Mystery Editor ~ 7/21/21

This week we met at the Hacienda Del Sol Resort.  The meeting was very well attended! President MARK IRVIN opened the meeting by introducing PAT LENNAN, RCOT member since 2004, Education, and the ‘meanest Principal in all of Tucson.’

 

PAT gave a brief history lesson on the Pledge of Allegiance and then led the Pledge.  That was followed by our song of the Week ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ with piano accompaniment by KHRIS DODGE our current Sergeant at Arms.  The song was sung with great enthusiasm!

 

MITCH PISIK delivered an AWESOME Inspiration ‘Home of the Free, Because of the Brave’.  He talked about moving to Tucson as the CEO of a large Manufacturing Company (near the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base).  He told the story of all the car alarms going off in the company parking lot every 2 hours.  Little did he know that the A-10 Warthogs and F-16 Fighters were the cause of the alarms. He quickly understood that what he was hearing was ‘The Sound of ‘FREEDOM’.  He then supplied many historical happenings at the Base.

 

President MARK introduced the Visiting Rotarians and Guests in mass as there were 25 in attendance. The Visitors and Guests were recognized and acknowledged.

 

President MARK recognized MIKE ANDERSON for his generous donation of $20,000.00 to the RCOT Car Show and JTED as a Title Sponsor.  A HUGE thank you MIKE!

 

President MARK talked about the Sponsor of today's meeting the ‘Winers and Diners’ and how what started as a group of guys meeting socially, rapidly became a group of guys motivated to serve the community.  Davis-Monthan has been the recipient of the Winers and Diners Charitable Grants which benefit the families of Base Personnel.

 

President MARK introduced the Program for the meeting and all were treated to a video by RICK ROSE, with Matt Russell doing the Introduction. It was a fantastic overview of the Base, from its historical roots to its current mission.

 

 

Col. Joseph Turnham – 355^TH Wing Commander at DM Nickname ‘Turn’em and Burn’em”.  Col. Turnham gave a brief overview of DM.  The Base was originally the largest Municipal Airport in the country and is now growing into one of the premier Air Force Bases in the country.  The Base itself encompasses over 10,000 acres and is home to 153 operational aircraft, more that 3,000 aircraft in ‘ready’ storage in what is called ‘the Bone Yard’.  Every day, over 50,000 people live and work at the Base, and contribute over 2.6 billion dollars to the Tucson economy. DM is host to over 53 Operational Units covering every branch of the Military as well as the National Guard, Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation.  At the heart of it all is the 5500 personnel of the 355^th Wing. The Mission of the Wing is Rescue and Attack.  The Rescue Charter is the responsibility to go anywhere in the world and rescue Military as other personnel that are either wounded, trapped or surrounded by the enemy.  DM won the 2020 Rescue Team Award as many other Awards for outstanding Service.  Col TURNHAM gave three examples of the type of exemplary service that Base Personnel have performed in service to their Country and the Mission.  Col. TURNHAM made us all extremely proud of the men and women at DM and the fact that we live in this great city that encompasses Davis-Monthan. Thank you Col. Turnham for your exemplary service.

 

President MARK presented the book signing with the book ‘Amazing Facts about Military Vehicles’ to go in the Make Way for Books library.

 

Two Rotarians had Birthdays this week.  JIM RONSTADT July 15^th and ALAN ROGERS, July 18^th.  Happy Birthday gentlemen!

 

New Member Introduction was given by JEANNE FLOWER for NICOLE LOMBARDO.  Welcome NICOLE and congratulations!

 

 

Jose and Adrianna Rincon and ‘Guapo’ Rincon.  BOB LOGAN gave a moving presentation on the Rincon family and the loss of their son ‘Guapo’ who was killed by a drunk driver in 2008 at the age of 15.  Jose and Adrianna have done an incredible job of honoring their son by serving the Community in many ways.

 

 

District Governor Henrietta ‘Hank’ Huisking presented the Special Triple Crown Award to ERNIE and SALLY MONTAGNE for their outstanding Service to Rotary and Rotary International.  Both are Past Rotary District Governors.   ERNIE and SALLY have been a part of many Rotary Projects such as the ‘Ride to End Polio’, Projects to bring Clean Water to African Countries as well as many other charitable efforts.  SALLY and ERNIE have attended 18 International Conventions, received many Awards throughout their Rotary journey.  Today, they receive their Triple Crown pins.  Thank you ERNIE and SALLY, you are both very deserving of this honor and distinction.

 

 

CHAROLETTE HARRIS gave us our History Minute regarding our past and present Club Members History of service in the Military and the connection to the Davis-Monthan Base. Thank you CHAR for that very informative Moment.

 

President MARK elaborated on his Fishing Fund and how the Club members can be involved by having their fishing photo shown at future meetings.

 

President MARK ended the Meeting with many thank yous and appreciation.  His toast was to Davis-Monthan as a Tucson Treasure!