FRIDAY, February 12, 2010 MEETING NOTES Volume 44, Issue 19
We had 23 Optimists & guests today. Besides our speakers, we had Steve Yunck as Charlie Clark’s guest. The Mystery Greeter was Milt Rewey who greeted Charlie Clark. John Dutcher, John Urness, Tom Nall, Hap Daus, Holly Cook, Ernie Thalmann, Maxine Lane and Charlie Clark wore their Optimist shirts today.
Today’s Speakers – Cody Brigman and Charles Maseagni – UW-P Veterans Club
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Here are Cody Brigman and Charles Maseagni from the UW-P Veterans Club. Cody is the President of the Club and Charles is a member. Cody gave a little history. The club started in 1961 and had an office on campus for 20 years. In 2006 they re-formed the club to deal with the growing number of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan wars on campus. They estimate there are over 250 veterans on campus. They have 4 members who are currently deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan and some members have served 4 tours! The core group that started the club is graduating and they want to ensure it is still there for the veterans who come after them. |
The club tries to deal with the red tape for veterans trying to get their benefits; they network with the VFW and Chamber of Commerce in their Welcome Home efforts. They also sponsor fundraisers for the local Family Support Group. This is a group of spouses and family members of service members who are deployed. They give each other support during the deployment of their loved ones. Cody said that he served 4 years in the Navy as a Gunners Mate 2nd Class. He is a Biology Major with an Education emphasis. He said they join the club to help each other cope. Some veterans have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and some have drinking problems. Now the term is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) for those who have the after-effects of severe concussions. For example, it takes these people twice as long to do tests. |
Charles is a 7 year Army veteran and was a Sergeant in the Signal Corps. He was deployed to Kuwait twice. The club allows him to talk about his experiences. Unfortunately his wife has a hard time understanding the stress of the deployments. He is studying Industrial Technology. They both say that they look at life differently. Voting is a responsibility. To be born-free is a privilege, but to live free is an honor. Unfortunately Vietnam veterans were looked down upon, while today’s veterans are viewed better. Not all campuses have a club. UW-P was named one of the top 20 Univeristies in the US to support veterans. Thanks for the wonderful speech! |
This Friday - Coach Gard + 4 – UW-P Basketball
UPCOMING EVENTSMarch 13 - Tri-Star Basketball - Armory |
UPCOMING SPEAKERSFebruary 26 – John Urness - History of Computers March 5 – Ron Weier & Charlie Clark - Census 2010 |
JOKER DRAWEileen Engelke was the lucky one selected. She drew the Queen of Diamonds and won $2. Good Luck to next week’s winner. BOARD MEETING RESULTSThe Board recommended that they do NOT allow links from our web site to any but activities associated with the Club, Zone and District.
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MISCELLANEOUSWe collected $115.50 from the Childhood Cancer Campaign donation box at Mound City Bank.
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SWIS CONFERENCESWIS District held its 2nd Quarter Conference in Whitewater on Feb 5 & 6. They spotlighted a demo from the Whitewater wheelchair basketball team. They had Latin dancers from the High School and poets from the University put on performances. TRI-STAR BASKETBALLThe District Tri-Star Basketball contest will be on March 20. Our Tri-Star Basketball competition will be on Saturday March 13, at the Armory, the week before the SWIS District competition. BOARD MEETINGThe next Board Meeting will be on Thursday, March 11th at 7 AM at Badger Brothers. |
Optimist International | SWIS District | Platteville, Wisconsin--Information
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Last Modified: March 7, 2010