In this edition of the Hubcap: Randy's Roundup, It Happened Last Meeting, Club Announcements and News
Our Speaker For Thursday, September 26:
Jeff Williams
The Unity Blueprint
Randy's Roundup
What do Rotarians Have in Common?
Rotary is a diverse network of people from every background, profession, and culture, yet there are unmistakable traits that connect all Rotarians across the globe. These shared qualities not only define who we are but also strengthen the impact of our service.
One common trait among Rotarians is a deep commitment to service. Whether it is through local projects that improve our local communities, our schools or its international efforts that address global challenges, Rotarians are united by a passion for making a difference. This shared drive reflects the essence of Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.
Another trait is integrity. Rotarians place high value on honesty, fairness, and ethical behavior, guided by the Four-Way Test. In both personal and professional lives, members strive to make decisions that uplift others and build trust. This consistency of character makes Rotary a respected organization worldwide.
Rotarians also share a spirit of fellowship. Despite differences in age, profession, or culture, members embrace one another as friends and collaborators. Rotary provides a sense of belonging and connection that extends beyond borders, creating bonds that can last a lifetime.
Leadership is another defining trait. Rotarians are not only leaders in workplaces and communities but also leaders in compassion, vision, and action. We step forward to address needs, inspire others, and model collective service.
Finally, Rotarians share optimism. We believe that positive change is possible and that small acts of kindness can ripple outward to transform lives. This outlook fuels Rotary’s ability to tackle even the most daunting challenges.
In essence, what Rotarians have in common is not just membership in a global organization—it is a shared heart for service, integrity, fellowship, leadership, and hope. Together, these traits make Rotary a force for good in the world.
Rotary Club of Arlington’s Vision Statement:
“To inspire and unite individuals who passionate about making a lasting impact locally and globally through service, connection and leadership.”
The weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Arlington, Texas was called to order at 12:10 p.m. by President Randy Hendricks. Jason Kazarian offered the invocation and led the club in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone sang “God Bless America”. Jack Garbo introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.
The District Governor will visit our club on October 9, 2025. This meeting will be held atJ. Gilligan’s.
Jeremiah Abraham Joseph told us about Global Renewal, an organization that is involved in rescuing kids in Southeast Asia. Global Renewal is committed to transforming lives through education, leadership training, community outreach and anti-trafficking initiatives.
We inducted Tom Myers as the newest member of our club. Tommy Thompson and Peter Scott participated in inducting Tom.
Mac Martin led us in singing “America the Beautiful”. Mac informed us that Katharine Lee Bates wrote the lyrics to the song. She wrote the lyrics as a poem for the church periodical “The Congregationalist” in 1895. Samuel A. Ward wrote the tune but intended it for another hymn.
Sally Hopper announced Rotarians with anniversaries and birthdays. Celebrating birthdays were Bryndan Wright, Joe Carpenter and Angie Meister. Celebrating his 27th anniversary this week was Joe Way.
Stacy Bridger introduced our guest speaker for the day: Pete Geren. Mr. Geren is president and CEO of the Sid Richardson Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to educational, health, human service and cultural non-profit organizations in Texas. The Foundation works extensively in the field of public education, with student literacy as its primary focus. Mr. Geren joined the Foundation in 2010.
Mr. Geren served in the Department of Defense from 2001-2009, holding positions that included Acting Secretary of the air Force, Under Secretary of the Army and Secretary of the Army. He served four terms as a member of the United States Congress representing the 12th District of Texas from 1989-1997. He played a prominent role in national security and transportation issues and was a co-founder of the Blue Dog Democrats.
A lawyer and former business executive, Mr. Geren has held leadership positions in numerous civic, educational, business and philanthropic organizations. He was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus by the University of Texas and by the UT School of Law. Mr. Geren has an undergraduate degree from UT as well as a law degree. A Fort Worth native, Mr. Geren is married, has three children and one granddaughter.
Pete Geren was working at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. He was a special assistant to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. At the time of the attack on the Pentagon Mr. Geren was on the opposite side of the building. The day began like any other day, crisp morning and a very blue sky. Then without warning an airplane crashed into the Pentagon.
The whole building shook. The entire building was evacuated. However, Secretary Rumsfeld and Mr. Geren went back into the Pentagon. The whole place was filled with a haze of smoke. The military personnel went to the scene of the crash as Secretary Rumsfeld did. Mr. Geren stated that Donald Rumsfeld was an extraordinary leader.
The White House called and told Donald Rumsfeld to hold a press conference to show the world that the United States and the Pentagon were still operational. The White House had instructed Secretary Rumsfeld to conduct the press conference at a Citgo gas station close to the Pentagon where the press had set up. Secretary Rumsfeld decided that a press conference had to be held inside the Pentagon and not at a gas station.
Secretary Rumsfeld gathered as many Republican and Democrat Congressmen and Congresswomen as he could on a short notice. The press conference did take place in the Pentagon and Secretary Rumsfeld communicated a powerful message to the world.
Mr. Geren finished by informing us that 343 firefighters lost their lives in New York City on 9-11-01.
The club donated the book, Pets Rule! My Kingdom of Darkness," to Webb Elementary in honor of Pete Geren.
Dan Blumberg provided the last laugh.
Next week’s program will be Jeff Williams- Unity Blueprint.
The quote for this week: “You cannot win the war on terror by military force. It is first and foremost a battle of ideas”. – General Wesley Kanne Clark
Randy thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. He then led us in the Four Way Test and we were adjourned.
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Stacy Bridger, Pete Geren, Cindy Salter, John Wang
