On Wednesday December 2nd our club had the pleasure of hearing a classification speech from one of its newest members, David Sauer. David started his presentation for the comfort of his home office via Zoom because of the pandemic. He gave a "shout out" to Rod Mahler, his sponsor who introduced him to Rotary.
He paid a compliment to the Rotarians for all they are doing in the community to make a difference and then he started to talk about his family. His parents who were present in person at the Inn at Shattuck for the virtual meeting, came to Faribault in the mid 1950's. His father was a Dentist, and his mother a stay at home mom who he credits with raising himself and his brother and sister. She instilled in them a strong value for education. David explained how he graduated from Faribault Senior High in 1984. He mentioned some of his graduating class and the great things they are up to - Heidi Nelson (current Rotarian) running the Paradise Center for the Arts during a pandemic when theater goers cannot gather, John Jasinski a State Senator, and others with incredible careers.
David attended Gustavus after high school and decided to take a "J-term" and study abroad in Eastern Europe. This was 1986, and when he got off his plane there were armed guards at the airport - again 1986, intrigue, and a love of Tom Clancy novels led David on a path to listen to and speak with a recruiter for the CIA, yes Central Intelligence Agency!
His story is fascinating, meeting his wife in Washington while attending George Washington University, and playing softball for fun, he goes on to tell of almost two decades of work in foreign countries, learning the Chinese language, to finally having to tell his daughters what he really did for a living in 2019 on their way to watch their father receive an honor at the CIA headquarters.... His stories are simply edge of your seat exciting and it's like having someone read a spy novel to you!
David you are so humble and kind, and gracious. I hope you share more stories about your time with the CIA, and Rotary already appreciates the time you have given to volunteer in the early days of your membership. We are looking forward to so many more really great times with you! WELCOME!
