President John got us going in a timely manner on this beautiful fall day. Thursday was the quiet before the storm that brought much needed rain to our area. A friend of mine in Jacksboro got eleven inches in two days and filled all his tanks. We can thank the Lord for that, and that is what President John did this Thursday as our own Rabbi Dave was visiting family in Virginia.
This was our annual “Veterans Day” program and to honor the day a very impressive JROTC color guard from Legacy High School, led by Lt. Col. Darbelyn Woodruff presented the colors in full uniform. Cadet Col. Woodruff was assisted by five other colleagues and their sponsor Major David Jensen, U.S.Army retired. After a perfect flag ceremony, they remained and broke bread with us. Afterwards they retired the colors that ended a very impressive day at Rotary.
Mrs. Mineasa Nesbit, a school teacher at Burkburnett ISD, stirred our patriotic blood by singing the National Anthem. It was in my mind the best I have ever heard it sang.
President John then brought us back to the daily business and announced flag day Monday at 0630. He also reminded us that we would vote on new Corporate Membership Bylaws in two weeks. Finally, he reminded us that next Thursday we would meet at the DOWNTOWN BOYS & GIRLS CLUB. Be sure to call Tina and let her know you’re coming.
Pres John then turned the mic over to Rotarian Josh who presented a check from the Rotary Club to Rotarian Will, CEO of Habitat For Humanity, to help in the much-needed work to create a safe environment for folks in need of a helping hand.
Prior to Josh introducing our program today, Past President Noros (our most senior past president) took over and asked all veterans to please stand. In a quick count there seem to be about 10% of our club who served in uniform. That percentage is actually more than is serving in Congress at this time. More Air Force than anything else.
Josh introduced today’s program, Brigadier General Paul G. Filcek, Commander of Sheppard Air Force Base. He seemed very comfortable around our club and started with a funny story about a lost civilian pilot around Area 51. Obviously, he has been around some of our members before Thursday. He went on to remind us that in 50 days this Rotary Club would celebrate our 109th birthday. Organizations that last a long time usually display an example of integrity, generosity and most assuredly excellence. He went on to say that is what the Air Force strives each day to achieve. We are the greatest Air Force in the world and having said that he went on to say all military members want peace. A strong military though discourages our enemies from breaking that peace. Sheppard trained 1500 pilots last year and they became a member of an organization that they could take pride in.
Veterans take pride in their service within their respective branch and come into civilian life to serve with that same dedication. Gen. Filcek stated that 1% of our population are veterans. Gen. Filcek is not your ordinary General. His biography stated that he was a former master sergeant who went to officer’s training and went from a captain to a full colonel in 15 years. He also holds a master’s degree and top graduate of all the Command Colleges that I’m aware of.
It was a good program to complete a Veterans Day celebration that began following the end of World War I. In 1918, the armistice was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. In 1919, President Wilson proposed a remembrance of those that fought and suggested November 11. In 1926, President Coolidge made the decision to call this day “Armistice Day” and this lasted until after World War II when President Eisenhower renamed it “Veterans Day” (no apostrophe), and declared it a federal holiday.
We are blessed to live in this great country. Thank all of you for your unselfish participation in your community by serving in this wonderful Rotary Club. We closed with the Four Way Test.