May 17, 2005

NEXT MEETING, MAY 23… our speaker will be Bill Farmer, head of Time Warner Cable, representing the Chamber of Commerce.

LAST MEETING, MAY 16… Colonel Brad MacNealy, commander of the Catfish Brigade (more properly known as Task Force 185th Aviation) gave us an enthralling description of the year his Mississippi group spent flying helicopter missions all over Iraq. Brad described the three different phases of the war in Iraq. The first phase consisted of conventional warfare and was won handily. The second was the occupation phase, and it fared poorly, largely because we were not used to dealing with suicide bombers. The third phase is interim Iraqi control, and it’s going quite well. Brad reminded us of the successes that have marked the American effort – with clean drinking water, electricity, sewers, security, jobs, farming, the oil industry, local elections, and Iraqi military all showing major gains. Everything was topped by the miracle of the January 30 elections in Iraq, where 60 percent of the electorate turned out. Democracy is winning, and winning big. Thanks to Bill Allison for arranging and introducing this program.

THE ROTARY SPOTLIGHT… swung around to Michael Barranco at the May 16 meeting. Doing the honors was Brad Prewitt. Congrats, Michael.

BRAVES BASEBALL… is in the spotlight now, and YOU can be a part of it. Mary Fortune and the Diabetes Foundation are donating a block of tickets for the June 13 Mississippi Braves game to Rotarians and their families. Check your schedule and come to the desk at next week’s meeting to get up to six tickets per Rotarian. Only while they last!

COMMITTEE PREFERENCE FORMS… are included with this Rotagram. Please take a minute or two and check the committee you’d like to serve on next Rotary year, and President-Elect Ron Applewhite will do his best to accommodate you. If you check more than one, be sure to number them in order of your preference.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… Today, we were reminded about the high caliber of our club’s membership. Brad Prewitt’s highlight of Mike Barranco, helped many of us know about Mike’s many accomplishments and interests. Our own Colonel Brad MacNealy gave us a first-hand perspective on our war against terrorism and his experiences in Iraq. I’m proud to be associated with so many outstanding leaders in our community. Don’t forget to check your calendar for a fun night watching Mississippi Braves baseball, Monday, June 13th. Let Mary Fortune, Diabetes Foundation of MS, know how much we appreciate her generosity. Remember to check and see how many tickets you can use for you and your family. Plan to pick up your tickets next week. Tickets are limited. Yours in Rotary, Danny