Speech – The Deepest Human Need – Veterans Day

I shared this speech from my brother at our last meeting and thought others might enjoy it. – Tom T.

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The Deepest Human Need

Most people look forward to Veteran’s Day as a day off and fail to reflect upon it’s true purpose, to appreciate those who have served and are serving in our military.  Reflecting back on my own years of service, I remember three very specific ways people showed their appreciation to me that left lasting impressions.

1.       In 1991 I was attached to the USS Saratoga, a carrier participating in Desert Storm.   One of my watch duties was to monitor all arriving aircraft; one, a C-2 aircraft was used to deliver personnel, supplies and most importantly, mail from the states.  Mail was called “pony” (a reference to the days of the “pony express”) and I would always ask the pilot how much “pony” he was carrying.  This was a very important piece of information to the crew of 5,000 who waited anxiously for a letter from home and the word that “2,000 pounds of pony” had arrived would spread like wild-fire throughout the ship.  The mail for the Operations Department came through my office and my Yeoman was responsible for distributing it to the various Divisions and Branches.  The sailors would line up at mail-call and respond excitedly when their name was called.  Many of them were disappointed when there was no mail for them.  That prompted me to write a “Letter to the Editor” of a couple dozen major newspapers and ask their readers to write a letter or send a “Care Package” addressed to “Any Sailor USS SARATOGA”.  Well the response was overwhelming and soon we had enough mail so no one was left out of mail-call.  When you’ve been at sea for 8 months, working 7 days a week, 18+ hours a day, there’s something very special about getting a letter and hearing how much the folks back home appreciate you.

2.      After Desert Storm, we returned home to a hero’s welcome, 10,000 people lining the docks and streets of Mayport, Florida. My family was waiting for me on the pier as the speakers played the “God Bless the USA” and other patriotic songs. Driving home through the streets lined with banners and cheering strangers I lost control and wept.  I wish every returning service member could have such a public show of support upon their return.  If you ever get the opportunity to attend a public show of appreciation to our vets, especially as they return from their tour of duty, do it.

3.       This last one only happened to me once in my career, but it was one of the most memorable events of my life. I was on a commercial flight into San Antonio Texas and was in my uniform. As I walked through the airport an elderly man approached me, reached out his hand and shook mine saying, “I really appreciate your service to our country.  Thank you.” We talked a bit and it turned out he was a World War II Vet.  We sat and swapped a few war stories then parted.  As I walked away, I realized that nobody had ever done that before to me; a total stranger walking up, shaking my hand and saying thank you.  It moved me so much that 20 years later, I still go out of my way to shake the hands of men or women in uniform.  You may not think it means much, but to those who serve, it means the world.

William James once wrote “The deepest human need is the need to be appreciated.”  This Veteran’s Day take the time to write a letter to a sailor, send a care package to a soldier, attend a Veteran’s Day rally or just shake a Vet’s hand and say a sincere “thank you”.  It will make their day….and yours too!

Andrew Krauska
LCDR, US Navy (retired)
ISS Tech Services QA
CCNP, CCIP, CCDP

Club Survey Videos

Bill Collier’s report on the club survey is done in two parts.

PART 1

PART 2

Fill-In Speaker Coordinator

Carl Hendrickson has volunteered to develop a list of seasoned speakers and educational topics who will able to fill-in for speakers who need a replacement. We do suggest that the speaker first trade speaking slots with another scheduled speaker, but if that isn’t possible, then call Carl to schedule these seasoned speakers for educational topics to fill-in.

I stress educational topics, because Toastmaster’s Int. suggests that we give educational speeches on a regular basis and according to the July 2009 survey, club members had a long list of topics they would like covered.

SCTM Internet Sites

These are the three websites South County Toastmasters Uses.

Watch the video and then explore.

Vocal Variety with Dee

Dee reminds us that we use vocal variety all during the day.

Just remember to use those same vocal inflections in your next speech.

Tabletopics Help

Effective Evaluations – Joe Redman

Effective Evaluations Tips

Carl’s Human Rights Documents Speech

Carl spoke this morning to the fifth graders on the history of the human rights documents that have served as stepping stones to individual freedom, such as the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

SCTM History Video

Howard Brandt shares his memories of the history South County Toastmasters.

Carole Embree – Poem – I Dont Know About You

I don’t know about you,
But I have this entourage
Of highly paid professionals
Taking care of me.

I have an Internist,
We all do.
And a dentist, too.

Then there is the gynecologist,
Ophthalmologist, psychologist,
Endocrinologist, dermatologist,
Urologist

Let’s not forget the podiatrist for my big toe
And the ear guy, whatever he is called,
And the endodontist who did my root canal,
And the dietitian who tells me what I already know.

Now, not only does each part  have its own specialist,
It has its own special conditioning cream,
Not to be shared by any other body part.

There is the face cream, under eye cream, upper eye cream, lip cream,
Neck cream, body cream, hand cream, cuticle cream,
Heal cream, toe nail cream.
And of course, corresponding cleansing elixirs.

With all these doctors to advise and direct me,
And all this high priced stuff to spread all over and perfect me,
I cannot begin to reach the elegance and beauty of my mother,
Who had only one doctor and one dentist,
And her entire life used – Ponds Cold Cream.