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"Strengthening U.S. Defenses"
Former Secretary of Defense
William Perry

President Michael Moore called the meeting to order on time and promptly explained to all members who had not read the bulletin from last week, that he had the only copy.

The editor of the week jumped up and asked if it would be OK if we passed on a bulletin this week since the members hadn't had a chance to read the one from last week. Mike said to try again. Jim Valinoti, usually very faithful, should be back from vacation soon to do his editing duties. In the news business, timing is everything. (True, True -Ed J)

Pledge: Our long-time, well-loved waitress Doris, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. She was practicing for her US citizenship naturalization tomorrow at the Federal Court in San Francisco. Congratulations, Doris!

Rotary Moment:
When asked, Bill Dodson exclaimed, "what Rotary moment?" President Mike stepped in with reverent advice from Desert Storm General Norman Schwartzkopf.

Our Greeter:

New member Bill Jack introduced the visiting Rotarians again this week. He did so well that you will hear from him again…..and again……..and again…….(Thanks Jack! -Ed)

Doug Dilley had the early setup and late cleanup duties.

Bob Marigo did cashier duties until relieved by Jeri Arnold.

Joel Burdick handled ticket sales but when the tickets were drawn, Tarina Hall pulled the wrong one. While the rest of the county has a wine glut, we had none. Sadly, there was no bottle of wine for ticket holder number two.

Visitors:
Carolyn Fox introduced Steve Wright from Edward Jones & Co., and Joe Armstrong from Healdsburg, a friend of the speaker.

John Meislahn introduced Janet Conners from Exchange Bank.

Phil Talamantes brought business associate Terry Moran.

John Withers introduced guests Lee Perry, wife of the speaker, Pat Withers, Jean Schultz, Dean and Wendy James, Henry Trione and Dorothy Barnett.

Other guests of importance were there. Names available on demand.

Announcements:

Scott Bartley on the Bartley BBQ next Monday, September 23d, at the Ginny Pitts home and winery, 2192 Olivet Road. Setup help is needed about 3:00PM. Volunteers, please call Scott. All other Club members are due at 5:30PM. This is a members only event that is "mandatory", i.e. all members pay whether or not they can attend this highlight of the Rotary year.

Chris Parr about the Crab Feed committee.

Harry Rubens on Polio Plus.

Mary Farha about the Teen Center.

Roger Olson about the Pacific Coast Air Museum raffle.

Mike Mullins was modest but acknowledged that there will be a Golf Tournament in his honor him September 26th at 1:30 PM - Windsor Golf Club. The event will be only the third time that he has played golf!

Recognition:
Dave McDonald and Dennis Wilkinson were high bidders for the two Crab Feed ticket advertising spaces. So, the Crab Feed fund starts out $1,150 ahead. Thanks, guys!
Jim Sullivan, Phil Talamantes, Ken Prouty, Chuck Baker and Carson Mitchell donated $5.00 each in honor of their alma mater. Cal beat 17th ranked Michigan State on its home field so the Blue and Gold are now 3 and 0.

Robin Marrs is 64 and still looking fit. Only $5.00 for that milestone.

Program:

PDG John Withers introduced former Secretary of Defense Bill Perry, Stanford BS and MS, with a PhD from Penn State. He spent a number of years in creative businesses before moving to the Defense Department were he served as Undersecretary and Assistant Secretary for several administrations before being appointed Secretary of Defense.

Secretary Perry's timely topic was strengthening US defenses. He talked about World War Two where the Allied forces overwhelmed the Axis with shear might of men, tanks, aircraft and ships. He cited the US construction of 100,000 aircraft just in the year 1944 as an example. He added that technology played a part with stories about radar and radio interception/decryption.

Stalin understood that strength in men and machines led to victory. After World War Two, Stalin rebuilt his war machine while others disarmed. By the 1970s and the Cold War, the US recognized that meeting military quantity with quantity was not the way to go. Instead, the new approach would be a defense strategy of quality offsetting quantity.

Thus, was born Project Harvey (the invisible rabbit) that developed the stealth fighter and bomber (Secretary Perry's project). It took only four years from concept to operational. Other quality projects were smart bombs and battlefield intelligence systems that help the commander "see over the hill." Desert Storm was the first war where these new technologies were used and they helped crush a 500,000 man army in just five days.

The treats of war today are different. They are asymmetric. The enemy knows that he cannot overwhelm us with numbers of machines and men. He knows that he cannot overwhelm us with technology. His efforts are directed toward weapons of mass destruction that can be operated by very small groups. During the last decade we avoided a nuclear weapons program in North Korea by give and take through diplomacy. Iraq won't permit inspections and is clearly working on weapons of mass destruction and delivery systems. How will the United Nations and the United States respond?

Your Reporter: Ken Prouty

Your Editor: Jim Valinoti

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Changes or comments?

Contact Jim Valinoti at valinoti@sonic.net or (707) 829-2300.

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