US Navy SEALs Then and Now

Jeff Wells introduced our Rotarian of the Day, Chris Bugg. As Chris spoke last week on the topic of the upcoming Suds & Buds Fundraiser, Jeff assumed we knew him pretty well and kept the introduction brief. Chris introduced our guest speaker, Scott Chierepko, a retired US Navy Seal and owner of his own company called BEI Tactical, which provides training, products, and services to the US Government. Scott’s goal was to give the club some background information on the current US Navy’s SEALS who are a vital component of the military presence in our community.

 

The SEAL Teams, which reside on both coasts, are highly trained units capable of performing a variety of missions throughout the world. While early in their history, they performed primarily maritime missions that have greatly expanded through the years. Given the complexity of assigned missions, Scott stated the education level of current SEALS is significantly higher than when he was on active duty. The vast majority of SEAL recruits have college degrees and many possess advanced degrees. Training stresses not only the physical ability but also is designed to enhance the adaptability of units to a constantly changing environment with constantly changing requirements.

 

Leadership continues to be the foundation of all that the SEAL Teams do. The Naval Special Warfare Vision 2030 has encouraged a greater focus on the long-term wellness of not only SEALS but also their families. Scott talked a bit about the medical treatment and training assets committed to maintaining the health and conditioning of Special Operators. SEAL Teams are also working toward becoming more innovative in their approach to mission accomplishment to include enhanced partnerships with other military and government agencies.

 

There is currently about 8,300 active duty naval personnel assigned to Naval Special Warfare units, of which approximately 3,000 are SEALS. For operational purposes, they fall under the United States Special Operation Command based at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.

 

 

President Michael Desplaines called the meeting to order and Bob Healy lead-in music with his guitar. We sang “Wild Irish Rose” for St. Patrick’s Day and “Let There Be Peace on Earth” in recognition of the conflict in Ukraine. After the Pledge of Allegiance and Four-Way Test, Joe New gave a moving invocation.

 

Brian McGuire told us in his Visitation Report that Rick Coradi was slowly recovering from his head injury and was planning on attending the Norfolk Forum that evening. Also, former club member and Past President Bryce Burton had a stroke but had made a full recovery.

 

There were several guests at the meeting. Al Carmichael had each Rotarian introduce their guest (s).

 

President Michael announced the School of the Week was Sewell’s Point Elementary School. The book, Tyrannosaurus Rex, will be donated to the school in commemoration of Scott Chierepko’s presentation today.

 

Sigur Whitaker spoke to the club about District 7600’s Day of Giving on April 5th. Rotarians who donate between $100-$500 on that day will have their contributions matched by the district with points. This incentive can accelerate Rotarians achieving either their initial or subsequent Paul Harris Fellow recognition. It does not apply to Major Donors.

 

President Michael enthusiastically inducted two new members to our Club:

 

 

We welcome both of our new Rotarians to our club and look forward to getting to know them better in the weeks and months ahead.

 

Members were reminded to donate a bottle of at least $20 wine to be used for the “Wine Pull” at Suds & Buds.