Meeting Minutes October 3, 2024
President Terry rang the bell and started the meeting off with a “GO PADRES” followed by Rotary’s “Statement of Values – the Four Way Test”, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Volunteers were recognized: Greeter- Jim Sommer, Scribe-Katie Hunter; AV-Dave Brooks, Front Desk-Mark Alberts and Joel Doss, Sgt. At Arms-Joel Doss, Photographer-Bill Brehm, and Book Presenter-Mike Fuqua.
Jim Sommer went to each table where members introduced visiting guests. A bit of a competition over who had been married the longest ensued. Gary and Didi Saks started the bidding at 53 years; Jim and Joanne Hyldahl followed at 50 years; and Dan and Sharon Malloy eclipsed them both at 61 years.
Marty Judge introduced our guest speaker, Brigadier General Paul Lebidine (USMC, Ret.) who has an impressive military resume.
General Lebidine opened his presentation jokingly saying it might be more entertaining to give a report on his 5 years serving on The Lakes HOA board. He joined in the marriage longevity competition by stating this date would have been his parent’s 71st wedding anniversary.
General Lebidine then proceeded to give an enlightening and engaging presentation on the Ukrainian Battlefield Strategy. He began by relating a story illustrating how people often draw their own assumptions and conclusions based on personal observations and how these potentially subjective conclusions can shape decisions.
Factual information about the war between the Ukraine and Russia was presented, including the invasion of Crimea in 2014, the ineffectiveness of sanctions, current Russian and Ukrainian assets, military assets provided by the US and other countries, and the financial support the US is providing to the Ukraine as a percentage of GDP compared to other NATO countries.
An overview of Ukrainian capabilities followed. The Ukraine does a good job of building drones, but counter drone technology is developed quickly by the opposition. Tank repair is necessary but problematic. US contractors with the knowledge to repair the tanks are primarily comprised of former US Military members. They cannot go into the Ukraine to fix equipment because should a contractor be killed, whether intended or not, this could provoke an international reaction.
The conflict currently shows signs of becoming a war of attrition with very established and defined lines of defense and no end in sight.
Zelensky’s recent visit to the US was discussed. Zelensky does not want to cede territory and would like to join NATO and benefit from Article 5 protection.
There are a lot of hot spots in the world and a fear is that public interest and concern about the war will diminish.
Trying to predict a possible end is difficult. The situation may end up similar to the relationship between North Korea and South Korea.
Upon completion of his presentation, General Libidine signed a book presented by Mike Fuqua. The book will be donated to the Bernardo Heights Middle School Library.
New Rotary members Reggie Branch, with mentor Athenea Luciano, and Brett Carter, with mentor John Mullen, were inducted into the club.
Bob Vaughn happily gathered Happy Bucks, including one donation from General Lebidine who expressed an interest in joining the club. Alan Turner added his submission to the marriage longevity competition announcing he and Hazel have been married 47 years.
President Terry’s Special Magic Recognition honored Athenea Luciano and Christine Tetsa for the beneficial work they do for the club. They each received a special “Women in Rotary” pin.
The District Walk to End Polio is October 19th at Grape Day Park in Escondido 7:30-8:30am. Walking distance is 50 feet. Donation is $30. President Heck would like to have 100% club participation.
District Rotary’s campaign “Uniting to Combat Hunger”, benefiting military and veteran families, will continue till Veterans’ Day. Please bring non-perishable food items to the next meetings.
Jim Hyldahl had the winning bid for the 3-day weekend in San Felipe hosted by Pat and Rita Chaffee.
President Heck wished the Padres well as he adjourned the meeting.
