PROGRAM
Prior to introducing today’s program, Gary Bonnewell gave a brief history of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Allied Command Transformation (ACT). Gary then introduced Vice Admiral Guy Robinson from the Royal British Navy who serves as the Chief of Staff of the Allied Command Transformation. He reminded us that over a career spanning nearly 38 years, he has been deployed an average of 200 days each year. Admiral Robinson recalled a humorous story from early in his career when his ship and a much larger Soviet cruiser engaged in a cat and mouse race across the Bay of Biscay before beginning his more formal presentation about Allied Command Transformation.
ACT is one of NATO’s two strategic commands. Its mission is to contribute to preserving the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading the strategic warfare development of military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines. NATO currently has 31 members and is expecting Sweden to shortly become its 32nd. From its inception in 2003, Allied Command Transformation has demonstrated the importance of transformation and development as continuous drivers for change – change that will ensure the relevance of the Alliance in a rapidly evolving and complex global security environment. Allied Command Transformation is organized around four principal functions:
- Strategic Thinking;
- Development of Capabilities;
- Education, Training and Exercises; and
- Cooperation and Engagement.
Current areas of focus include multi-domain operations including space and cyberspace, digital transformation using advanced data analytics, future force structures throughout the Alliance and commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO.
Admiral Robinson will be retiring this spring after 38 years in the Royal British Navy.
THE MEETING
Pam Tubb led us in song with “God Save the King”, to honor our British speaker, followed by “America” and “Sing Out a Song for Rotary”. Ed Kellam provided the invocation. There was no Visitation Report.
Visitors
There were no visiting Rotarians. We did have numerous guests to include:
Ina Diepold - prospective member, she turned in her application today
Bertrand Pouliquen - guest of Ralph Peter (our visiting Rotarian from Germany who works at NATO)
Carl Bess - guest of John Ehehalt
Gladys Palmer - guest of Jeff Wells
Jim Savage - guest of Jeff Wells
Rachel Ruggieri - guest of Jeff Wells
Dr. Joy Powell - guest of Jeff Wells
Day Ritt - guest of Dave Charney
Rob Bianchi - guest of Laurie Harrison
Casey Hill - guest of Kelly Stefanko
Dave Paradise - guest of Angela Kerns
Club Business
- Birthday wishes were sung to all our February Birthday Rotarians. Fines were also collected.
- The following Rotarians celebrated Rotary Anniversaries: Joe New (49), Collins Gooch (22), Bernie Cohen (14), Marilyn Gowen (7), Bob Batcher (4)
- Sigur Whitaker gave a short history of The Rotary International Foundation and presented Paul Harris pins to the following Rotarians: Joe New (+3), Bob Healy (+5), Collins Gooch (+7), Chris Bugg (+4), Hank Thompson (+1), Dave Charney (+2)
- Chris Flanagan was inducted into the club by President Jeff. Tom Ambler is his sponsor.
- ODU’s Rotoract Club is Tie Blanket party on February 9th from 5:30-7:30pm.
Happy Bucks & Fines
- Tom Koller and Chick Robison were congratulated by President Jeff for getting TowneBank as the Lead Sponsor for Suds & Buds.
- Bob Healy and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
- Chris Bugg thanked Ralph Peter for supporting Special Olympics at the annual Polar Plunge. Special Olympics is our partner for Suds & Buds this year along with Norfolk Botanical Garden.
- Rob Sult thanked the club for their support during his recent medical issues.
Next Meeting
February 13, 2024 at Norfolk Yacht – Our own Sally Hartman
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