2011 Rotary District 9830 Conference

Yesterday we said our "see ya laters" to the Longford Rotary Club and were quickly whisked away by our new hosts; the Rotary Club of Deavonport. During our presentation to the Longford club, Geoff pointed out how difficult it was to comprehend that we have flown to the opposite side of the globe and feel like we've actually come home. Our hosts thus far have been a wonderfully diverse group of folks with one thing in common; hospitality. The mere notion that these people have opened their home to total strangers borders on unfathomable. Anyway, thank you all for a great start to the trip.

Opening Night, Presentations, and Day 1

Last night we met the Governor of Tasmania. During the brief chat we received an official invite to join him for tea at the government houses when we arrive in Hobart; provided his assistant can find time in the busy day-to-day schedule. Following a few opening events and formalities we presented ourselves and our talks to conference attendees. I must admit, for a group of people that don't speak in front of large crowds for a living, we did a bang up job. Kudos to the team for overcoming the nerves and executing as planed. Thanks to Pam for the superb video. It's a hit! I'm honored and  privileged to be traveling and learning along side people with such character and fiber.

Speakers

Today, we had the pleasure of hearing several great speakers. However, two stand out as truly inspirational; Bernie Rodgers and Pamela Melroy. Bernie was a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm, the flying branch of the Royal Navy while Pamela is a retired USAF pilot and a noted over achiever in NASAs space program.

Bernie started off the day by telling of his early childhood struggles to overcome polio; a disease that Rotary Club hopes to eliminate from the planet through their eradication program called End Polio Now. He continued by telling how the disease motivated him and how it shaped the remainder of his life.

"The answer is choice. What's your question?"


Keynote Speaker

Keynote Speaker; PAMELA MELROY

USAF service:1983-2007 

Rank: Colonel USAF (ret)
Present Position: Deputy Program Manager, Space Exploration Initiatives, Lock-heed Martin

"Pamela is one keynote speaker will keep you on the edge of your seat. She is one of the most unique and inspirational women in the world. Colonel Pamela Melroy USAF (retired) has flown United States Air Force jet aircraft before becoming a NASA astronaut. She is one of only two women ever to fly the Space Shuttle. Pamela has not only done it once, she has done it three times; twice as space shuttle commander - the only women to do this. Colonel Melroy has spent over 900 hours in space, travelled forty million kilometres, built space stations, and excelled in a male dominated world."

Pamela is an engaging, charming, and exciting speaker. In her service with NASA, Pamela took part in three Space Shuttle missions; 2000, 2002, and 2007. She commanded the Mission STS-120 Discovery in 2007. Pamela retired from the USAF in 2007 and from NASA in 2009. She now lives in Houston with her husband Douglas W Hollett.

Did I mention that she has flown the shuttle at 17, 500 miles per hour in a low earth orbit? That's roughly Mach 25! Our fearless leader Bill informed me that his USAF fighter jets topped out around Mach 2.8; or about one tenth the speed of the shuttle.