West Jax Rotary

Eric Sherman
Veteran’s Day Program

Eric Sherman assumed the duties as the first Southeast Region State Liaison in the office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, in October of 2005. Mr. Sherman networks on behalf of the Department with State Legislators, government agencies, and other state Policy Makers, on military family quality of life issues that tend to intersect with state policy. In addition, he works with Military Regional Commanders, Corporate Leaders, and representatives of interested organizations. Through his efforts, state leaders throughout the southeast were able to improve quality of life in areas such as education opportunities, financial protections, family support, veteran’s assistance, and military spouse employment assistance. Recently, Mr. Sherman worked with legislators and community leaders throughout Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, to pass the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children into state’s laws. This noteworthy legislation addressed the significant school challenges military children must deal with when enduring the frequent transitions between schools required by the mobile lifestyle of their military parents.

Notes
Joe Springer gave a report on the successful Career Day at Bishop Snyder school last week.

John Bickerstaff reminded the membership that a Blood Drive would take place on the following Wednesday (November 11th).

Paul Mohman reported on the membership opportunities for our growing club. We have several professions with “empty spots”, such as media, publishing, country club management and veterinary medicine.

President John announced that the District Conference will take place December 11th through 13th.

Marty Sack gave his Family of Rotary report and announced several birthdays and no deaths. Marty was pleased to announce the engagement of President John’s daughter. Marty also reported on the inclusion of several members in various local publications, including Ken Baker, Hamilton Cooke and Bill Howey.

Clint Dawkins introduced our speaker, Cindy Covington, who is the District Governor Elect. Cindy gave a very moving presentation about her recent trip to India and her concerted efforts with immunization against polio. She recently worked with a team in India which represented six different countries.

Cindy was an integral part of National Immunization Day in India this year. She spoke of her strong disappointment in not being able to help all of the children and her equally strong desire to help the ones she can. She encouraged her fellow Rotarians to consider participating in the next trip which will take place in February of 2010.

Visiting Rotarians
Jim Clark — Ponte Vedra
Marcus Drewa — South Jax
Barry Covington — South Jax
Buck Autrey — Downtown
Artis Gilmore — Downtown
Chris Winsett — Sunrise

Rotary Guests
Jill Dame — Guest of Kathy Cold
Fran Wulbern — Guest of Allan Wulbern (wife)
David & Jean Moomaw — Guest of Allan Wulbern (in-laws)
John Bosam — Guest of Veronica James
Lara Mathis — Guest of Jim Riggan

Birthdays
Eric Schultz — November 12
Bill Phillips — November 14
Jerry Portnoy — November 15
Jim Riggan — November 15
Tommy Gower — November 17

Next Meeting - November 18, 2009
Speaker — Dan Murphy, Gator Bowl Committee
Greeters: James Howard and Donald Wilkinson
Invocation: Dale Crisp
Pledge: Charles Wilson
Four-Way Test: David Taylor

Quick Links:
You can now report make-ups online.

Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

Please review the 2009 - 2010 Duty Roster and mark your calendar with your responsibilities for the upcoming year.