Secretary: James Mackiewicz Sgt at Arms: John Marburger Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: John Sullivan
Navigator: Steve McCollister
Cashiers/Check-in: Need Volunteers
Admin Support: Christopher Nwafor
Greeters: Lloyd Meyer & Rick Waxman
Speaker Host: Michelle Trawick
Speaker: Elizabeth Durham-Ruiz
Buffet Lunch is $18 for members and $20 for visiting Rotarians and guests. Lunch ticket is back. Please collect your lunch ticket after check-in and put it in the jar at the beginning of the buffet line
Elizabeth Durham-Ruiz Director, Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems U.S. Strategic Command
Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska
Topic: Ms. Elizabeth Durham-Ruiz will be speaking on "Building Peace Through Strength." She will provide an overview of peacekeeping efforts supported by the Department of Defense over the years and offer insights into Secretary Hegseth’s guidance to the Department.
Ms. Elizabeth Durham-Ruiz serves as the Director of Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems (C4) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). In this role, she is responsible for ensuring global-integrated C4 capabilities that support U.S. Strategic Command’s execution of full-spectrum operations, including global strike, nuclear deterrence, missile defense, and cyberspace operations.
As the Director of C4 Systems, Data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), she translates Department of Defense (DoD) and Joint Chiefs of Staff communications and information policies into actionable strategies across the command. Her expertise in cloud computing, big data, cybersecurity, and collaborative solutions enables her to drive innovation and resilience in national defense systems.
As CIO, Ms. Durham-Ruiz leads the development, coordination, and implementation of USSTRATCOM’s enterprise information environment in alignment with DoD Chief Information Officer initiatives, policies, and guidance. She oversees critical IT governance functions, including Clinger-Cohen Act compliance, information resource management, capital planning, business process improvements, and portfolio management.
A recognized leader in nuclear and national command, control, communications, and computer systems, as well as military and commercial satellite systems, Ms. Durham-Ruiz has extensive experience building and guiding cross-functional teams within the DoD, U.S. Government, private sector, and academia. She is an expert in organizational design, human capital management, strategic planning, and execution, ensuring mission effectiveness for the Joint Warfighter.
Rotarians and friends, what an amazing week we had in the Rotary Club of Omaha! We had a Snow Day virtual meeting on Zoom (which felt a bit like a pandemic throwback), and many of us truly enjoyed reconnecting with each other on camera and in our small group breakouts. Welcome to our newest member Scott Buchholz! Thank you to our Business Sponsor of the month, What’s Next Agency! And a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make the “Love is in the Air” event a success! It was a beautiful show featuring Camille Metoyer-Moten and her ensemble, with raffle ticket sales surpassing expectations. Congratulations to our winner Rob Laughlin and thank you sincerely to Deb Skinner, John Ewing, Hal Daub, Bob Keefer, Gretchen Harvey, Bill Harvey and several others who stepped up to support our upcoming 98th annual Honor Event (May 14, 2025)! This worthy cause recognizes leadership characteristics in nominated 8th graders from schools all over Omaha. Our next club meeting on February 19th features Elizabeth Ruiz Durham bringing us some insights into US Strat Comm, and February 22nd offers 2 fun opportunities to support our community: Sign up for the fun Kids Against Hunger meal packaging service project (Register Here) and CB Noon Rotary’s annual Poker Tournament! I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday for lunch at the Field Club. Bring a guest!
PS-After a great call today, I will be including Gretchen on some President-related items so she will be more comfortable with what’s coming.
I heard a story at my club meeting this week about Paul Harris and the origins of Rotary. Paul Harris received his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1891 and later moved to Chicago to open his law practice in 1896. Paul felt that there were many, like him, that had come to Chicago from farms and small villages to establish themselves in this great city.
He decided to bring some men together for fellowship. They met at his house, then they would take turns and meet at another's house or business, then rotate to another, hence the word Rotary. On February 23, 1905, four of them gathered in downtown Chicago for what would become known as the first Rotary meeting.
As we move into the second half of this Rotary year, I challenge you, as Rotarians, to keep this spirit of fellowship and service alive by inviting a prospective member to attend your meetings. Don't just invite them to a lunch, breakfast or evening get together. Share your story of why you joined Rotary, and better yet, why you have stayed in Rotary! We are the number one service organization in the world! We need to share that with others.
February is also Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect. Rotary President Stephanie Urchick will host a Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul, Turkey February 20-22 to bring Rotary and our partners together to build on Rotary's work in promoting peace and to recognize the opening of the Otto and Fran Walter Rotary Peace Center in partnership with Bahcesehir University.
A few reminders as we move into February. Please make sure that you have your leadership team in place and that you register your President-elect for PETS on March 22nd. Now is also a good time to review the goals that you set for this Rotary year and assess what your club needs to do in this second half of the year to achieve the Club Excellence Award.
Our district board of directors will be meeting on February 1st to discuss the state of the district, help to develop our three year rolling strategic plan that will assist club leaders in developing one for their clubs and to interview candidates to become District Governor Nominee.
I will share this information with club presidents on our zoom call on Wednesday, February 5th.
One last note: The District Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 8th. Please go to the district calendar for information on this meeting and other club and district events.
At our recent Rotary Club meeting, members gathered to celebrate the birthdays of six remarkable Rotarians born in February: Todd Murphy (Feb. 5), Todd Chaney (Feb. 8), Leslie Volk (Feb. 9), Steve Carper (Feb. 16), David Goldstein (Feb. 18), and Eugene Kowel (Feb. 29).
Acting President John Ewing led the club in enthusiastically greeting the birthday celebrants, filling the room with warmth and camaraderie.
The Rotary Club extends its warmest wishes to Todd M, Todd C, Leslie, Steve, David, and Eugene. May the year ahead bring them happiness, success, and continued fellowship!
🎉 Happy Birthday to all! 🎉
At the birthday table L to R: Todd Murphy, Todd Chaney, Gene Kowel, and greeter Brett Frevert
Together, the Rotary Club of Omaha, West Rotary, Millard Rotary, Suburban Rotary, Morning Rotary, and a District Rotary matching grant will make an incredible impact by packaging nearly 45,000 meals! These meals will stay in our community, supporting local non-profits like Heart Ministry Center, Heartland Hope Mission, and Together Inc. in their fight against food insecurity.
We Need Your Help! 140 volunteers are needed to make this event a success! This is a fantastic opportunity for Rotarians, families, and friends of all ages to come together for a great cause.
Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025 📍 Location: 4418 S 180th Street, Omaha (Enter at the “Love Church” sign on 180th & J Street. Stay to the right, follow the drive to the large garage, and park in front of the garage.)
Shifts:
Shift 1: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM (40 volunteers needed)
Shift 2: 9:45 AM – 11:15 AM (40 volunteers needed)
Shift 3: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (40 volunteers needed)
What to Expect Volunteers will work in an assembly line format at one of four tables to package meals. This is a fun, hands-on activity for all ages (at least 5 years old) and a great way to introduce younger children to community service!
What to Bring/Wear:
Hair should be tied back. Please wear a baseball cap or a provided hairnet.
Comfortable clothes and shoes, as you’ll be standing throughout your shift.
By volunteering, you’ll help bring nearly 45,000 meals to local food banks, making a meaningful difference for those experiencing food insecurity. Let’s show how Rotary serves our community with Service Above Self!
Rotarians are making a difference at Stephen Center. CLICK HERE to sign up.
Stephen Center partners with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Stephen Center has served the homeless and low-income in Omaha since 1984 through its three programs: Emergency Shelter, HERO Program, and Transitional Living Program. The Omaha Downtown Rotary partners with Stephens Center in serving hot meals to its residents.
January 7, 2025 Volunteers L to R:Steve McCollister, Colleen Brennan, Scott Kinnaird, Fletcher Reel, Heidi McGinness, future Rotarian Paige Mathouser, and Tobi Mathouser
Where three or more Rotarians gather, it's called a Rotary Social, and you earn attendance credits. Rotarians may come from different clubs. Connect with Rotarians and enjoy the power of Rotary fellowship. Below are our recent Rotary Socials.
Rotarians Meet-Up L to R: Angie Chaney (Suburban), Todd Chaney (Omaha), Alice Schumacker (Suburban), and Gretchen Bren (Night)
Rotary Meet Up L to R: Bill Harvey, Aileen Warren, Gretchen Harvey and a future Rotarian
A productive Rotary meeting at Chase! L to R: Brett Frevert, Larry Guenther, and Nash Mahupete
Rotarians at Outland Trophy Dinner! L to R Brett Frevert, Jim Suttle, and James Mackiewicz
More Rotarians at Outland Trophy Dinner L to R: President Heather Legge, Brett Frevert and Brad Burklund
Rotarians at the Outland Trophy Dinner L to R: Suzan Koesters, Sandy Lemke, John, Marburger, and Hal Daub
More Rotarians at Outland Trophy dinner L to R: Todd Chaney, Brett Frevert, James Mackiewicz, Dan Sawka, and Omaha West Rotarian Scott Shelbourn
Rotarians meet up for Colleen Brennan’s birthday. L to R: Fletcher Reel, Colleen Brennan, Steve McCollister, and Hal Daub.
Rotary at Festivus
L to R: Ben Washburn, Brett Frevert, and Larry Guenther
Rotarians meetup L to R: PDG Carol Horner, DGN Gretchen Bren, Jill Slupe, and James Mackiewicz
June 26, 2024. Outgoing President Larry Guenther recognized our members who achieved perfect attendance. Perfect Rotary attendance(aka Perfect Rotarians) is attained through consistent participation in weekly meetings, service projects, committee work, weekly club service, Rotary socials, visiting other clubs, Rotary online makeups, Zoom attendance, attendance at club board meetings, and attendance at club foundation board meetings. Below is the list of our perfect attendance Rotarians.
July is the perfect time to start your journey towards becoming a Perfect Rotarian!
The Rotary Club of Omaha is now recruiting more members! It's your opportunity to join the Rotary Club of Omaha, click here to complete the membership application form. For questions, please contact Membership Chair Franco Gentile at FGentile@sbgtv.com.
Chase Bank
UNO College of Business
Centris
Ollie The Trolley
Carlson West Povondra Architects
DA Davidson
Elkhorn Athletics Association
Omaha Massage Therapy
Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha
Kevin Baitey
Brad Burklund
Paul Cohen Hal Daub
Gene DeBoer Dianne Desler
John Ewing
Viv Ewing
Brett Frevert
Dawn Gonzales
Okley Gibbs
Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Tom Gouttierre
Larry Guenther Bill Harvey
Gretchen Harvey
Barbara Hayman
Yolanda Hoffman
Larry Johansen
Bob Keefer
Susan Koesters
Heather Legge
Sandy Lemke
Adam Leong
John Marburger
Steve McCollister
Heidi McGinness
Camille Metoyer-Moten
Lloyd Meyer
John Mock
Jim Murphy
Roxy Orr
Fletcher Reel
Jim Scott-Miller
Deb Skinner
Jim Stewart
Jim Suttle
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
Jennifer Trebill
Kathryn Weitz
Elizabeth Durham-Ruiz
President's Pen
Together, the Rotary Club of Omaha, West Rotary, Millard Rotary, Suburban Rotary, Morning Rotary, and a District Rotary matching grant will make an incredible impact by packaging nearly 45,000 meals! These meals will stay in our community, supporting local non-profits like Heart Ministry Center, Heartland Hope Mission, and Together Inc. in their fight against food insecurity.
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