Speakers Nov 15, 2005

Ron Bollens War Time Experience:  This is only a brief outline and will help you to understand some of the sacrifices that some of your fellow Rotarians made for us and for our country. Ron reports that World War One, the war to end all wars, involved approximately 32 countries and 65 million persons.  10 million were killed; 20 million were captured or wounded

World War Two involved 67 countries and 100 million people. ¾ of the world's population was involved.  The field of war was so far ranging that it is unknown how many were killed, wounded or captured. 

Most veterans do not like talking about their war experiences, but if two veterans are talking to each other, Ron says you can't shut them up.  But Ron has graciously agreed to share some of his time with us and tell some of his history.

Ron was 18 years old when he worked at the Faircraft Aircraft Company, who built bombers for the war.  Faircraft had a special exemption for their employees so they could stay & maintain production at the factory and support the war effort.  But eventually, Ron went thru basic training, and in 1942 Ron went overseas on a troopship to Britain.  Ron was stationed in several locations in Britain & they experienced bombing raids.

During this time, Ron served as an airframe mechanic, and then studied for radar operations.  He recalls the secretive training and screening for this new radar technology.  Finally, he was assigned to Belfast in 1943, where his responsibilities were "planning and plotting of aircrafts...hostile and friendly.  His duties included providing the locations of all aircrafts in his area.

Ron eventually sailed down the coast of Africa as part of a large convoy.  Their troopship was not a direct target; it was the aircraft carriers that were the main targets but it was always a dangerous situation.  They stopped at Sierra Leone, Cape Town and eventually on to Durban.  They ended up in Burma and became involved in very fierce battles.  The Japanese retreated & Ron was transferred to Indonesia.  It was then thought that the Japanese would try for one last push & would mount an attack on some of the Allied Forces coast lines including the west coast of North America, and the New Zealand & Australia coastlines.  So Ron and many of his friends were transferred back home. 

During his travels and while on the SS Argentina, he met a "Women Royal Navy Services" lady, Susan, who later became his wife. 

Ron lost many friends and acquaintances in those war years and his inspiring story has helped many of us to understand some of the sacrifices his generation have made.  Ron was pleased with the tremendous turnout for the ceremonies in Ladner, even with the terrible weather this past weekend.  There are only about 40 veterans left that took part in the Ladner ceremony.  Ron reports that the cadet core did an excellent job standing guard and the ceremony was very moving. 

Ron noticed John Thomas wearing his poppy after Remembrance Day, and Ron asked why.  John said we wear the poppy to honor veterans for a week or two before Remembrance Day, and why don't we wear the poppy for a week after Remembrance Day.  So Ron agreed and proudly wears his poppy for the week following.

Barry Irvine thanked Ron for Ron's personal contribution and sacrifice, said the Remembrance Day ceremony is important.  Barry said that unfortunately, war is sometimes necessary and that we as a Rotary Club will not forget, thanking Ron and presenting him with a copy of Frank Talk

Larry Pretty Report on Rotary International Hosting Fellowship:

Larry has been part of this Fellowship for several years and has had 55 visitors from 32 different countries visit for a total of 157 days visit with him and Denise, and stay at his house over the past year.  Larry really enjoys meeting these people and now has friends from all over the world.  Larry uses this Fellowship to make new friends and visit old friends when he travels anywhere around the world. 

Larry and Denise just completed a 40 day trip including visits to Britain, France, Holland, Germany and Switzerland. Larry met up with Rotarian friends he first befriend when he was in Peru.  This is a wonderful way to meet people, and gives you a better prospective when visiting foreign countries.

Larry suffered a TIA (type of a warning stroke) while in Germany and found the medical system was extraordinary.  Larry had numbness in his right arm and lost his speech for about a minute.  Larry was rushed to the local German hospital and received first rate treatment.  It took only less than an hour to get an MRI while here, Larry is going to be waiting 2 â¿¢ 3 weeks.  Larry will be undergoing tests to see what may have caused the TIA and to help prevent a future TIA or stroke.  Larry is feeling much better but has been advised by his doctor not to travel to New Zealand in the near future (flight would be very long). Denis Denischuk thanked Larry for his report and the Rotary club gave a very appreciative applause to Larry