Colonel Parker Schenecker was a Senior Leader and Strategist in the United States Intelligence Community, responsible for support to US and Allied Defense and Counter-Terrorism efforts throughout the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. He finished his 31-year career at United States Central Command in Tampa, Florida with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and over 20 deployments to the Middle East and Africa. 

 

He has had the great fortune to work with and lead the best people America has to offer; individuals who swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and volunteer to put their lives on hold and put themselves at risk in defense of our way of life. 

 

However, his greatest joy had always been his children and their friends. Calyx and Beau Schenecker were his greatest achievements; young adults who epitomized love, honor, friendship and citizenship. Calyx -- the artist and runner. Beau -- the soccer player and Future Business Leaders of America advocate. Both with bright futures ahead. Wise beyond their years. Colonel Schenecker spent his personal time immersed in the lives and various activities of his children and their friends. 

 

That all came crashing down while on a time-sensitive deployment to Afghanistan. Calyx and Beau, his only children, were murdered by their mother while he was overseas. Immediately upon returning from deployment and after laying his children to rest, Parker made a promise -- to remember how his children lived, not how they died -- and began his philanthropic efforts in earnest. His nonprofit efforts provide Scholarship and Youth Character Development training and modeling.

 

His unique story of service, honor and resilience is inspiring. After 30+ years of government service, this great leader, role model and Dad has chosen to continue his service to society by focusing his efforts on Youth Character Development and Scholarship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several Addison Rotarians volunteered Thursday December 5 at the Trains at Northpark. For those of us who had to assist with the scavenger hunt, it was especially challenging! I dare you to go in person and find the Wonder Woman action figure in the multi-room display!  It is open through January 5.

 

 

We had a wonderful time volunteering at the Trains of Northpark.  It was wonderful to see all the families and the excited little kids. Thank you, Mike Pugh, for setting it up and to all who volunteered on Thursday, but over the weekend, when I was back at Northpark for the Angel Tree, there was a HUGE line to get into the Trains exhibit. Something to keep in mind next year for the Service Chair.

 

I am delighted to tell you that Chris Freis, Addison Chief of Police, who attended our meeting last week, submitted his application, which has been approved by the board, and Chris will be inducted into our club at our meeting this Friday!  Our club continues to grow!

 

I am testing a "donation link" on our website. I set up a Zeffy account which will allow us to accept credit card donations without any credit card processing fees. It will ask the donors to optionally pay the credit card fees, but they don't have to. Typically credit card fees are 2.5%-4%, so a zero fee is great!

 

Next week is a busy Rotary week -- holiday party on the 18th, board meeting on the 19th, and a casual non-program meeting on Friday. Rumor has it that Santa Claus will make a special appearance at our casual meeting. Feel free to bring any family members. Bring some stories to share.

 

I love our huge collection of Rotary flags. For a variety of reasons, it is difficult to display them at our meetings. I'd like to digitize them, catalog them, and display them on our website, in our weekly powerpoint, and other places. Anyone up for the arduous task to digitizing them?

 

 

 

 

John Gilchrist was recognized at last week's meeting for his work leading the club as President for two consecutive years recently. This is a tremendous responsibility that John stepped up voluntarily to do when needed. Thank you!

 

Last week we noted that the current president of Rotary International is a woman from Pennsylvania USA.  How many women have been President of Rotary International?