San Ramon Rotary

Crow’s Call

October 4, 2018

 

 

Fall was in the air with leaves beginning to turn their traditional fall colors and San Ramon Rotary met on Thursday at 12:18 p.m. following the reliable chicken and rice lunch at Crow Canyon Country Club.  John Milich, President, called the meeting to order and introduced Chris Gayler, our substitute greeter standing in for Stacey Litteral.  Chris revealed how misguided he has become after a stinging losing Giant season when he shared his thought for the day “Go for anybody but the Dodgers”.  As a lifelong Dodger fan, this scribe was somewhat incensed by this sentiment but as of this writing, the Dodgers are up 2-0 versus the Braves and well on their way to a World Series ring much to the chagrin on one Mr. Gayler.

There were no visitors present but after a rousing rendition of My Country Tis of Thee and the flag salute, Chris shared the better aspects of his character as being his wife, Natalie and is two sons.  Admittedly, Chris is a talented builder and part of 3 generations of builders (over 56 years).  Equally important he is a second generation Rotarian.  (Where is Waldo, Buehler and George these days?)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aaron Negherbon with Troops Direct was introduced.  Aaron is a Northern California native.  He received a Marketing and Finance degree from USC and joined his father and grandfather in the automotive industry involving over 10 family owned franchises.  In 2003 he reinvented himself and went into the real estate market and became among the leading producers and head corporate trainer.   In 2010 when a longtime college friend was deployed to Afghanistan, Aaron sent his Marine Corp Captain a rather large 45 LBS birthday package with bare essential items, Aaron learned that his friend had given all the items to fellow Marine Corp personnel who were in greater need of these basic items.  Troops Direct was born on that day.

Aaron learned that the bureaucracy of our Federal Government and military was ill-equipped to efficiently distribute basic needed items to our troops.  Medics at his friend’s unit were unable to get gauze, shoelaces, batteries and stethoscopes.  Instead of waiting months for infrequent and inadequate supplies, Troops Direct were able to order and fly these items to the troops in need.  Troops Direct is the only non-profit organization in the U.S. giving critical access supplies not available through the military command.

 

Aaron gave numerous examples of how his organization filled this supply gap.  Navy Seals in Afghanistan had their generator fail due to needed replacement parts.  They were informed by military command that there was a 12-month backlog on parts and the possibility of a new generator was unlikely.  Troops Direct received the request on a Friday, contacted Volvo who was able to procure the generator parts and back-up duplicate parts.  Volvo had them shipped from Belgium.  They arrived on Tuesday and delivered within ten days. 

 

Other items included helmets and first aid kits.  Aaron indicated that Troops Direct’s goal was to react to any unit, anywhere. 

 

Rotarians were astounded by the problem and questions were penetrating and earnest.  Aaron was asked to explain the logistics of his organization and how he verified the receipt of the supplies. All items are “drop shipped”.  He was asked about his discussions with Congress and how responsive they were to assisting.  (They were condescending at best). He indicated that there was a need of $50 million per year to provide for the supply costs of our military and that his organization now raises $2-3 million per year.  All funding was through donations and in kind contributions.  Over 90% of the funds went to the troops after accounting for overhead (1.2%) and Advertising (8.8%).  The organization is primarily promoted by word of mouth and public support is elicited through events, mail and email programs.

 

The current mission critical items being pursued today are communications gear, helmets and camouflage.  Even the Green Beret has requested snow gear.

 

Finally, Aaron shared that a $10,000 donor would be treated to a behind the scenes 3 day tour of the Reno Military Ranch for Tactical Training where active duty Marine are training for service.

 

1.3 million Americans currently serve in 130 countries. Over the past 8 years, Troops Direct has supplied more than 100,000 Americans.   Over $10 million of support items have been shipped since 2010.

 

If you are so inclined, you may provide donation support by contacting Aaron@TroopsDirect.org and contact your Congressman and Senator.

 

A very sobering presentation!

 

Julie received the greeter’s gift and Chris Gallagher pulled the blue marble netting him $10.  Next week the pot is $330.  Must be present to win.

 

Remember the District Governor will be here next week. There will not be a meeting on October 18^th due to the Six Club Meeting and Fred Nevarez will be our greeter.

 

The meeting was adjourned on time.  The San Ramon Rotary Foundation Board had a podium meeting to discuss the Bishop Ranch project and everyone left to enjoy the glorious Fall day.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Gary Sloan, Scribe