MEMORANDUM
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
LARRY SUNDRAM
STARTING A ROTARY CLUB ON A MILITARY BASE
NOVEMBER 5, 2013
There are many reasons why it makes sense to create new military-affiliated Rotary clubs:





Rotarians believe in Service Above Self; the military is about service beyond self.
Rotary is guided by the Four Way Test; the military believes in an Honor Code. The Navy’s motto is
Honor-Courage-Commitment. USMC motto is Semper Fidelis - (Always faithful).
Rotary supports youth leadership through RYLA and related youth programs; the military has Centers of
Excellence in Leadership development for America’s youth to become the leaders of tomorrow.
Analogous to RYLA is USMC’s Devil Pups and Navy League’s Sea Cadets.
Rotary tries to make the world a better place; the US Navy is a Global Force for Good;
Rotarians are patriotic; military personnel have to be patriotic to serve the country in harm’s way, to make
the ultimate sacrifice.
The love of country, the value of service, the bonds of friendship and doing good resonate with both
organizations.
A.
Background
There are currently 4 military Rotary clubs in Zones 26/25 - three are located on or near a military base and one is
an E-Club. The purpose of this memo is to outline some considerations for establishing a military affiliated Rotary
clubs in Zones 25/26. At the end of this memo there is a list of exhibits that can be helpful.
Similarities between Rotary and the Military
1) Rotary Clubs on military bases are similar to Rotary Clubs elsewhere but each base can be unique based on
the branch of military service, its location, its mission, the commander’s experience, knowledge, and
background, etc.
2) Military personnel are service oriented – even more so than the typical club member. Their service
orientation makes them responsive to credible offers of service from other service organizations such as the
Red Cross, USO, Army Navy Relief, Rotary and others.
3) Military personnel appreciate rules. They live with them every day.
4) They value organizations with a history and broad reach. Rotary meets those requirements – even if a
specific military commander has never heard of Rotary.
1
5) Structure. A base commander is like the Mayor of a small town with specific duties and many ceremonial
functions.
A. Differences
I.
Security. Rotary Clubs need a meeting want place where potential members and Rotarians from other clubs
can visit. Access to military bases can be difficult but there are ways to work through the issues.
II.
Hierarchy. Rotarians like talking to each other on a first name basis. Military personnel are more
comfortable dealing with people of similar rank. Imagine a Rotary club where a member who is a General
makes a proposal and then calls for a vote. It would be a rare corporal or captain who would vote against
their general. On the other hand it is hard to imagine recruiting active duty or civilian workers on military
base without the support of the base commander.
III.
Contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Most military people contribute to charity through payroll
deductions. However, getting payroll deductions transferred to The Rotary Foundation and then credited to
individual members requires the patience of Job.
IV.
Structure. The base commander may be like a Town Mayor but he/she has expensive toys and at times can
act like a dictator.
In order to be successful in starting a new Rotary club it is important to listen carefully and to be thoughtful and
balanced in reaction and response.
B.
Steps in Starting a Military-based Rotary Club
1. After you have identified the base where you would like to start a Rotary club, the most important thing
is to find a Rotarian that meets the following characteristics:



A Veteran from the same branch of service (Army, Navy, etc.)
A retired officer – preferably, who retired at the same rank (or higher) than the current base
commander
A Rotarian who is passionate about improving service to military families
2. Ask the Vet to arrange a meeting with the base commander. If the vet is of a lower rank than the base
commander the first meeting may be with the commander’s Executive Officer (XO). The most
productive meetings are peer to peer. (Colonel to Colonel or 6 to 6 in military-speak). Experience
indicates that Generals tend to accept DGs and PDGs as peers.
3. The suggested agenda for the first meeting – no more than 30 minutes.
 Be on Time
 Have written agenda
 Discussion Outline (main points)
 Rotary likes to serve the men and women of the armed services
 We bring tangible community support to military families and improve family morale
 We stay within regulations and Commanders see us as effective “force-extension”
2





Rotary has been doing service for over 100 years.
We have lots of former military among our members all over the world
Describe the types of services projects military clubs have done (see exhibits)
“Sir, we would like your active support in building a vibrant club here on the base”.
“We would be happy to meet with your staff to discuss next steps such as “aligning our
goals with yours, developing a communication strategy, identifying a place to meet, etc.”
 “We will get your sign-off before we do anything”. Who should we work with to start
the process?”.
 Write and confirm the main points discussed. If possible, confirm that you will be working
through the person identified.
4. Key Success Factors:
 Club Membership – a healthy mix of the following:
 Active Duty – enlisted and officers – (expect high turnover)
 Active duty spouses – (ditto)
 Civilian workers on the military base
 Retired military who live in the surrounding community
 Civilians from neighboring communities – active and retired
 One or two senior district Rotarians commit to joining this club and to keeping it on
track
 A signature fundraising event.to attracts funds from surrounding communities (not
military personnel). One of the current military clubs has branded their event “Dancing
with Heroes”. It resonates with the community and the military.
 Consistent focus on service projects that help families
For Districts that are interested, Zone support is available in the form of consultation and in-person assistance.
Please contact the writer for more information.
Contact: Larry Sundram – 760-533-6362 : larrysundram@gmail.com
EXHIBITS:




Typical Projects done by Rotary Clubs affiliated with the Military
Potential locations for new Rotary Clubs, by District (excuse any errors)
Organizing New Clubs – RI’s document that provides forms and instruction
List of all the military facilities in Zones 25/26
3
TYPICAL PROJECTS DONE BY MILITARY CLUBS
Support for Deployed Troops





Supported homecomings for returning troops
Shipped “care” packages with letters from school children during holidays
Shipped 500 Eyeglasses to Iraq to improve community relations
Shipped soccer balls, backpacks, and stuffed animals to Iraq for community relations
Provided information on portable generators for solar an emergency power in Iraq
Support for Active Military















Free furniture transfers from Senior Living to Marine Families
Volunteer at the Thrift shop - one meeting a month
Donate motorized wheelchairs to the Wounded Warriors
Institute programs to recognize outstanding Marines once a month
Single Marine BBQ
Run Golf tournaments for Non-commissioned Officers
Present the Peacemaker award
Make contributions to the Heroes Fund
Rotarians at Work Day – built horseshoe pits, BBQ and painted benches
Contribute to swords for the Corporal school
Hold live videoconferences for deployed troop and their families on Valentine’s Day
Sponsor inter-company football games
Sponsor football games between Police and Marines.
Made a donation to a bridge in Kabul
Refurbish base theater
Family and morale support















Contribute to Halloween party for kids
Partner with other Rotary Club on expanding base thrift store for Navy-Marine Relief organization
Work at booth on Volunteer Day on base
Procure turkeys and hams for battalions for Christmas parties
Conduct Fundraisers
Contribute to the YMCA Secret Santa program
Sponsor students for leadership training e.g. RYLA
Grant Rotary Club Scholarships to Marine spouses
Contribute gift cards and gas cards to Marines with hospitalized children at Christmas
Contribute prizes for the Enlisted Wives Club
Clean-up and paint around the base
Provide picnic table for the Mary Fay School on the base
Contribute to Family Violence seminars
Built a Memorial Wall with the names of the fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan
Built a Memorial Garden for services and a place to grieve.
4
POTENTIAL MILITARY CLUBS, BY DISTRICT













5000
o
o
o
o
5030
o
o
o
o
5170
o
5220
o
5240
o
o
5280
o
5300
o
o
o
o
o
5320
5330
o
o
5340
o
5490
o
5500
o
o
o
5510
Pearl Harbor Naval Base
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
NAS Kaneohe
Schofield Barracks (USMC), etc.
Bangor/Bremerton bases & Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
Naval Station Everett,
NAS Whidbey Island,
Canadian armed forces base, Esquimalt, BC
Oakland Naval Base
NAS Lemoore
Port Hueneme - Naval Surface Warfare Center,
Vandenberg AFB
Los Angeles AFB
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake,
Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base,
Nellis AFB,
NAS Fallon in Nevada
Fort Irwin (near Barstow).
March AFRB,
29 Palms Marine Combat Training Center
El Centro - NAF El Centro
Luke AFB
MCAS Yuma,
Fort Huachuca
Davis-Monthan AFB
5
MILITARY FACILITIES IN ZONES 25/26
ARIZONA
AIR FORCE BASES
Barry M. Goldwater Range
Phoenix, Arizona
Comments
Located relatively close to the Mexican borders, Barry M. Goldwater Range is used for bombing exercises by the Air
Force and the Marine Corps. The planes used for training include the powerful A 10, F 16, F 18 and AV BB Harrier.
T...
Davis-Monthan AFB
Tucson, Arizona
Comments
Davis-Monthan AFB Arizona is one of the most active military bases in the United States. It is operated by the Air
Force and located within the city limits of Tucson. The objective of this base is simple – it constantly trains p...
Luke AFB
Glendale, Arizona
Comments
Luke AFB is an Air Force operated base close to Phoenix and Glendale. It is one of the largest bases in the world
and the only one out there that can successfully train F-16 Falcon pilots. It has more than 200 units available for ...
ARMY BASES
6
Camp Navajo
Flagstaff, Arizona
Comments
Camp Navajo, Arizona is currently the largest, most important and general base in the state. With a rich history and
a lot of objectives in time, the base has grown to become a full and complete training site. It is 114.3 square k...
Fort Huachuca
Cochise, Arizona
Comments
Camp Huachuca was built in 1877 to defend against the Chiricahua Apaches and to guard the Mexican border. It
was renamed Fort Huachuca in 1882. Geronimo’s 1886 surrender ended the Apache resistance, but the fort
remained because...
Yuma Proving Ground
Yuma County, Arizona
Comments
Yuma Proving Ground covers almost 3400 square km and spreads over two counties – Yuma and La Paz. It is
located in the southern side of Arizona and represents one of the widest military bases in the world. It is so wide to
give ...
MARINE CORPS BASES
MCAS Yuma
Yuma, Arizona
Comments
MCAS Yuma, Arizona is located 3 km from Yuma and spreads over 3000 acres. The military base is close to the
Yuma international airport, wherewith it shares some facilities. Most of the base area is plain desert wilderness. It
supp...
7
8
CALIFORNIA
AIR FORCE BASES
Beale AFB
Marysville, California
Comments (6)
Beale AFB California is rich in culture and history and is considered across America as the most popular show place
in the United States Air Force, housing the most technologically advanced equipment and aircrafts in the world. Th...
Edwards AFB
Edwards, California
Comments (0)
Edwards Air Force Base has been host to some of the most extensive aircraft testing in the United States. While the
base started out humbly, it now has much acclaim. History of Edwards The area surrounding what we now know as
the ...
Los Angeles AFB
El Segundo, California
Comments (2)
Los Angeles Air Force Base is located in El Segundo, California. The base is located very near the Los Angeles
Airport. The base is garrisoned by the 61st Air Base Wing, and is home to the Air Force Space Command’s Missile
S...
March Air Reserve Base
Riverside, California
9
Comments (0)
March Air Reserve Base is one of the oldest military camps established in the United States, with its history
beginnings dating back to 1918. It is located in the southern part of the state, between Moreno Valley and Riverside.
Du...
McClellan AFB
Sacramento, California
Comments (2)
Sacramento offers a wide variety of museums: from aircraft and aerospace museums to railroad, art and of course
history. The number of temporary and permanent museums in the area will generally pique the interest, and one of
the m...
Travis AFB
Fairfield, California
Comments (0)
All of the air force military bases located all over the United States and even the whole world have long and
treasured histories that not only contribute to the continued success of each military installations but also adds to
th...
Vandenberg AFB
Lompoc, California
Comments (0)
Vadenberg AFB is located close to Lompoc and under the ruling of the AFSC (Air Force Space Command). It is
named in the memory of General Hoyt S. Vandenberg. It is one of the most important bases on the US territory due
to its adv...
ARMY BASES
10
Camp Parks (PRFTA)
Dublin, California
Comments (4)
Camp Parks (PRFTA) is one of the less active bases within the United States, but one of the oldest ones in the
area. Located in the eastern side of San Francisco, the base can be described as a sleeping giant. It is currently
semi...
Fort Hunter Liggett
Monterey, California
Comments (4)
There are hundreds of military bases scattered all throughout the United States as well as many other countries.
They are owned and operated by each of the five branches of the military. Among these bases is Fort Hunter
Liggett, o...
Fort Irwin
Barstow, California
Comments (9)
Fort Irwin has a rich and varied history that goes back almost 15,000 years. It is believed that the Native Americans
of the Lake Mojave Period lived in the area, though the first recorded Native American settlements and pioneer e...
Presidio of Monterey
Monterey, California
Comments (1)
Presidio of Monterey, California is an active military base in Monterey run by the US Army. It is among the oldest in
the area and has tight connection with the Spanish times. History The Spanish orders were clear in the 18-th cen...
COAST GUARD BASES
ISC Alameda
11
Alameda, California
Comments (0)
Integrated Support Command Alameda is a wide installation located in the western part of California, in Alameda.
The base belongs to the United States Coast Guard. It is located on a small island that can also be accessed
through ...
TRACEN Petaluma
Petaluma, California
Comments (0)
TRACEN Petaluma is one of the three training sites operated by the United States Coast Guard to educate and
improve the skills of its military units. The other two centers are located in Virginia and New Jersey. The one in
Petalum...
MARINE CORPS BASES
Camp Pendleton
San Diego, California
Comments (2)
Camp Pendleton, California is the most important base located on the western side of the United States. It is the
base with the most ambitious, intense and successful amphibious training activities. Located close to the ocean in
S...
MCAS Miramar
San Diego, California
Comments (0)
MCAS Miramar, California is located about 15 km from San Diego and is operated by the US Marine Corps. The
airfield the base hosts is named in the honor of M. A. Mitscher, a courageous commander who led during World War
II. If the...
12
MCLB Barstow
Barstow, California
Comments (0)
Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow is located in the immediate proximity – only 6 kilometers – of the city with the
same name, in the southern part of California. The installation is run by the United States Marine Corps. It ...
MCRD San Diego
San Diego, California
Comments (0)
The Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego is one of the largest training centers in the world. It deals with the
recruitment and training of all the interested males living in the western side of the Mississippi River. More than 20...
Mountain Training Center
Pickel Meadows, California
Comments (2)
Mountain Training Center is a military facility located in a hardly accessible area in California. It is located in the
Tolyabe Forest, about 30 kilometers away from Bridgeport. The base was established with the clear purpose to t...
Twentynine Palms
Twentynine Palms, California
Comments (1)
Twentynine Palms, California – also known as MCAGCC (Combat Center) – is run by the Marine Corps and located
in the San Bernardino County. By the 2010 census, the base hosted 8413 individuals. The terrain consists of small,
ye...
NAVY BASES
Chocolate Mountain Range
Chocolate Mountains, California
13
Comments (2)
Chocolate Mountain Range is one of the widest and most important training sites in the United States of America.
The range covers not less than 1850 square kilometers and is about 30 kilometers in breadth and 75 kilometers in
leng...
NAS Lemoore
Lemoore, California
Comments (0)
NAS Lemoore, California is located in the central part of the state and covers two counties – Fresno and Kings. A
small part of it – the Lemoore station – is one of the few military based census designated areas. The militar...
NAS Point Mugu
Point Mugu, California
Comments (1)
Naval Air Station Point Mugu is one of the military bases established in the United States of America that no longer
operate as independent bases. The air station is located in the southwestern side of California, in Ventura Count...
Naval Air Facility El Centro
El Centro, California
Comments (1)
Naval Air Facility El Centro is one of the multitude of military bases located in California. It was established in the
southern part of the state, in Imperial County, only about 10 kilometers away from El Centro. The base is actu...
Naval Base Coronado
San Diego, California
Comments (3)
Naval Base Coronado is located over the San Diego bay and operated by the US Navy. The base was built on
Silver Strand, close to the Pacific Ocean. It is an important and vital base for the US Navy due to hosting around 30
tenant ...
14
Naval Battalion Center
Port Hueneme, California
Comments (0)
Naval Battalion Center is the main source and official name for the best civil engineers in the United States Navy.
The professionals working in this group are generally referred to as the Seabees. In fact, this name is actually m...
Naval Hospital Pendleton
Camp Pendleton, California
Comments (0)
Naval Hospital Pendleton is among the ramified network of medical facilities operated and owned by the United
States Navy in the United States of America. The US Navy is probably the military field with the largest such
network in...
Naval Medical Center
San Diego, California
Comments (0)
Coming as one of the dozens of military installations of California, Naval Medical Center California is one of the
most complete facilities and benefits from some of the latest technologies in the medical world. The center is more...
Naval Postgraduate School
Monterey, California
Comments (0)
Naval Postgraduate School is one of the accredited institutions owned and run by the United States Navy. The
university is based on research studies exclusively. It was established in Monterey, right on the western side of
Califor...
15
NAWS China Lake
China Lake, California
Comments (1)
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake is established in the western part of the Mojave Desert area of California,
unlike most expectations. Whenever they run into this name, people automatically think it has something to do with
Ch...
North Island Naval Complex
San Diego, California
Comments (0)
North Island Naval Complex is among the largest and most significant military facilities the United States Navy
controls and owns. The place was established in San Diego Bay, on the northern part of Coronado peninsula. It is
one o...
NS San Diego
San Diego, California
Comments (0)
Naval Station San Diego is one of the multitude of military bases in California owned and operated by the United
States Navy. In fact, this is the largest one located on the West Coast. It is the base with the most important opera...
NWS Seal Beach
Seal Beach, California
Comments (0)
Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach is one of the military facilities with multiple detachments. It is located in Seal
Beach, in the southwestern part of California. All of its three detachments are located in the same state, in San ...
Point Loma Navy Base
San Diego, California
Comments (0)
16
Although it was officially opened in the ’60s, Point Loma Navy Base has been reestablished, renovated and
reopened in the autumn of 1998. The event came as a new beginning for the base. It is among the youngest military
faci...
HAWAII
AIR FORCE BASES
Bellows Air Force Station
Waimanalo, Hawaii
Comments (0)
Bellows Air Force Station is one of the oldest bases in the United States, established in 1917 and initially called
Waimanalo. Although it has a rich past, its present days are not that glorious from a military point of view. Thes...
Hickam AFB
Honolulu, Hawaii
Comments (2)
The base is often called Hickam Air Force Base, however, an official name change was made in 2010. At that time,
Naval Station Pearl Harbor joined with Hickam in accordance with the Base Realignment and Closure Law. The
2005 law r...
ARMY BASES
Fort Shafter
Honolulu, Hawaii
Comments (12)
17
Fort Shafter is a United States military base in Honolulu, Hawaii. Fort Shafter was established by the Army on June
22, 1907. The base is listed as a National Historic Landmark, and is recognized by the National Register of Hist...
Schofield Barracks
Oahu, Hawaii
Comments (8)
Schofield Barracks is the largest Army post in Hawaii. It was named in honor of LTG John M. Schofield, who
recognized the strategic importance of Oahu to the defense of the United States in 1872. Construction on the
Barracks began...
Tripler Medical Center
Honolulu, Hawaii
Comments (2)
Tripler Medical Center is located in Hawaii and is the widest and most important hospital operated in the Pacific
Rim. It can be seen from any place of Honolulu due to its impressive pink coral appearance. At the same time, it
has...
COAST GUARD BASES
Station Maui
Wailuku, Hawaii
Comments (2)
Station Maui is among the important and most active military installations run and operated by the United States
Coast Guard. That is because it hosts a few units of the 14-th District. The 14-th District is the largest division i...
USCG ISC Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
Comments (0)
18
USCG ISC Honolulu – Integrated Support Command – is one of the major military facilities operated by the United
States Coast Guard in Honolulu, Hawaii. The unit has a major role on the island. Its headquarters is located in th...
MARINE CORPS BASES
MCB Hawaii
Kaneohe, Hawaii
Comments (0)
MCB Hawaii is an American military base located in the Mokapu Peninsula of Honolulu. According to a census of
2000, there were a little under 12,000 inhabitants of the base. The base hosted sailors and Marines, not to mention
abou...
NAVY BASES
Barking Sands Missile Range
Kekaha, Hawaii
Comments (3)
Barking Sands Missile Range is by far one of the most important military facilities controlled by the United States
Navy. The facility includes an actual military base and an airfield. It is located in Hawaii, in Kaual County. Its...
NCTAMS PAC
Wahiawa, Hawaii
Comments (0)
NCTAMS PAC is responsible for all the communicational services and systems in the Pacific. The installation is run
by the United States Navy, under Captain John L. MacMichael, Jr., but it supports all the operations led by the
Dep...
19
NS Pearl Harbor
O’ahu, Hawaii
Comments (9)
NS Pearl Harbor – also referred to as Pu’uloa among the natives – is by far the most important base in the history of
American wars. It is actually the reason for which the United States have decided to join World War II...
IDAHO
AIR FORCE BASES
Mountain Home AFB
Elmore, Idaho
Comments (3)
Mountain Home AFB is a military base run by the Air Force in the Elmore County, Idaho. It host the famous
Gunfighters. Its general objective is to support air combat power operations, regardless of their location over the
world. A...
NEVADA
AIR FORCE BASES
Creech AFB
Indian Springs, Nevada
Comments
20
Creech AFB Nevada is an Air Force operated base and among the most important fighters in the so called War on
Terror. The base is located in the Clark County, only 56 km from Las Vegas and less than 100 km from another
similar bas...
Nellis AFB
Clark, Nevada
Comments
Nellis Air Force Base is one of the Air Force bases controlled by the ACC – Air Combat Nevada. It is in the
immediate proximity of Las Vegas, around 11 km, in the southern side of Nevada. The base provides full support
and equip...
NAVY BASES
NAS Fallon
Fallon, Nevada
Comments
Although it is relatively new compared to many US military facilities built prior to World War I, NAS Fallon is the first
military base dealing with both air to ground and air to air military operations. It is located pretty close...
OREGON
ARMY BASES
Umatilla Chemical Depot
Umatilla, Oregon
Comments (3)
21
Umatilla Chemical Depot is located in the northern part of Oregon, close to the Umatilla human communities. The
base is among the most important military bases, judging by the chemical storage site, but also one of the less
import...
WASHINGTON
AIR FORCE BASES
Fairchild AFB
Spokane, Washington
Comments (5)
Named after the honored World War 1 aviator, General Muir Fairchild, FAB or Fairchild Air Base is located in
Washington. The exact location is in Spokane. Where the cities around the area were high in competition, Spokane
was chos...
McChord AFB
Tacoma, Washington
Comments (4)
McChord AFB is one of the two military bases merged in order to form the more powerful Joint Base LewisMcChord. The other base is Fort Lewis. The two facilities were forced to merge on February, 1-st, 2010, after a new
commission...
ARMY BASES
Fort Lewis
Pierce, Washington
Comments (9)
22
Fort Lewis, WA merged with McChord AFB (Air Force Base) in 2010 as an outcome of the 2005 BRAC (Base
Realignment and Closure Commission) and is now known as JBLM (Joint Base Lewis-McChord). JBLM is located in
Pierce and Thurston c...
NAVY BASES
NAS Whidbey Island
Oak Harbor, Washington
Comments (3)
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is located in Washington and covers two different areas close to Oak Harbor. The
base is operated by the United States Navy and is part of the sophisticated process to prepare the United States of
...
Naval Hospital Bremerton
Bremerton, Washington
Comments (3)
Naval Hospital Bremerton is a community hospital that deals with a wide array of operations and specialties,
including primary and basic care, emergency care, obstetrics or surgical operations. The hospital is as complete as
it ca...
Navy Base Kitsap
Silverdale, Washington
Comments (1)
Navy Base Kitsap is named after the peninsula it is located on, in Washington. The base is relatively new on the
military map of the United States of America. That is because it doesn’t have a very rich past. In fact, it is ...
NS Everett
Everett, Washington
Comments (0)
23
Naval Station Everett is currently the most advanced and modern military base owned and run by the United States
Navy. The facility is located in the city with the same name, in the western side of Washington. It is only 40 km
away..
24