This week, instead of a sit-down lunch and a speaker, we're going to have the country club pack our lunches and head out for a service activity. Join us at noon at the country club to pick up trash, especially plastic, along the river we love!
Last Week at Rotary
Last week Bart Cole, Executive Director of the Warrior Reunion Foundation, joined us via Zoom to tell us about his organization. The foundation is a nonprofit providing all combat veterans with the opportunity to reunite, remember, and renew the bond they formed together in service to country. WRF brings together units who served in combat together, along with Gold Star families of the fallen. “Often the last time they saw each other was on the field of battle,” Bart observed. “They’ve never been able to connect afterwards and get closure on some of the things they experienced."
Typically the reunions begin on a Friday night and end on Sunday. There is a combination of services, from wellness training and help from veterans affairs, to activities and games that get veterans talking to and enjoying one another again. There is also usually a memorial service for those who died in battle or from combat-related issues. “Overseas you don’t have a chance to put a fallen service member to rest,” Bart explained. It helps with the healing, not only for the veterans but also for the Gold Star families.
Like Rotary, the Foundation sees value in incorporating a service project in the reunion. “We try to instill the service ethic, so when they go home they’ll have a new mission, something to contribute as productive members of society. We may have some missing parts, but we’re not broken.”
The Warrior Reunion Foundation has worked with 650 combat veterans so far and keeps contact beyond the reunions through regional dinners and Zoom meetings. “Sometimes the aftermath of war is the worst,” Bart reminded us. “The isolation can be overwhelming.”
Bart is planning a reunion for Camp Rotary a year from now. Among the things that he found appealing about the camp is its remoteness. There are ways that we can help the event be a success, including providing transportation for vets from the airport to the camp. You can bet we’ll do all we can!
Welcome a New Blue-Badge Member!
Last week, after hearing his 3-minute talk, we welcomed Jesse Mahugh as a full member of Rotary Club of Great Falls.
Jesse grew up in Kalispell and is a graduate of Flathead High School. He had a unique experience there, starting an Adopt an Elder Club that matched high school kids with elders in community. For instance the club matched athletes with sports enthusiasts, aspiring teachers with retired teachers, and sought out a mentor relationship with elders while helping the elders meet their needs.
After high school Jesse attended the University of Montana. His first job was at the Poverello Center in Missoula and he himself was a Big Brother in the Big Brother/Big Sisters Program while in Missoula.
“It really made an impression,” he said. When the position of Executive Director for BB/BS in Kalispell opened up, he jumped at it, and now he’s doing the same thing in Great Falls and Helena.
“I have felt so welcomed by the Great Falls community,” Jesse commented. “The Chamber … Rotary … everybody is so welcoming. I’m so happy to be part of this group.”
Jesse is no stranger to Rotary. His grandfather, Chet Mahugh, was District Governor in 1978. Jesse accompanied him to the International Peace Park Assembly long, long ago. As a veteran of World War II, his grandfather understood the importance of cross-border connections. And of service above self, apparently! Welcome, Jesse! We are as happy as you are!
Milestones
Happy birthday tomorrow to Todd Neighbor, on Tuesday to Jim Humphrey, and on Wednesday to Joann Gogo. Tap 'er light!
Weekly Wit: What's a Billion among Friends?
This week's chuckle comes from Joann Gogo. As she was welcoming Jesse Mahugh into blue-badge status with the initiation ceremony, she left one word out of the reminder, "When you shake the hand of a Rotarian, you join 1.2 billion more."
Your eBulletin editor found it meme-worthy. Thanks to Mark Finnicum for providing that all-important .2!
