Rotary commemorates 9/11 service men and women
The Rotary Club of Castle Pines hosted an event in September: 9/11 Remembered and Reevaluated. Held at Cielo at Castle Pines, Major General Jerry E. White was the guest of honor and spoke of his experience at the Pentagon on 9/11.
The Rotary Club of Castle Pines (RCCP) hosted Major General Jerry E. White at a September gathering: 9/11 Remembered and Reevaluated. The commemoration, held at Cielo at Castle Pines, celebrated the military career of General White and recognized the service men and women affected by the terrorist attack.
More than 70 guests attended, including community wide Rotary Club members, local high school students, veterans and members from the community.
“This was our first 9/11 Rotary Club event, and moving forward, I would like us to provide an annual veterans event,” expressed Dr. Ruth Shoemaker, president of RCCP.
White spoke of his firsthand experience while at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. He offered insights on the international relations in the Middle East, as well as the necessity of efficient intelligence sharing between government agencies; and, the importance of a continued reexamination of our country’s security challenges to prevent another 9/11 from occurring in the future.
“Never again,” was the sentiment White proclaimed to end his speech.
White has a Ph.D. in astronautics and served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 13 years, serving as a mission controller in Cape Kennedy, Florida (now Cape Canaveral). He taught astronautics at the Air Force Academy while also writing a widely recognized textbook on astrodynamics. In 1973, White resigned from active service and joined the Air Force Reserves, continuing to serve for 24 more years. Highly decorated, he retired from the Reserves in 1997 and lives in Colorado Springs.
The RCCP presented a check to White to give to his philanthropy of choice. With a lasting concern for wounded servicemen who were stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, White chose the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program as the beneficiary.
“I believe the attendees came away with great appreciation for military leaders who lay down their lives for the safety of our country. We were fortunate to have General White speak about his personal experience,” shared Ruth.
The RCCP is a volunteer organization of businessmen and women who meet monthly and are continuously welcoming new members. The organization works with local youth programs and provides international grants to help those in need. For more information, visit rotaryclubofcastlepines.org.
The Rotary Club of Castle Pines presented a check to Major General Jerry E. White to donate to the philanthropy of his choice, and he designated the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. Clockwise from left to right: Colonel Steven Gourley of the U.S. Air Force, Keith Platte (chairman of the RCCP Foundation Board) and White.
By Grace Caroline Roubidoux; photos courtesy of Dr. Ruth Shoemaker
