A timely patriotic message this week reminds us to honor those who serve our country, past and present. Jack Barnes, from America Supports You Texas shared the details of what that organization does in our area, including the Honor Flight. Jack showed highlights of the Honor Flight that takes over 150 veterans from WWII (including our own Eddie Melin ), the Korean War and the Vietnam War to Washington, D.C. There are over 31,000 veterans in the Texas Panhandle - 3,500 of those served in WWII. The organization is taking applications now for two upcoming flights this fall.

Richard Tippit, along with his wife, Brenda were guests of the club.The newlyweds were our lastest Hold Up friends caught at the Texas Travel Info Center as they were traveling "around" (and the 4th Hold Up participants this year to join us for lunch the next day). Richard shared with the Club that being stopped was a "work of God" and that Amarillo was a "beautiful city" that he and Brenda plan to adopt as their second home. We appreciate Bob and Laurel Gerald for hosting these visitors from Piggott, Ark., for dinner and a showing of "Texas." Other guests include Darrel Scott, guest of Doyle Moore and Dr. Tom Gerald, guest of Dr. Bob Gerald.

Johnny Crowley presented his mini-classification talk, telling us of his life training as the 4th out of 5 siblings - and the only boy. Johnny shared how he went from all sisters to a wife and 2 daughters, yet felt that his upbringing had him prepared for just about anything. He also told us about attending WTSU and then going back and forth between banking and CPA work in Amarillo and Santa Fe. He is settled back now at Amarillo National Bank. Thanks, Johnny, and welcome once again to the Rotary Club of Amarillo. We're glad you're with us.

Guest Darrel Scott got the lucky ticket for the drawing but missed the Ace of Spades, while David Walvoord walked away with the prized Edes beef jerky.

Grateful thanks go to:

Doyle Moore, song leader.

Gay Chalfant, pianist.

David Ellis, July program chair

Paul Borchardt, invocation.

Shara Hinchey, introducing guests and visiting Rotarians.

Dale Bippus and Jeff Neely, greeters.

Valerie Fulkerson, selling tickets.

And thanks go to Club President-Elect John Early for running the meeting.