Terry P. Rizzuti was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1946, to second-generation Italian-Americans. He joined the Marine Corps in 1966 and served a tour in the northern I-Corps area of South Vietnam as a “grunt” from October 1966 to November 1967, assigned to the 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division, occasionally attached to the 1st or 3rd Divisions. He was awarded the Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds received on May 2, 1967.
Rizzuti graduated with an English Literature degree from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in 1977, and then completed two years of graduate-level literature studies. He worked in various OU positions between 1980 and 1996, and helped found OU’s Vietnam Memorial Scholarship Association. He is currently a member of Flinch Forward and The 26th Marines Association, as well as a life member of The American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Disabled American Veterans, and The Khe Sanh Veterans Association.
Rizzuti proudly served two one-year terms (2016 – 2018) as Commander of American Legion Post 119 in Estes Park, Colorado, and seven one-year terms as its Service Officer. He's currently a member of Post 119's Foundation Board, and was selected for Estes Park’s Katie Speer Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2017.
Currently, Rizzuti is a writer (author mostly) living in Estes Park. The Second Tour, his first novel and best work (in his opinion), was begun in 1984 and is now in its umpteenthth version. It's been taught in 5 universities alongside the best of the best Vietnam War novels. He considers it a work-in-progress for as long as he’s alive.
Our program on November 6th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Jason Van Tatenhove Speaking on AI Ink Luncheon Duck Adoption for the Foundation Meeting Minutes Meeting Recording
Membership Actions
In accordance with our bylaws, the Board of Directors is wholeheartedly referring Gary Fanucchi's application for membership to approval. Any comments and concerns about this action should be expressed in writing to President Jack Ford no later than Tuesday, November 11.
Here is Gary Fanucchi's bio:
Gary Fanucci is applying to re-join the Rotary Club of Estes Park. Gary grew up in Bakersfield, California, where weekends were spent exploring the mountains with his dad. This sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors. That passion led Gary to UC Davis for a BS in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Toxicology.
Gary met and married his wife, Michelle there. They have been together nearly 30 years. Michelle is a program manager at Estes Valley Crisis Advocates. Gary and Michelle have two children, Alessandro (24) and Isabella (22). Isabella is a recipient of a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Estes Park.
Gary’s work has taken him across the United States, including to the University of Alabama, Birmingham where he obtained a Master of Public Health degree in Occupational Safety and Industrial Hygiene. His career in this field eventually brought the family to Estes Park, Colorado in 2019. He now works for Agilent, a contract drug manufacturer with operations in Colorado and Nova Scotia.
Gary has been an active volunteer in the Duck Race, has participated in a cancer research fundraiser, and volunteers with Agilent employee health and fitness programs. Gary is also an active member of the Estes Park Gun and Archery Club.
Gary is being sponsored by Scott Robbins.
Also:
In a related matter, I am pleased to announce that Jill Zerhan has been approved by the membership of the Rotary Club of Estes Park for membership in the club.
Scott Robbins
Big Solar Panel Array - Montana to Kharkiv
Our club had just completed and shipped six phone charger panels to Dr. Minakova at the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute in Ukraine (these panels are at a warehouse in New Jersey, awaiting loading into a container), when Rotarian Andy Lenec advised that another very large shipment of 175 large panels was packed and sitting in a warehouse in Montana. It was waiting for additional funds for shipping.
Most of the funds were pledged, but a last $1,000 was needed to begin the shipment by container. The good news was that we had $500 unspent from our recharger panel project. But, there’s more!
Remember when Milt Garrett pledged $500 to a Ukraine project during his presentation? Members of our International Service Committee quickly approved combining Milt’s generosity and our unspent funds so that the desperately needed materials could be on their way.
Thank you, Milt, and thank you for the funds from the EP Friendship Card and Elk Fest for supporting this project.
Here are pictures depicting Dr. Minakova surveying damage to her labs from a missile attack, and the panels in Montana ready for shipment.
Doctor Minakova in lab Panels on pallettes
Reminder personal donation program
SCHOLARSHIP DINNER 2025 DETAILS
Social Hour-5 pm Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar Menu: Entrees Prime Rib, Salmon, and Basil Presto Pasta Mashed potatoes and Polenta, Green Beans, Salad, Rolls
Chef’s Choice desserts Coffee served at the table Entertainment: Simpatica Table for 4: $600 Table for 6: $900 Table for 8: $1,200 Dress is Business Casual
There is still time to sign up.
Email Karol kj.rinehart@aol.com with your reservation, and she will take it from there!
From Longley, Oct. 26, 2025
Slayton Rock, Hunter and Longley
My dog, Hunter and I are standing by "Slayton Rock" which is located about 5 miles south of Casy, Iowa. I discovered it while looking on Google Earth for a pheasant hunting area. It stands about 16 feet and weighs an estimated 250 to 300 tons. It is believed that it was moved from Minnesota to central Iowa during the last glacial period. If anyone is interested in more of its history, they can Google "Slayton Rock Iowa". Have a great week. Longley
From The Chaplain
Do you know a Club Member who needs assistance? Maybe a ride to meetings, or just a phone call to keep in touch? Please contact Bill Smith 970-420-1033 or billsmithbronx1956@gmail.com.
