Col. Sandra L. Wilson is the Vice Commander, 162nd Wing with operations at Morris Air National Guard Base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Libby Army Airfield, Arizona. She is responsible for assisting wing leadership in the management of more than 1,800 members of the Air National Guard’s largest F-16 and Remote Piloted Aircraft wing. The wing maintains 72 F-16 Fighting Falcons to train U.S. and partner nation F-16 pilots and provide 24/7 immediate response operations in support of the North American Aerospace Defense Command. In addition the wing executes remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper missions in support of Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and combat operations worldwide. The 162nd also provides support to the Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve Test Center missions.
Wilson began her career as an enlisted Airman in 1982 and commissioned through the Academy of Military Science in 1996. She has served in several assignments at the 162nd including service in multiple group leadership roles. Prior to her current position, the colonel was the Mission Support Commander and retired as a detective with the Tucson Police Department.
Col Jason D. Dickson ~ Biography
Colonel Jason D. Dickinson is the Commander, 162d Maintenance Group, 162d Wing, Tucson, AZ. He is responsible for the leadership and direction of a group of over 850 Airmen. Colonel Dickinson is responsible for properly training and equipping assigned forces as well as maintaining mission-capable weapons systems including the F-16 and MQ-1 and all support equipment.
Col Dickinson graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1994 receiving his commission and Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He attended Undergraduate Flight Training at Reese AFB, Texas, where he graduated as a distinguished graduate and followed with F-16 Fighter Training at Luke AFB, Arizona. Col Dickinson served for over 10 years in the active duty Air Force as an operational F-16 pilot and instructor with assignments at Osan AB, Republic of Korea and Hill AFB, Utah. He finished his active duty career serving in the 162d Wing as a member of the 56th Operations Group Det 1 from Luke, AFB, Arizona. In February 2004, Col Dickinson joined the Arizona Air National Guard and served as the Assistant Operations Officer in the 195th Fighter Squadron. He served the 162d Wing in various roles over the next 13 years, including Chief, syllabus development, Standardization and Evaluations, the Wing Director of Staff, the 148th Fighter Squadron and 162d Operational Support Squadron Director of Operations and as the 195th Fighter Squadron Commander.
Colonel Dickinson participated in Operation Southern Watch and continues to serve as an evaluator pilot in the 162d Operations Group. Col Dickinson is a command pilot with over 3700 hours flying in the F-16 Fighting Falcon with over 23 hours of combat time.
President MARK started our meeting by reminding us of Covid protocols and led us into a moment of silence for the people of the Ukraine.
He then brought member TOM CAMPBELL up to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and had us all sing along to “America the Beautiful”. Of course Sgt. At Arms KHRIS DODGE joined in on the keyboard.
It was then MITCH PISIK'S turn to inspire us and inspire us he did starting off with the late and great Betty White, at 99 years old, almost 100; we can all agree that she left us too soon. We all should hope that everyone hopes that we all left too soon. Let us all strive to live by the Seven “G’s”: A Good Guy, A Generous Friend, a Good Family Man or Woman, A Genuinely Inspirational Leader, Gregarious, Gracious, and a Person who Gives Back.
SAA KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests, and there were a lot thanks to the March Madness Competition. Hopefully the Madness continues through April and we have a full house with prospective members.
Then our very Own KURTIS DAWSON introduced us to and thanked our meeting sponsor; Swaim Associates LTD. Phil Swaim spoke of the wonderful work the Rotary Club of Tucson does for the Tucson community.
Now that RICK ROSE is back, we have our fabulous, recorded intros by Matt Russell, who introduced us to Magdalena Verdugo, CEO of the YWCA. Magdalena is the first Latina leader in the organization's 104-year history. She spoke of the YWCA’s efforts to empower women of all backgrounds and help develop their skills and support their efforts to start their own businesses. The YWCA provided financial support to minority/women owned businesses during the pandemic through grants. Thanks to that support these businesses were able to keep their doors open during the difficult economic times of the past two years.
Magdalena signed the book “You Are a Girl Who Can Do Anything” that will be placed in our Make Way for Books library.
The wonderful CHARLOTTE HARRIS shared another RCOT History moment with us. Talking about the two times the one and only Paul Harris came to Tucson and visited our club. Rotarian Monty Butler invited him in 1929 and again in 1941. What a tremendous honor to have him at our club twice.
BRUCE RICHARDSON then shared about a recent visit to our Nation’s Capitol where Paul Harris has a medallion along the Extra Mile, a pathway that recognizes and honors volunteers.
KHRIS DODGE has started a new raffle, (un)fortunately the 10 of clubs was pulled but, ROBERT O’BRIEN won the raffle drawing, YAY ROBERT!
On to announcements: DAVID LOVITT is the most recent addition to “Irv’s Fly Fishing Fund; he was captured swimming with Sharks! President MARK announced if you are interested in helping displaced refugees from the Ukraine, consider donating to ShelterBox. He also announced on 3/30 there is a Replacement Mixer at Proof. Signups are on the website under Upcoming Events. CLIFF BOWMAN gave us the Match ups for March Madness…. It is ON!! Bring potential members to meetings throughout March and into April. Let’s make this great club even greater!
Tune in next week when our Keynote speakers will be Col. Sandra Wilson and Col. Jason D. Dickinson from the AZ Air National Guard.
President MARK then ended the meeting with a toast!
The Pima JTED Tour and Social Mixer held on March 8th was a huge success. The campus located at The Bridges, 3300 S. Park Avenue is amazing and the food prepared by the students was outstanding. JTED celebrated the incredible work Rotarians have done and continue to do to support their mission. Thank you to the members and guests who were able to attend to celebrate with JTED and a HUGE thank you to the members of the Rotary Club of Tucson.
As we know, Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th. This unprovoked war has killed many innocent civilians. It has also created a humanitarian crisis with many women, children and families attempting to flee to neighboring countries while the men stay and fight for their country.
Over a million people have fled and the United Nations estimates over five million people have been displaced and are in dire need of emergency aid and assistance.
Many of you have reached out to ask, what is Rotary doing and how can you help? Rotary International has been very engaged. Both Rotary International and Shelter Box (a Rotary Project Partner for disaster - temporary housing) have created opportunities for us to donate to help the people of Ukraine. Both have, or are, setting up operations in countries such as Poland where there are many Rotary Clubs.
Here are links with further information and where donations are being accepted:
Sadly, we have also found that we have more than a few of our fellow Rotary Club of Tucson members with ties to and families in Ukraine. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
For other questions and/or to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday at our luncheon at the TCC.
Save the date - Saturday, March 19th for our next hike of Pontatoc Ridge. This scenic hike in the Catalina's offers panoramic views of Tucson. Meet time will be 7:15AM at the Finger Rock Trail Head for a 7:30AM start. This hike is categorized as Intermediate/Difficult covering fairly significant vertical with up to 38% grade in places. For those interested in some off trail adventures, be sure to bring your headlamp or a flashlight. Hope to see you there and more to come!
Our Replacement/Social Mixer is the evening of March 30th. Back by popular demand, this mixer will be held at Proof on the patio (St. Philip's Plaza), 4340 N. Campbell Avenue from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Guests are invited, the fee is $25 and will be billed to your account. And yes, the March Madness continues with this mixer, no charge for MM guests. Please register at the website www.tucsonrotary.org scroll down the left hand side to Upcoming Events and click on the mixer. Don't forget to register your guest(s). If you have any questions, please call the Rotary office.
Let's have some fun! Please remember, there is NO LUNCH MEETING on March 30th.
Rotary Service Project at Triangle Y YMCA Camp is back!!!!! April 30, 2022
SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 30, 2022 for this year’s Rotary International Day of Service. After a hiatus the past two years this year’s service project is scheduled for Saturday, April 30th 8:30AM-2:00PM. The Ranch is located 8 miles from the town of Oracle on the Mt Lemmon Road. Most, if not all of the work projects will be outdoors at this beautiful Southern Arizona facility. The work performed is a general cleaning of the outdoor areas, painting, trimming, planting, and general cleanup around the cabins. This is a great opportunity to bring friends and family and introduce them to the spirit of Rotary. According to this year’s Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta, “bring together volunteers from inside and outside Rotary to celebrate and showcase the spirit of Rotary in your community”.
We will have jobs for all ages old and young. Bring your friends and kids. Please bring sunscreen, gloves and snacks. A BBQ lunch will be served around at 1:30pm in the main dining hall at the Ranch.
Sign up on the club website under Upcoming Events or email Dave Gallaher, Tucson Rotary Club, at dave@tucsonindustrialrealty.com and/or call 520-907-4983. A guest count is necessary for planning work and the serving of lunch. Carpooling is recommended and many people meet at the Trader Joes parking lot at SEC of Magee and Oracle.
The opportunities to showcase your fish during Irv's Centennial year are shrinking. You will not want to miss the chance to showcase your fish, or better yet your Kids and Grandkids with a fish! Don’t let the Wall of Fame escape you. Join these other folks who have made it to the Wall of Fame and donated to Rotary charities. Please reach out to Dorinna or Irv for all the details.
We will no longer be streaming our meetings live via Facebook but we will be streaming live via our YouTube Channel. We are encouraging you all to subscribe to our Channel in order to receive notices of when the meetings are streaming live. After the live meeting, this video will become a recording and immediately posted on our YouTube Channel. To view live CLICK HERE.
To view videos on the RCOT YouTube channel go to our Home Page of the Club website and click on the YouTube link on the right hand side of the page. Or, go to YouTube and type in Rotary Club Of Tucson. You will be able to click on the video you wish to watch once they are posted. Here is the link to do this: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rotary+club+of+tucson
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Col Sandra Wilson ~ Biography 
Col Jason D. Dickson ~ Biography 
Now that RICK ROSE is back, we have our fabulous, recorded intros by Matt Russell, who introduced us to Magdalena Verdugo, CEO of the YWCA. Magdalena is the first Latina leader in the organization's 104-year history. She spoke of the YWCA’s efforts to empower women of all backgrounds and help develop their skills and support their efforts to start their own businesses. The YWCA provided financial support to minority/women owned businesses during the pandemic through grants. Thanks to that support these businesses were able to keep their doors open during the difficult economic times of the past two years.
The following New Family Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
The Pima JTED Tour and Social Mixer held on March 8th was a huge success. The campus located at The Bridges, 3300 S. Park Avenue is amazing and the food prepared by the students was outstanding. JTED celebrated the incredible work Rotarians have done and continue to do to support their mission. Thank you to the members and guests who were able to attend to celebrate with JTED and a HUGE thank you to the members of the Rotary Club of Tucson.
Hiking Club ~ 3/19/22
Our Replacement/Social Mixer is the evening of March 30th. Back by popular demand, this mixer will be held at Proof on the patio (St. Philip's Plaza), 4340 N. Campbell Avenue from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Guests are invited, the fee is $25 and will be billed to your account. And yes, the March Madness continues with this mixer, no charge for MM guests. Please register at the website 
The opportunities to showcase your fish during Irv's Centennial year are shrinking. You will not want to miss the chance to showcase your fish, or better yet your Kids and Grandkids with a fish! Don’t let the Wall of Fame escape you. Join these other folks who have made it to the Wall of Fame and donated to Rotary charities. Please reach out to Dorinna or Irv for all the details. 
