Rotary Informer

Four Way Test:  Thank you Randy Evans. The 4-Way test was conducted in Spanish today.

 

Invocation:  Thank You Randy Evans for your carefully crafted and meaningful prayer.

 

Visiting Rotarians:  Roy Longworth of Boyne City was our one visiting Rotarian this week.

 

Life Events:  Angie Cranney and Mark Coopersmith announced their engagement today. The wedding will be held on August 8^th. Congratulations to an exceptional couple.

 

Jock Rader had surgery this week. According to his family, he is doing fine. I am sure he would like to hear from friends.

 

Song of the Week:  “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”.

 

 

Adopt a Highway Award:  Dave Thomas shared the certificate the club received for the amazing clean-up work we accomplish on our stretch of highway. If you have missed out on this event in the past. Mark your calendars now for Saturday, May 2^nd, 2015 and Saturday, September 26^th, 2015; on both dates, the time to meet will be 8:30 a.m., with an estimated completion time of 11:30 a.m.

 

PRCCI Grant Application:  PRCCI Grant applications are due April 15, 2015. The forms can be found on the website. If you require more information, please contact Steve Brown.

 

MANNA:  Volunteers are always needed. Mark your calendars for the second Thursday of every month from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Manna Warehouse on McBride Park Drive.

 

Instant Wine Cellar:  The United Way will hold a fundraiser on April 17^th at the Perry Hotel. Anyone attending is to bring a $10-$15 dollar bottle of wine or a six pack of a craft beer. Baskets will be arranged and auctioned off. The United Way is attempting to target a younger crowd with this fundraiser. For more information, contact Lorraine Manary.

 

Fellowship:  First Thursday is April 2^nd. Jim Beno will be hosting at Leo’s Lounge starting at 5:30. Come for a drink and conversation.

 

Steve Cross introduced us to his friend Bill McMasters, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired) who presented a wonderful program.  Captain McMasters was a Navy Fighter Pilot and a former member of Strike Fighter Squadron 143, also known as the “Pukin Dogs”. This is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. Their role in the military is close air support, air interdiction and aerial reconnaissance. The squadron adopted its current insignia in 1953, a winged black lion (or a mythical Griffin) on a black shield. The distinctive squadron name, “Pukin Dogs”, came about when the squadron commander’s wife saw the creature’s droopy head and gaping mouth. She stated, in front of the squadron pilots that it looked like a pukin’ dog. The pilots loved it and the name stuck. Captain McMasters shared astounding images of the squadron and a number of his own exploits. If you are interested in seeing similar photographs, Google: Images of "Pukin Dogs Squadron." 

Another distinction of Captain McMasters was being a student at the famous Top Gun School in Miramar, California and an instructor there as well. He also completed 950 Carrier landings which is an incredible feat.