PDG John Ockenfels talked about: "Around The World Flight To End Polio". John Ockenfels and Peter Tehan began their flight May 5, 2023 and returned July 30, 2023. The aircraft they flew was CessnaN732WP. They flew 30,000 miles, 90 days and were able to go to 24 of the 29 countries planned. The flight had been delayed 2020, 2021 because of Covid and 2022 because Russia would not let them in. They had to work on a new route. The flight began and landed in New Hampshire where they were stranded for several days due to the alternator failure. Once the plane was fixed, they were able to continue. One of the highlights was May 19, John's Birthday where they flew from Goose Bay to Reykjavik which was 1,551 miles. John showed many slides of the trip and flights that were taken. He showed both he and Peter giving Polio drops in the children of Pakistan.
On July 15, 2023, they flew Brisbane, Australia to Brisbane emergency 2hours 20 minutes due to alternator failure, they had a backup alternator.
They had to fly Pago Pago to Honolulu. They had planned to land at Christmas Island; however, they were unable to purchase gas. John for 45 minutes thought they did not have enough fuel. He had miscalculated. There was actually 2 1/2 hours left in fuel when they landed.
On July 26, they flew Kahului to Oakland, CA 2,390 miles and 14hours 10 min.
Peter was asked by a reporter." Do you hope Polio will end in your lifetime "? He said "NO". John said the reporter dropped the pen, there was silence and Peter said "I Believe that Polio will end in my Lifetime".
The World Health, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation all are helping to end Polio. in our lifetime.
So. "Some Just Hope for an End to Polio We Firmly Believe".
President Elect, Vernette Knapp called the meeting to order at 7:05am. Ladona Wickland form the Rotary Club of Iowa City Noon announced about the event at the Hamer's home September 21, 2023 celebrating the Literacy Program that the Rotary Club of Iowa City Noon participates in.
RLI will be held Saturday October 14, 2023 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 8:30 am 3:00 pm. We need members to sign up. The fee is $85, and the club will pay half.
The Board meeting and potluck with District Governor Dennis and Heidi Drager will be held Monday, September 25, 2023 at 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
He will be the speaker at the September 26, 2023 meeting. A tour of the Club's projects will follow.
Tuesday September 26, 2023 will be "The Rotary Foundation Social Event: 5:30-7:00 PM at the Reunion Brewery Downtown. Fiesta Taco Bar and Cash Bar. To leave purchase a Zoo of Love stuffed animal for $40 (#30 donation for Polio Plus, $10 for the stuffed animals. this will be a casual event with a short program about the good work of the Foundation.
There being no further business,
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 am.