The meeting was called to order by president Roy at 12:25 pm, and if you missed this musical event honoring our veterans, then you missed a rolicking tribute! It began with veteran Ben Bolen giving the Inspiration. He shared his experience with joining the Army as a 19-year-old soldier in Iraq after 9/11, and emphasized the importance of teaching and valuing loyalty, duty, respect, personal courage, character, discipline, and service above self. These foundations are also strengthened locally and globally with Rotary through community participation and work with Interact and Rotaract students. Ben’s final thought: We have become so accustomed to freedom that we are in danger of forgetting the cost.

Song: Marlena led the group in The White Cliffs of Dover in honor of her father.

Introductions: Birthdays were celebrated and guests were introduced.

This week’s Mystery Rotarian was Leo Shedden (also a veteran)

Reminders:

• Send Hunger Packing Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9-11 at Pioneer High School
  • $25,000 has been raised
  • Over 200 volunteers are participating
• Nov. 18 Environmental Action Committee’s Book Swap
• Dec. 2 Mark Ouimet is being honored at Barton Hills Country Club
• No meetings Nov. 25, Dec. 23, Dec. 30
• Comnunity Service assessments are due
• District Gala recognized A2 Rotary for Polio Plus campaign

Youth Exchange Student: Marlena introduced youth exchange student “Nacho” from Guatemala, who shared interesting facts and slides about his home country.

A2 Rotary’s Veterans Initiative: Don Deatrick was honored for developing and leading the initiative for the past 11 years. They have focused on 5 highly successful tasks.

• Hire MI Vet (1500+ hired so far)
• Valentines for Vets with thousands of homemade cards made by school children
• Personal help at the VA
• Hygiene kits fore inpatients at the VA Medical Center
• Heart-shaped pillows for veterans having open heart surgery

Musical tributes were performed honoring all services by our very talented Rotary club members with enthusiastic audience participation. We enjoyed Don’t Rock the Boat, The Wind Beneath my Wings, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and America the Beautiful. 

Club Veterans in attendance were asked to stand and be recognized, and were given a hearty applause.

The meeting adjourned with a quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” John Fitzgerald Kennedy