Rotary Club of Wichita Falls Minutes for November 10, 2022 by David R. Spencer The bell was rung at 12:01 and our well attended meeting was started by President Arnold.
Brother Dave gave a heartwarming invocation honoring the Service and Sacrifice given by our Veteran members and guests. The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 41, led by Commander Joel Jimenez, presented the Colors to our meeting. Stacie led us in the Pledge followed by Cora with our National Anthem.
James Frank, out Texas 59th District Representative and master of ceremonies, was introduced by Shirley Craft.
We had four speakers who shared with us highlights and important memories of their military service. Their stories reflected the dedication and risks they accepted in service to our country. We should never forget the price veterans and their families paid in serving our country.
Our first Veteran speaker was Captain Kenn Hill, an assault helicopter pilot who served in Viet Nam. There was a very high casualty rate in personnel and aircraft during his first tour of duty and the second tour, during the Tet Offensive, he flew for extended periods risking equipment failure with additional loss of personnel. Kenn finished by saying that no matter how or where you served, you were magnificent.
Lt. Glenn Tole relayed his experience in trying to find his LST (ship) which launched rubber Swift Boats for nightly patrols in the Mekong River delta. According to regulation, no one is supposed to know where ships are located or about their schedules….including the Navy itself.
Lt. Col Rita Vokes served as a nurse, instructor, and program director for the Air Force spanning 27 years and 9 bases. She cared for wounded soldiers from Viet Nam and later the terrorist bombing in Germany. She served as Flight Chief of Nursing in several military hospitals. She also developed teaching and officer training programs for the Air Force. She is recognized in the Hall of Honor at SAFB.
Our beloved Capt. Bob Hampton gave a colorful history of his service in the Marines artillery. He shared several interesting descriptions of boot camp and officer candidate school. Bob shared an emotional moment remembering his good friend who was lost in Viet Nam. Very difficult times that our veterans endure.
Brother Dave and others then introduced each Veteran to our club and honored them with lapel pins.
President Arnold then led us in the 4 Way Test and out the door we marched.
Guests and Veterans in Attendance
Angi Schneider, guest of Benay Ayers
County Judge Elect Jim Johnson - guest of Shirley
DA John Gillespie - guest of Shirley Craft
Stevie Jo Brown - guest of Shirley Craft
Carlye Bindel - guest of Shirley Craft
Zach Deason - guest of John Deason
Wesley Howell - guest of John Deason
Stevie Jo Brown - guest of John Deason
Jason Johnson - guest of John Deason
Darrell Yates - guest of Will Goodner
Joel Jimenez - guest of Bob Hampton
Candace - guest of Bob Hampton
Larry Petrash - guest of Dave Hartman
Phil Harris - guest of Dave Hartman
Robert French - guest of Dave Hartman
2 DAV men - guests of Dave Hartman
Chief Manuel Borrego - guest of Carol Murray
Tom Taylor - guest of Josh Phillips
Ken Johnanan - guest of Cara Sauceda
Boston Goforth - guest of Cara Sauceda
Dallas Sauceda - guest of Cara Sauceda
Joe Kirk - guest of Lisa Stephens-Musick
Wilburn Lear - guest of Glenn Tole
Dr. Bill Tidmore - guests of Sheldon Wang