CROW’S CALL – May 9, 2019
The meeting was harangued into order by PP Bill Harlan, who reminded everyone to call him “Doctor.” He introduced Greeter Chris Gallagher who offered a profound Thought of the Day. {Check with Chris for details.] He then led the Salute followed by Hermann Welm’s stirring rendition of “God Bless.” Acting President Harlan then introduced our speaker, Jerry Marrs, who had to squeeze his talk in early so he could report to Jury Duty in Martinez at 1:00. Jerry was helping us honor Grads to Patriots Day.
Jerry’s son Scott joined the Marines last year and was honored at our 2018 Grads to Patriots program. At Cal High he competed in football and wrestling. His decision to join the service provoked a family emergency with his mother, but Scott persisted, aided, according to Mike Conklin, by thorough research and a real commitment to duty. Since then he has completed Basic Training, where he conquered his toughest challenge, the “Crucible,” a long hike with full packs while under fire. Scott then went on to Advanced Infantry Training, since as Jerry reminded us, every Marine is an infantryman. He completed Survival School in Maine in the winter, after which he got the obligatory Marine emblem tattoo. Jerry told us he was so proud of his son that he has agreed to get a tattoo when Scott satisfactorily completes all his training. {Discussion ensued as to the proper location for Jerry’s ink. Stay tuned for more details.]
Jerry and his family have been able to attend all of Scott’s rites of passage through the Corps. Currently he is attended Loadmaster School in Arkansas, learning to load and deliver supplies for the Marines by huge cargo planes. He will then do a stint at the Marines’ aviation training facility before he receives his final assignment. Scott has become engaged to his girlfriend, Brie. He recently was promoted to Lance Corporal. After his enlistment he hopes to go to college. [After all he will have been through, Freshman Composition will be a breeze.] He hopes to eventually become a pilot. A great talk, with lots of cool pictures and Jerry still got away in time to get to Martinez.
Karen McNamara introduced a couple she had met while doing smoke alarms at Sunny Glen: Reggie and Cherie Williams. Cherie worked for McKesson Corporation doing training. She now does consulting. The Williams were interested in finding out more about Rotary.
Recognitions:
Fred Nevarez had a birthday, and although he could remember little about it, he paid.
Ray Giles was recognized for Judy’s birthday and when asked about what they did to celebrate, gave his usual answer: “None of your damned business.”
Announcements:
District Assembly will be at the Peppermill in Reno, May 17 –19.
All local graduates going into the military will be honored on May 19 at the Veteran’s Hall in Danville. Everyone invited. The Memorial Day ceremony will be held at the Veteran’s Park in Danville.
Honoring Cal High Grad to Patriot:
Dr. Harlan introduced Aidan Otero and his mother, Mary Otero. Aidan will be attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis. He will be a plebe for his years at the academy and then will become a midshipman and serve four years. He hopes to become an officer in the Marines. Mike Conklin told us how Sentinels of Freedom had begun the Grads—Patriots program in 1998 and how it had helped change attitudes in the Valley toward service. He gave Aidan Sentinel hats for himself and his family. Edgardo Carillo reminded Aiden that “The pain is temporary. The pride is forever.” President Dr. Bard evoked the memory of our old friend, Captain John Sims, who attended reunions at Annapolis into his 90’s. Gary Sloan gave Edgardo a shirt to honor his volunteer service.
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The raffle was won by Marie Galbo and Julie McKinney who drew blue. Photos were taken by Priya Jhingan, so blame her if you’re blurry.