RANCHO SANTA FE — More than 70 members and guests of the Rancho Santa Fe Republican Women Federation gathered at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Clubhouse on Nov. 21 for their annual Veteran’s Month luncheon. This year’s honored guest and speaker was Vice Adm. Rex Rectanus.
The retired vice admiral spoke about his extensive career as a Naval Intelligence officer in the U.S. Intelligence field, including boot camp in the Pacific. He was a Force Intelligence Officer stationed at Bahrain Island in the Persian Gulf and also did a tour in London as a Middle East desk officer on the staff of the Joint Chiefs Specified Command for the Middle East. He was also director of Naval Intelligence in Washington after the war in Vietnam.
“It’s the military, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press,” Rectanus said in closing. “It’s the military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It’s the military, not the politicians, that ensures our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It’s the military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.”
Attendees said they found Rectanus to be an interesting speaker and appreciated his heavy dose of humor. “I was truly inspired by him,” Eva Stimson said. “Especially by his closing remarks.”
During the upcoming holiday season, the Republican Women will be collecting 2009 calendars and magazines to send to troops abroad. There will be a collection box at the Rancho Santa Fe Post Office for those who would like to contribute. Active military men attending the luncheon assured President Susan Woolley that all calendars and magazines are appreciated.
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