thank you Andy!
Gerry gave us an update on the Silicon Valley BBQ Championships, which are only a month away. To assist Steve in the Beer & Wine sales, a sign up sheet was passed around.
Ted made an announcement that the Past Presidents BBQ will be held on June 07 and all members are encouraged to attend.
John was recognized for his birthday on May 20 and the standard birthday with family was enjoyed. However, it was also brought up that back in November of ’09, John had given the Nominating Committee a number of reasons not to be president and suggested that Dan be asked, because he was just dumb enough to accept. Well, in order for our members to get a glimpse of what we have missed, on June 14 John will host our club as “President of the Day!” Please Save the Date!
Steve L and Ruth celebrated 31 years of marriage on May 09 and Don and Jenna celebrated 27 years of matrimony on May 19! Congratulations to the Newlyweds!
In The Jokers Wild, Heath got the winning ticket but pulled up a losing card! This weeks pot should surpass $1,700!!!
Christine Baker took time out from her job in Oakland as the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations. In her capacity as Director, Baker also serves as an ex-officio member of the State Compensation Insurance Fund board of directors. Lot’s of Q & A was shared with the club and a fabulous speaker. Thank you. Andy!
This week we will hear from Charlie Sobeck
Deputy Project Managerr of the Kepler Project and the search for habitable planets and our host is John Elwood.
Important Upcoming Dates:
June 01-03, District Conference at the Resort at Squaw Creek
June 06, District Cabinet Meeting at the DoubleTree begins at 5:30.
June 07, Past Presidents Barbeque at Elks Lodge-all encouraged to go!
June 14, John Bertolotti, “President for the Day”
June 29 & 30 SVBBQ Championships. Clean up the morning of July 01.
July 05. Stewarts first meeting we will be DARK. Huh?
July 12, DG Arley Marley Roast & Toast.