Welcome
Wounded Warrior Dinners
At our meeting on November 25, we were honored to welcome Artem Lazukin and his mother Tatyana. Artem, his brother and mother immigrated to the United states
from Russia. When Artem turned 18 he joined the Marine Corps and was promptly sent to war. On his second deployment to Afghanistan, Artem was blown up by an IED and lost both his legs. Old Mission Rotary was blessed to meet Artem several years ago at our Wounded Warrior Dinners. We have had a close relationship with Artem and his mother ever since. Artem has been discharged from the military and lives in East County.
Vesta and Lyall young also attended the luncheon and we were so happy to hear Vesta serenade us with her wonderful music. One hundred years young, Vesta even played the Marine Corps Hymn in honor of Artem!Later on Tuesday November 25, Old Mission Rotary and Francis Parker Interact served up a Thanksgiving dinner for our Wounded Warriors at the San Diego Medical Center. Hugh Kramer organized the dinner. Bernadette Castro, Mark McAnelly, Patty Risi, Katherine Willey, Jim Green, Lydia Stewart and Matt Risi represented Old Mission Rotary. Victoria Helms led the Francis Parker contingent of 19 students who came to the dinner even on their school break!
Michel Malecot of the French Gourmet donated a full Thanksgiving feast for over 130 Sailors and Marines. Old Mission Rotary deeply appreciates Michel’s support that made this monthly dinner so extra special! John Ohle and Mike O’Hara represented the Knights of Columbus from Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church in University City. John is also the Assistant to Michel Malecot of the French Gourmet. Hugh Kramer has been organizing our monthly Wounded Warrior Dinners for over three years. Victoria Helms (R) is a math teacher and the Interact Advisor at Francis Parker School. Marc Tardieux of Francis Parker was one of 19 Interact students who served up turkey dinner at the Wounded Warrior dinner. It was Marc’s 16th birthday! On the left a very enthusiastic Alexis is Jim Green’s granddaughter.
