At the August 10 meeting, Lynwood Rotary members and guests heard a presentation by Rotary member and previous Treasurer, Dr. Larry Esparza, about his military experiences.
Using Wifi, everyone saw a series of videos on US Army paratrooper training.
Larry explained the process we were watching of young men jumping out of planes as part of paratrooper training. The location was Ft. Bragg North Carolina. There were several films we saw.
At the end of the presentation, in response to a question from Daniel, Larry was on active duty with the US Air Force, starting Mar 1, 1968 for a total of 7 years: 3 years in the US and 4 years in England. Then for 13 years, in civilian life, he went to school to get an AA degree, a BS degree, and more studies to become a doctor as a chiropractor, with his own doctor's office.
Then in 1989, Larry re-enlisted to active duty in the Air Force reserves, for a total of 20 years of active duty military service.
During his presentation, Dr. Larry Esparza helped the audience relive some important US history by talking about military campaigns, some of which as a member of the Air Force Reserve, he was personally in.
Going back to 1991, there was Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, authorized by the Senior President Bush, which supported the 100 Day War in Iraq.
Then the Junior President Bush supported Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
More recently, in 2001 in Operation Southern Watch, US Troops were sent to Saudi Arabia to maintain watch and maintain control relating to Sadam Hazam. Also in 2002, Operation Anaconda, from a base in Germany, US troops were dispatched to Afghanistan.
Separate from Dr. Esparza's presentation, there were discussions lead by Rotary President Joe Wang, and by Rotary Secretary, Lulu Quinionez, about several important issues.
There was coordination about the new members to be inducted when the Rotary District Governor visits the club on Oct 12: LUSD new superintendent, Dr. Gudiel Crosthwaite, and Alejandra Avalos, and Angel Farias.
Also there was discussion about the Club Treasurer responsibilities, and the issue of authorized signatures for the Rotary bank account. (The new club treasurer, Martina Rodriguez was unable to attend the meeting.)
And there were discussions about plans for the Rotary District annual Beach Party & Cardboard Boat Race at Seaside Lagoon, Redondo Beach, Sat, Aug 26, 5pm – 9pm. Joe Wang mentioned that as usual he will construct the boat in the next two weeks. Lulu talked about the requirement to sign up in advance for this event.
Daniel mentioned that photos and news about the Lynwood Rotary club can be emailed to Gurdip Hari for posting the Rotary Club Runner website. The photos that Daniel takes of the meeting attendees are emailed to Gurdip. Gurdip lives in three countries (each 1/3 of the year): US, Ghana Africa and India. He reads his emails regularly where ever he is.
Daniel Miller / Omar Franco / Rowland Becerra
Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club