The Wheel for November 9, 2017
Listen To Colonel David M. Bissonnette – United States Air Force
The Wheel
Colonel David M. Bissonnette – United States Air Force
Colonel David M. Bissonnette is the Vice Commander, 432d Wing and 432d Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), Creech Air Force Base, Nev. He is responsible for all operations and maintenance of the Air Force’s first Remotely Piloted Aircraft wing, equipped with more than 130 MQ-1B Predator, MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-170 Sentinel remotely piloted aircraft. The 432d Wing trains pilots, sensor operators, and other crewmembers, and conducts persistent attack and reconnaissance combat operations worldwide. As the 432 WG Vice Commander, he leads more than 2,500 active duty, government civilians, and contract personnel in three groups and the wing staff. In addition, as the 432 AEW Vice Commander, he assists in the execution of operational authorities for the Combined Forces and Joint Forces Air Component Commanders for 432d Wing units as well as twelve Air National Guard combat MQ-1B and MQ-9 units across the United States.
Colonel Bissonnette was commissioned in 1992 as an ROTC graduate of Princeton University. He has served in a variety of operational flying, staff and command assignments at the squadron, group, numbered air force and joint levels. He was the Deputy Commander of the 432d Operations Group, Commander of the 432d Operations Support Squadron and served as the Director of Operations of the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance and the 15th Reconnaissance Squadrons and a student at the National War College at Ft. McNair, Washington, D.C. Most recently, he served as the Chief of the United States Forces Korea and Combined Forces Command’s Joint Operations Coordination Element, and was the primary operations liaison element within the Republic of Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Colonel Bissonnette is a command pilot with more than 3,500 total flying hours in the MQ-1, MC-12, F-15 C/D, and B-52H, including over 400 combat hours in Operations DESERT FOX, NOBLE EAGLE, SOUTHERN and NORTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM and UNIFIED PROTECTOR.
Message From The President
“Mighty Thor” PP Dave Thorson back in charge!!
Member Highlights
Scribe – November 2, 2017
- President Michael Gordon called the meeting to order.
- Francesca Gilbert gave the invocation. Jerry Engel and Ted McAdam led the club in a lively concurrent singing of “America The Beautiful” and “God Bless America”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Sergeant At Arms was Jimmelle Siarot
- PP Russ Swain led the club in the Four-Way Test.
- There were (3) International Rotarians, (2) visiting Rotarians and (4) Guests of Rotarians introduced.
- The drawing began at $933 plus this week’s donations. The Ticket Winner was Matt Nelson who won $10 and the Lawry’s Bucks Winner was Paul Maffey. An extra bonus raffle of 4 tickets to the Union Plaza show ‘Scintas” was won by PP Randy Campanale.
- President Michael Gordon announced $151 was raised from the Polio Pig last week.
- Erik Astramecki shared the success of the Halloween Party/Canned Food Drive which raised more than $5,500 total for the canned food drive from auction and raffle prizes.
- LVRF President Larry Rouse provided ‘plain talk’ of how to make a gift to the LV Rotary Foundation, including collectibles, stock, charitable remainder trusts, life insurance beneficiaries, in addition to monetary donations. A Motion was made and seconded to accept/adopt the proposed revisions to the Club Constitution, By-Laws, and Resolutions.
- Marie Walsh reminded club members that volunteers are needed for Breakfast With Books on November 14. Jackie Thornhill announced the 4th Quarter Wetzel Awards Program is scheduled for November 30th at 2:30 p.m. PP Jim Hunt reminded club members this year’s Santa Clothes Program will have by far the most number of children participating (364) and that many shoppers are still needed. The program is well underway with cookies, sports balls, wooden toys, and backpacks, among other things, being obtained for the event. Janice Lencke shared the special touches being provided by Treasure Island for our Holiday Party to make it an amazing evening for us.
- President Michael Gordon led an ambitious auction of two Plaza Seat tickets to the National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center donated by prior speaker Pat Christenson of Las Vegas Events, going to PP Steve Casey for $350. This was followed by a generous donation of an additional two pairs of two, Row C, Center seat tickets to the NFR by PP Tom Thomas that raised $425 for each pair of tickets won by Bob Brinton and Francesca Gilbert!
- Bob Fisher advised he and Major Randy Kinnamon have had discussions on how to help hospital personnel involved in the care of October 1st victims and their families which includes allocation of financial resources for professional counseling and additional help to the Salvation Army to gather about 5,000 toys for children for the holidays. The toys will be collected over 3 consecutive weeks for ultimate set up/distribution December 13-16. Average cost per toy is $15-$20. Further details will be forthcoming.
- Sidra Kain introduced our speaker program, John Case, retired geotechnical engineer. Mr. Case discussed his passion for the Yucca Mountain project, dealing with the sensitive and important issue of a repository for spent fuel and high-level nuclear waste. He shared the legal challenges and new legislation for disposal of high-level waste.
- President Michael Gordon presented our speaker with a “Share What You Can” award to benefit a veteran in need and then adjourned the meeting.