Top
Guns: Mission 1 & All
by 2008/2009 Division 1 LTG Elana T. Gardner elangrdnr@aol.com
It took months of planning for a critical mission bringing together 110 K-family members from four divisions to
a) Welcome the 2008/2009
Capital District Governor Tom Ganse
b) Participate in a super- interclub multi-Division
Council Meeting
c) Receive vital intel for future district missions,
and, lastly
d) Have food and fun.
10/17/08 at 1930 hours:
Flight carrier: FOP Lodge #89 in Upper Marlboro, MD
Squad Wingmen: LTGs Elana "Firebird" Gardner (right), "Bob" Engelbach, Tom "Master" Masser & Millie "Mustang" Kriemelmeyer flew in tandem bringing with them Bubbas from 33 Kiwanis clubs, SLP LTG's Lyndsey (Metro CKI), John & Brent (Key Club Divisions 1 & 17) along with JO's from five clubs for one special evening united with a common goal to change the world one child and one community at a time.
Pre-flight pins were awarded. Kiwanis Rose Float pins for the first 40 "volunteers" and Alex's Lemonade Stand pins for the draftees. CAG PG & Int'l Trustee Candidate Jerome Peuler oversaw the colorful actions. Trustee Sirene offered a welcome, St. Mary's County President Robert Owen led the pledge, USO singer Dorothy Carroll of the PG County Club led "God Bless America" and our spirits were lifted by the prayerful offering of NW Kiwanian Chris Brewer.
Flight time at last! Conditions- CAVU. Gist family catering served up a delicious meal of fried or baked chicken, fried catfish, macaroni & cheese collard greens, cornbread with choice of apple or peach cobbler for dessert. PG John Tyner handled the work-ups in preparation for the flathatting performance by the KEB puppeteers of Vanessa Amorosi's "Absolutlely Everybody". FAST from Governor Tom (right) provided everyone with the intelligence needed to win the war that is being waged in the Capital District. It was clear that the days, weeks and months ahead hold many perilous challenges and battles for the Top Guns but that together we can- build, answer the call and bring back that lovin' feelin'. But before we could RTB the evening had some surprises. A birthday celebration for Governor Tom complete with a photo cake, Top Gun posters featuring our own maverick Governor Tom and what birthday party would be complete without presents. A camo neck tie, fruit basket, F-14 Super Tomcat (model), a My Kiwanis year photo album, club donations to the CPR Teddy Project and a US flag flown over the capitol building on 10/1/08 in honor of the Governor and his first day in office. After all the thrills of door prizes and 50/50 it was time to throttle back and PLG Dave Benway did the honors.
Bravo Zulu! I salute you 1 & all.