The Program:
We were honored to welcome Vice Admiral Paul Bennett, Chief of Staff for NATO. Both Rotarians Mal Branch and Michael Desplaines have nominated Vice Admiral Bennett and his wife Kay as their favorite couple from NATO.
Vice Admiral Bennett spoke to the global alliance of 29 countries (and soon to be 30 in 2020), plus 41 partner nations. NATO’s mission is “To contribute to preserving the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading the warfare development of military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines. The mission must enable NATO to meet its level of ambition and core missions.” To accomplish this mission, Allied Command Transformation is organized around four principal functions: strategic thinking, development of capabilities, education, training and exercises, and cooperation and engagement. Vice Admiral Bennett talked about how NATO works to solve disputes peacefully as global threats need global solutions. He went on to say that we may understand our own culture, but there are other perspectives to consider. NATO provides the conduit for representatives to work together and consider those solutions. Together NATO’s 20,000 service troops protect one billion people worldwide.
NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) is located in Mons, Belgium, is the headquarters for warfare development command. They provide the communications so that all 29 countries’ combined forces are coordinated by NATO to insure interoperability.
“Being in Norfolk is wonderful.” Vice Admiral Bennett expressed. NATO personnel as well as the senior ambassadors feel the support from the Hampton Roads area.
Questions:
If a European country was attacked, would the US be called upon to respond? There would be 29 countries, including the United States that are committed to respond to an attack on an allied nation with coordinated forces.
Cyber security within the Alliance is only as good as its weakest link. Is NATO working to combat cyber terrorism? Every nation knows that they are under attack (as nations). Every nation has their own cyber defense.
Does Great Britain’s Brexit make a difference to NATO? Brexit (a non-word) will only increase and strengthen the United Kingdom’s focus and in NATO.
What do you enjoy most about Norfolk? Vice Admiral Bennett thought that Norfolk (Portsmouth, etc) like their English named cities would not be attractive. He was pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed by the art, culture, opportunities and beauty of Hampton Roads.
President Lorna thanked Vice Admiral Bennett for his commitment and contributions to NATO.
The Meeting:
Chip Finch introduced our Rotarian visitors:
Dalton Dunbar – Ms. Kiger with CHKD; John McLemore – Frank Murphy (his brother-in-law); Chip Finch – Lynn Ramerez - a liason with the mayor’s office; and Dr. Bill Gough – Dr. Henry Butler, a perspective member.
Winston Whitehurst reported that Roger Flagg was doing well and would appreciate visitors. Fred Walker had surgery on February 20th at Virginia Beach General. Winston is trying to reach out to Bill Jonak. If you know how to contact him, please let Winston know so that Bill can be included in the Visitation calls.
Club Business:
Sigur Whitaker, Jim Kitz and John Padgett awarded Dr. John Burton Cameron his first Paul Harris Fellow pin and certificate; also Dr. Marilyn Gowen received her Paul Harris Fellow +3 pin.
The service for Jane Dembert, who passed away earlier this month, will be held on February 29th at 2:00pm at the Church of the Messiah in Chesapeake.
President Lorna read the resolution honoring the Rotary Club of Hampton Roads for their 40th years.
Happy Bucks:
- Mel Branch gave some happy bucks in honor of Jim Sell’s sermon celebrating his 50 years as an ordained minister in the Episcopal Church.
- Sigur Whitaker gave happy bucks in thanks for finished construction from the leak that affected her entryway and kitchen which occurred when she was in England with Christ and St. Luke’s choir.
- Michael Desplaines contributed happy bucks for Vice Admiral Paul Bennett for rearranging his schedule in order to be with us today.
- Jeff Wells donated happy bucks for his ski trip to Wintergreen and while he had the floor, he gave tickets to Vice Admiral Paul
- Jim O’Brien gave happy bucks for his Navy excursion.
- Jim Kitz contributed happy bucks as Army beat Duke in men’s basketball.
- Ben Mason gave happy bucks in honor of Lois Kercher for her enthusiasm and generosity in gathering a group of Rotarians to support the ODU Lady Monarchs.
- Lois Kercher reciprocated with happy bucks as 41 people joined her and the ODU Lady Monarchs won in overtime making them the #1 team in the conference.
Carlisle Wroton won the Daily Raffle with $12.00 and drew the four of Hearts not capturing the big pot of $688.
