Many individuals join Kiwanis clubs specifically because we are an international
organization with a global mission-that lofty goal of changing
the world one child and one community at a time. To this
point, with a few notable exceptions, our Capital District
clubs seem to have focused on local efforts directed toward
helping our own children and communities. This is commendable,
but it does not address the incredible needs of children
worldwide...Accordingly,
our District Committee on International Understanding has
decided to pursue a new approach
to achieving our global mission. We have selected Africa because its needs are great and most of us know extremely
little about this part of the world...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.
