As I take on the role of President of our Post, I am excited about where we are headed. Like all great organizations, leadership transition is vital to our long-term success. Our Board has been changing, with new Directors bringing in fresh ideas to enhance our professional experience and seasoned Directors providing continuity and sage advice. Last year was another great year for us, with our most successful golf tournament ever, nine scholarship awards of up to $4,000, our first ever awards program and another successful Camp Pendleton Day. In addition to awarding $25,000 in scholarships, Camp Pendleton Day allowed us (along with the Orange County Post) to give $30,000 to the Armed Services YMCA and to Operation Homefront. These contributions to our military communities provide vital assistance for the families of the men and women who put their life on the line every day to protect our country and freedom. It is for these reasons that once again we received streamers in every category, with distinction!
As we begin another year, we are establishing goals that will further improve our Post and those serving our country in key areas. We will of course continue our current scholarship programs, but our focus will now also include helping to establish a student Post. This will expose young engineers to the important work that the military and our organization do, and engage them prior to entering the work force.
Supporting our Wounded Warriors is a high priority for all of us and the San Diego Post will be playing a big part in that effort over the next year. This is a key focus of SAME at the national level and we want to see our Post set the bar in this area to truly make a difference.
San Diego will host the 2013 Joint Engineering Training Conference and Expo (JETC). We have an opportunity to show off not only our City, but the partnership that we have forged between our Military and Private professional communities to enhance the lives of those who serve our country. Ideas are already being developed that will help SAME provide the most valuable programs for our membership. Look for ways to get involved and support our Post.
I feel honored to serve as our 2011-2012 Post President and look forward to an even more successful year. I am grateful for the momentum that has been established under the leadership of our Past-President, Captain Wink, and pledge to continue that same commitment to our success. It takes all of us working together with that commitment and enthusiasm, so I hope all of you find a way to get more involved.
Thank you for your confidence in me as I eagerly accept this challenge!
Sincerely,
Rick Rubin
Post President
SAME San Diego