The Wheel for May 17, 2018

by May 17, 2018The Wheel0 comments

The Wheel


Captain Sandy Holmes, U.S. Navy Retired

Captain Sandy Holmes entered the Navy Nurse Corps Candidate Program while completing her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at the University of Michigan. Her Naval and professional nursing career began at Naval Hospital, Oakland California in 1965 where she served as the Charge Nurse of the amputee ward. This was followed by an 18-month tour at the Naval Hospital, Guam caring for more Vietnam casualties. From 1969 to 1972 she was assigned to recruiting duty in San Francisco, California. The highlight of this duty station was meeting her husband to be, Commander Richard B. Holmes, a Naval aviator.

Her very successful and distinguished 26-year career as both a Naval and Nurse Corps officer spanned some 12 different duty stations around the globe.

Captain Holmes first exposure to staff development occurred while stationed in the Philippines in 1976. Upon completion of her Master’s degree in Continuing Education at the Medical College of Georgia, she served for five years as the Director, Nurse Corps Programs in Washington, D.C. where she was responsible for all aspects of education for the 3,000 nurses in the Navy. It was also during this tour that she was promoted to the rank of Captain. Until her retirement, in June 1990, she served as the Head of the Staff Education and Training Department at the Naval Hospital, San Diego, the Navy’s largest medical and teaching facility. Sandy and her staff of 17 managed some 40 educational programs for all levels of staff–military and civilian…a mere 4,000 folks.

Sandy has been published in the American Journal of Nursing, the Journal of Nursing Staff Development, the Reader’s Digest and several other journals in the medical field. Widely respected for her expertise in the field of staff development, she has presented at numerous military and national professional nursing conferences. She also served on the steering committee to establish the National Nursing Staff Development Organization and served as the organization’s first Treasurer.

Captain Holmes is authorized to wear the following military decorations: Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, (two awards); Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, (two awards); Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation; and the National Defense Ribbon.

Captain Holmes resides in Escondido, California with her dog Ebi and collection of Koi fish. Her husband of 34 years is interred at Arlington National Cemetery. She enjoys frequent visits from her son “Captain” Kirk Holmes and his bride to be Becca Roberts.

Message From The President

Member Highlights

Scribe – May 10, 2018

Las Vegas Rotary Club Meeting: May 10, 2018

  • President Michael Gordon and Kaidyn Cheeks, President of the Bracken Kideract Club called the meeting to order. Kideract VP Lydia “Eli” Solis gave the invocation. Kideract Media Specialist Natalia Vargas led the club in singing Home Means Nevada, followed by Kideract Treasurer Betania Eyob leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The Sergeant at Arms was Kideractor Karla Calijau.
  • There were (0) International Rotarians, (2) visiting Rotarians and (3) Guests of Rotarians introduced.
  • Kideract members Karla Calijau and Betania Eyobi helped serve as our Greeters and Kideract member Hana Asres assisted in the raffle ticket dispersing, with Kideract members Cashyus Baker and Aryan Singh, 4th grade representatives, helping to support their fellow members.
  • Feedback of events included: PP Karen Whisenhunt announced a successful Putting Tournament, with 70 golfers, that included participation from 5 local Rotary Clubs, great raffle prizes and earning $2,200 for our Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Another Putting Tournament is contemplated for the Fall; another reminder from President Michael to donate your copy of the Rotarian Magazine with an article about our club if you don’t want your copy as it will be a useful recruitment tool for our club; Bracken Principal Katie Decker introduced her two Super Star teachers, Bethany and Erin, joining her for lunch;
  • PEE Jackie Thornhill announced the PHF matching funds from the Club was still available;
  • PP Dave Thorson reminded us the debunking party for President Michael is rapidly approaching 6/28 and the tailgate party before the Lights FC game hosting our military is 6/2
  • Kideract President Kaidyn Cheeks provided a very witty and informative recap of what the Kideractors have learned and done this past year, which included raising funds, up to $2,000, which were donated to several worthy causes, in addition to $300 to the 1Oct Victims Fund and packing boxes of canned goods.
  • President Michael presented a check for $300 to Kideract President Kaidyn for the Kideract Club
  • LVRF President Larry Rouse announced our Club Foundation goal was more than met, reaching $2,032,248, leaving PE Kim Kohl over $54,000 to use for projects/events during his year
  • The weekly drawing began at $1,997 plus this week’s donations. The Ticket Winner was Jerry Engel who won $50 for drawing an Ace and the Lawry’s Bucks Winner was PP Tom Thomas.
  • Sidra Kain introduced our speaker program, John Entsminger, General Manager of the So. Nevada Water Authority and Las Vegas Valley Water District. Mr. Entsminger explained the role of the Authority as the ‘wholesaler’ who sells water to others and the major responsibility of supply planning. The forward-thinking 50-year plan was discussed and included conservation, water quality, and infrastructure, especially drought response projects, i.e., low lake level station, among others. Mr. Entsminger noted that while our State’s population is increasing our water consumption is decreasing, that we have a good supply of banked resources and the Authority is continually working on drought contingency planning.
  • President Michael Gordon presented our speaker with a “Share What You Can” award to benefit a veteran in need and then adjourned the meeting.


Pin It on Pinterest

Share This