Rotations September 2, 2014

            Despite Labor Day marking the “end of summer”, Mother Nature reminded us that summer was not yet over, with a hot and sweltering day.  Fortunately, the AC at Scope was working!

            President Sigur called the meeting to order at 12:40 p.m. and called on Jim Clary to lead us in song, including “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”, “All Hail to Rotary”, and the favorite “Grand Olde Flag”.  Although President Sigur apparently did not notice, this writer heard from across the room, following “All Hail to Rotary”, a member yell “Beat Army,” which went unrecognized by an appropriate “fine”.  Perhaps next week Jim can “fess up” with a few happy bucks!

            Following the pledge of allegiance, we were lead in prayer by Joe New.  Jim Baker reported on an enjoyable lunch with Walt Grandy and his visit with Ken Weeks at Harbors Edge.

            Guests present at this Meeting included the following:

• Chip Vogan introduced his wife, Barbara Vogan, and our speaker’s wife, Sissy Cutchen.
• John Chittick introduced Molly Morneault, an ODU finance student, assisting his organization.
• Dona Overstreet introduced her guest, Lori Jenkins.
• Harry Gustin introduced Majors Steve and Connie Long, who have recently arrived to command our local Salvation Army.

President Sigur announced the following Rotarians enjoying their birthdays this month.  The list included:

Name                                      Date            Name                                      Date

Jim Clary once again led us in singing “Happy Birthday” to our fellow Rotarians.

Joey Rothgery standing in for Ann Sullivan promoted the upcoming “Rotary Day” on September 27^th at Farm Fresh.  Volunteers needed. 

Jack Kavanaugh was recognized for sponsoring a new member.

“Happy Bucks”, or contributors to our Rotary Charities Fund, included the following:

• Mike Goldsmith-for too frequent comments reported this past week in the Pilot.
• L.H. Pucket-volunteered that he is the proud owner of a new car!
• Joe New-finished a half marathon.
• Lindsay Russell-sent two sons off to college.
• Jim Clary-sent his middle son off to pre-school.
• Jennifer Palestrant plugged an anticipated show at the D’Art Center.

Our Rotarian of the Day was past president and current leader in “perfect attendance”, Chip Vogan, who was proud to introduce his friend and former neighbor, Rear Admiral Brian Cutchen, and his wife, Sissy, who was also seated at the head table.

Admiral Cutchen is a 33 year veteran of the Navy and began his career following graduation from Maine Maritime Academy.  Obviously, one does not rise to the rank of Rear Admiral without a combination of intellect, energy, people and communication skills, and the ability to effectively lead others toward accomplishing objectives.  Admiral Cutchen’s career, commands and accomplishments, detailed only in part by Chip‘s introduction, demonstrated all of these qualities.  Among his noted talents and skills is the ability to work effectively to enhance our Naval forces in the current budgetary environment.

Admiral Cutchen’s current assignment is as Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, Norfolk, where he is responsible for manning, training and mobilization of 64,000 personnel, with deployment readiness over 90%, and involving operations through six geographic regions and over 172 reserve centers nationwide.  Admiral Cutchen’s remarks made crystal clear the importance and role the Navy Reserve plays in our nation’s defense strategy.  The Reserve has played an integral part in the ongoing war against terror and in meeting the Navy’s manpower requirements over these lengthy engagements, all in the midst of budgetary constraints exacerbated by sequestration.

As is often the case, the Q & A proved to be most informative.  In responding to one question, the Admiral outlined the Navy’s policies regarding “call ups” and service requirements.  The minimum requirement for the Naval Reserve is 38 days per year but “call up” or “mobilization” of an individual or entire units result in deployments of up to a year, both in the United States and abroad, including Africa, Japan, and the Middle East.  At any given time the Naval Reserve forces make up about 25% of the forces supporting our Navy.  Admiral Cutchen also indicated that the Naval Reserve tries to have 5 years between an individual’s last mobilization and is able to do so as approximately 83% of those mobilized are volunteers.

Following the presentation in our speaker’s honor of the coveted book, which will be placed in Little Creek Elementary School, President Sigur announced 100% tables were tables 2, 12 & 16.  Sharon Laderberg had the good fortune of winning the lottery with a daily prize of $18.00.

Next week’s program is Christy Everett, Hampton Roads Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation.