At our August meeting we had SOQ’s: our speaker, CDR Steve Rose and his wife Rachel; our speaker for next month CAPT Gray Barnhill, USAF (Ret); and special attendees, Laura Knott and her son Derek. Laura told me that Derek was very interested in learning about WWII. Well he learned a lot about that subject plus much more. I sat Laura and Derek at the speaker’s table with our speaker, Bob Olds, Gary Barnhill, Doc Helton, and Vince Van den Brink. See Laura’s thank you note in “Events” on our website or on our Facebook page. Great presentation by Steve. Read Dave Malmad’s summary and you will get a taste of it.
The big news from the last meeting is that Orange County Branch 175 of the Fleet Reserve Association made a significant contribution to GPS with specific instructions to use the money “for the Sailor of the Quarter/Year Awards Luncheon”. A copy of their letter will appear on our webpage. It was a very appreciated gift that will be used to support the SOQ Program for many years to come. Thanks to Ed Mason, Gordon Olson, Howard Whitaker, Jim Faulkner and Bill Thompson who are GPS members and also FRA members. Their efforts resulted in this gift that we will put to work at the next SOQ Awards Program in November. Thank you, FRA OC Branch 175.
We are still in the process of reviewing our membership list to try to pick up current addresses (email and house), along with phone numbers, if possible. If you are aware of a member who has moved, changed email address or phone number, please let me know. Also, if you have contacts in industry or active duty Naval Aviation, please see if that person or an associate would be willing to come speak to us at a luncheon meeting. Not having a Navy or Marine Corps base nearby makes it difficult to recruit active duty speakers.
Just a couple of upcoming events to tell you about. On Sunday, September 8, 2019, the Pacific Symphony and the OC Fair & Event Center will present “Hail to the Heroes” featuring country singing superstar Lee Greenwood. Veterans, active-duty military and first responders will receive free tickets by calling (714) 755-5799. On Thursday, September 19, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pacific Club Main Dining Room, Chapman University will present “Three Wars: American Veterans in an Age of Perpetual Conflict”. A panel of veteran authors from Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq wars will share their experiences in a combat environment.
Hope to see many of you at our next meeting when Gary Barnhill will tell us about flying the Thud over North Vietnam. Bring a friend or relative too.
