Sonny started the meeting introducing Dan Ciuffreda.

Kevin announced the next Social will be at A Taste of Europe on 5/1. Theme "A Day at the Race". Time TBD.

Kristin stated we received a $2,400 donation for our volunteering at Wing Fest.

It was reported we made $4,200 for the popcorn wagon at the Heritage.

John stated he has his square so if anyone wanted to pay their dues today he could take care of it.

Greg stated we are in need of a member or two to attend the Rotary Spring Assembly on 5/3. We are being recognized for our club membership growth.

Suzi collected Happy Dollars then introduced Don Furtado.

Don attended UNC Chapel Hill on a Navy scholarship and after graduation served as an Underwater Demolition Team Officer (now known as the SEALS). He also graduated as the honor man in his BUD/S training class (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) and his Army Airborne (parachute) training class. Upon completion of his active duty service, he continued his special operations activities in the Navy Reserve. 

Don studied International Law at the University of Sidney, Australia, as a Rotary International Fellow and received his Law Degree from Yale. His extensive work history is very impressive, and includes working as a White House Fellow working for the Special Counsel to the President of the United States. He is the author of 3 novels, Copperhead Creek (which takes place in a small town near Port Royal Sound), The Narrows, and The Cut.

Don shared the history of the Navy SEALS, which started in the 1950's, thanks to the use of scuba gear. The Army was opposed to the Navy being involved in anything crossing shoreline because that was the Marine's job. Don was a part of the original 3 Underwater Demolition Teams after originally being assigned to an Aircraft Carrier. The SEALS was formally started in 1962 and today there are 8 SEAL Teams - 5 in Coronado, CA and 3 in Little Creek, VA, where Don was stationed. There are a total of 16 men per Team (2, 8 man squads with a total of 2,000 members) but 8,000 War Com support members (Navy Special Warfare Command). There have been no female SEALS to date. It is extremely difficult to become a Navy SEAL due to rigorous training - only the best of the best make it. A typical class will start with 100 prequalified Navy men but only about 15 of those will pass training to become a SEAL. Upon passing the SEAL qualification training, the SEAL will immediately be assigned to a SEAL team. 

He was a fascinating guest speaker and everyone enjoyed his presentation.

 

There was no meeting on April 16 th as the club was busy all week at RBC Heritage.  We manned a Concession Stand and also sold fresh popped popcorn from our world famous antique popcorn wagon.

 

 

 

Our speaker at the April  9th meeting was Lisa Sulka

 

 

Lisa spoke about many things, Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and being mayor of Bluffton.  She moved to Bluffton from Hilton Head Island, where she had a sea shell shop when it was "Ones in Bluffton":  1 bank, 1 square mile, 1 police officer, 1 restaurant with 732 residents.  My how the town has grown, and she was able to provide us history, stories, and the benefit of her first hand experience. Dynamic lady.