Rolling Thunder & U.S. Vets Houston

Doug and Tracy McCarver visited with us this week to talk about Rolling Thunder and the U.S. Vets Houston Initiative.

Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a class 501 C-4 non-profit organization with over 80 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad. Our membership is comprised of men and women with 40-45% being non-veterans with the balance being veterans from all wars and peace-time. Although many of its members ride motorcycles, a person does not have to own or ride a motorcycle to be a member, just the time and willingness to be an advocate for our troops, veterans, and POW/MIA's.

The Houston area Chapter of Rolling Thunder has taken on the support of a very special local organization, U.S. VETS - Houston.

The U.S. VETS Houston Service Center provides basic outreach and referral services and a small career center for homeless and other veterans seeking assistance in the downtown Houston area. U.S.VETS has partnered with the Houston VA's Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program located in the adjacent offices to provide mental health assessments, medical screenings, substance abuse counseling, and information and referrals to community support programs in the heart of the city.

The U.S.VETS Houston Service Center and the VA Community Center are located on the ground floor of the DeGeorge SRO which is managed and operated by the Houston Housing Corporation. United States Veterans Initiative provides program support for the 100 "formerly" homeless veterans living in permanent housing in this facility.

The latest initiative is the remodeling of the old Holiday Inn on Main Street near Sears as an apartment complex to serve the needs of unemployed veterans and offer them rehab services and employment assistance.

U.S. VETS - Houston at Midtown Terrace has a 100 + beds available for homeless veterans. Their newest Houston U.S. VETS program, U.S. VETS - Houston at Midtown Terrace, is a unique property. Across the street from the light rail line, our collaborative efforts with the midtown business community, Goodwill Industries of Houston, Harris County, the City of Houston and the VA have netted everyone involved substantial benefits.

To learn more about Rolling Thunder visit: http://www.rollingthunder1.com

To learn more about U.S. VETS, please visit: http://www.usvetsinc.org

Guests, Visitors & Other Good News

Lawrence Sims was again a visitor with the club this week.

We had two new donors to the Rotary Foundation celebrated and "Lei 'ed" this week...from our club Greg Gregory was honored by Karen Blakeman, while Lawrence Sims, a newly proposed member, insisted in contributing to the Rotary Foundation as well. Way to go Lawrence!

District Conference - What Blast!

The District Conference, April 24-26, at Moody Gardens in Galveston was a real BLAST!

There were hundred of Rotarians and their spouses in attendance...but one of the most enjoyable treats were all of the Ambassadorial Scholars, Rotary Exchange Students and Group Study Exchange group members who were in attendance.

In attendance from Sharpstown were President-Elect Bill Landers, Secretary Ken Burgess and his wife Judy, Karen Blakeman and our Exchange Student Tammy Li, and Ken and Sabrina Marsh.

When it was time for the presentation of the Presidents-Elect, Bill Landers was accompanied down the aisle by Karen Blakeman. It was TERRIFIC!

District Assembly & Leadership Training - May 17

District Conference was great, celebrating the success of the Rotary year.

Now, we must prepare the 2008-09 club leaders for the new year. Get ready for another great District Assembly where next year's club leaders will receive specific training for their positions.

Past District Assemblies (aka Leadership Training Seminars) have included sessions covering:

• Fund Raising - How To's
• Membership Growth & Retention
• The Rotary Foundation - An Introduction
• Club Directors - How To Do The Job
• Matching Grants (District and Foundation Grants)
• Interact/Rotaract Clubs/RYLA
• Ambassadorial Scholars & Group Study Exchange
• Publicity & Promoting Rotary
• Public Speaking
• Special Session for Incoming Presidents
• Special Session for Incoming Treasurers
• Special Session for Incoming Secretaries

Mark your calendars for May 17th when the District Assembly & Leadership Training will be held at San Jacinto South. (location information to follow)

All Club Leaders are encouraged (ALL incoming officers and directors are EXPECTED) to make plans to attend the sessions and enjoy the great Leadership Training at this event. All club members can benefit from the training sessions...and it's a great way to meet other Rotarians in our District.

Coming Up At Rotary