June 15 2011

NOTES FROM THE JUNE 15, 2011 MEETING OF THE ROTARY

                                                CLUB OF LAKE MURRY –IRMO

            The meeting was called to order by President Judy Johnson and the invocation was delivered by Dr. Ros Browning. Following the announcements, Lyman Whitehead presented a hilarious story during Health and Happiness. (One of his all time best, I must say.)

            The speaker for the day, Sergeant Major James “Mack” McDowell, was introduced by John Adair. A highly-decorated serviceman, SGM McDowell presented an informative narrative entitled “Service through Peacekeeping”. The New York native took us through his peacekeeping experiences in Nepal, the Gaza-Strip, New Orleans, Iraq and Afghanistan.

            Of particular interest were McDowell’s efforts to aid Afghan farmers in their quest to obtain and grow saffron (a spice) as a cash crop instead of poppy. For his efforts SGM McDowell was named a CNN Hero for 2007.

            Following SGM McDowell’s presentation, the meeting was adjourned