The Pulse for the Week of November 4th, 2025

On this Veterans Appreciation Day, President Kerry Wood opened the meeting with heartfelt greetings, especially to veterans in attendance and across the nation. She gave special thanks to one of our newest Rotarians, Michelle See, a National Guard veteran, for organizing the meeting.

President Kerry recognized the contributions of several Rotarians and guests, including our greeters, PP Wes Yee, Dennis Cook, and Hayden Nabers. Pulse reporter Christie Holderegger captured the spirit of the day, while Virginia Wade served as meeting photographer. Jackie Kirkwood,Gunnery Sergeant USMC, Ret. ensured glasses were raised as the wine sponsor.

Craig Taylor, founder and CEO of Monster Laundry, delivered a moving “Thought for the Day,” reflecting on the sacrifices of service and honoring his father Dennis Taylor, Vietnam veteran.

Meeting sponsor Christie Holderegger of Volunteers of America shared the organization’s ongoing commitment to veterans. VOA provides nightly shelter for approximately 4,000 individuals, with a strong emphasis on veteran support – housing, job training, financial health, and family services. Christie urged club members to contribute hygiene items, cleaning supplies, holiday gifts, and to volunteer as the season of giving approaches.

A moment of silence honored Millie Stone, a beloved Rotarian who recently passed away at the age of 101. Her memorial service will be held November 22nd at 1pm at the Elks Lodge on Riverside Boulevard, and members were invited to RSVP their attendance to organizer Suzanne Nielsen at 916.452.1111.

TSA Gift Card Drive – Joe Quilici announced the club is collecting donations to provide gas and grocery gift cards to assist TSA employees working without pay during the federal government shutdown. Details on how to contribute will be emailed to all members.

A medley of each branch of service song was played, and President Kerry Wood invited members and guests who served in that branch to stand and be recognized.

Speaking of Beautiful Music! Legend and family-inspired donations flowed, with stories of grandfathers, fathers, and loved ones who served in every branch of the military. Anniversaries were recognized (including a 51st) and community contributions were celebrated, supporting both local and international Rotary projects through their Eddie Mulligan and Paul Harris funds.

Chair of the Day Michelle See introduced the featured speaker, Colonel Mary Chen, a retired colonel from the California Army National Guard and US Army. Her journey began in Hong Kong, where she spent her early childhood before her family emigrated to the United States in 1963. At just six years old, Mary crossed the Pacific on an 18-day cruise ship voyage with her parents, siblings, and grandmother—a formative journey that would shape her understanding of both family and resilience. Growing up in a new country came with its share of challenges. As the eldest of six children, Mary found herself shouldering responsibilities beyond her years.

Mary’s work ethic quickly set her apart. She started as an office assistant for the State of California, and through persistence and drive, she rose through the ranks to lead research at CalPERS.

But Mary’s ambitions extended beyond the walls of state government. She began her military career in the California Army National Guard, later transitioning to the United States Army Reserve. Over 3.5 years of active duty, she served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom—a testament to her adaptability and unyielding spirit. Mary specialized in logistics, emergency preparedness, and training, mastering the art of managing both people and complex operations.

Mary spoke candidly about the obstacles she faced—from language barriers in her youth to the prejudices confronted as a petite Asian woman in a field dominated by men. Through grit, ingenuity, and courage, she broke barriers to ultimately earn her wings as Colonel and Inspector General for the 91st Division.

When her husband passed away, Mary’s sense of service only deepened. She turned to volunteering, serving on civil grand juries in El Dorado County, supporting the local community center, and joining the Cameron Park Rotary to continue her work with veteran programs. Each new chapter underscored her lifelong ethos: to do more, to lift others up, and to serve with humility and heart.

President Kerry Wood and Colonel Mary Chen, CA National Guard and US Army, Retired

No club meeting next week due to Veterans Day. The next gathering is Foundation Day, November 18th, celebrating members’ donations and community impact.