September 1, 2022 Meeting Notes
The September 1 meeting began at President Turner's sounding of the bell and recitation of the Four Way Test. That concluded the socializing and enjoyment of an especially excellent dinner consisting of a great salad and chicken cordon bleu. Benita Page led the Pledge followed by a unique inspirational message by Joel Doss, conducting us all in The Star Spangled Banner while circulating around our membership. How appropriate for these troubling times. Greeter Mark Alberts toured the room for members to introduce spouses and other guests......... They numbered 14.
President Alan thanked all volunteers and made announcements including The Sept. 22 Lake Poway Picnic and an explanation of how the 'Matching Gifts" program encourages collaboration and doubles contributions and benefits to those we support.
Our Jolly Fine Master John O'Neill was properly BOOed before he solicited and received multiple Happy Bucks, pledged and paid. Jim Hyldahl challenged his 'wearing pink' fine, putting his hopes in our guest speaker's judgement, Gil Rud who has made many a difficult decision during his various commands. Gil, was it pink? Oops.......sorry Jim. Thanks Gil.
Mike Fuqua introduced his friend and fellow naval aviator, Gil Rud, former Commanding Officer -US Navy Blue Angels. What a story to come. Can't tell it all!
An early Education in a 'one room school house , a 28 year career as a Navy officer, he accumulated 5,600 flight hours, and 786 carrier landings and commanded the Blue Angels. Gil was both informative and entertaining as he told the history and names of the planes and equipment flown in different combat missions i.e. Skyhawks, Corsairs and Hornets. An anecdote about his young comrades accompanied each plane's tale.
It became quite clear that for all the adventure, that danger was present as they were often as close as 16 inches apart doing their incredible maneuvers. Finally retired from Boeing, Gil was especially proud to report that his daughter, who told Daddy when she was quite young that she too wanted to fly, has in fact achieved unique rank and acknowledgment for her talents and performance in the military. Congratulations and thanks to you both.
Calls to Action :
Sept 8th next lunch meeting, Review of V&V by Mike F, and next speaker, Laura Mello, Planned Giving.
