Page 9 - September 2019

and in fact, I have often incorporated them in telling stories of individuals including my other

my speeches and presentations. grandfather who had served in the First World
The first is that I am a collector—born into War. The highlight of the evening was the 1917
a family of collectors. I am constantly evolving US Army ambulance giving rides, nurses passing
my collections and tastes. I have been a member out sandwiches and lemonade (a mainstay WWI

of the Orders and Medals Society of America refreshment), and me as the guest speaker.
since my grandfather had me join. He was The third interest is research—military,
an avid reader, a collector of British military civilian, the Pacific Northwest, and genealogy.
medals and insignia, having been in the British It’s a discipline that is fraught with danger. The

Army himself. It was through our mutual (and old adage “figures don’t lie but liars do” comes
sometimes competitive) collecting that we to mind. One must be careful to thoroughly do
became good friends. I began with an interest your research and don’t jump to conclusions or
in British and Colonial Police medals. Although make up your own “ending”. I’m good at what I

I long ago moved on to different fields of medal can do and what I have done but still consider
collecting, I still have fond memories of the four myself a complete novice in this field.
years we shared before his death..
The second, which I will also put the blame Highlights of My Toastmaster Career

on my grandfather as well as my mother, was You’ve asked me what I consider the highlights
a love of history. They both were historical of my Toastmasters career. I can give you
writers, albeit my grandfather a recorder of his facts—three Distinguished Toastmaster Awards,
exploits and experiences in World War II and life some forty-two other educational awards, well

in general while my mother was a history and over one hundred and fifty speeches but those
newspaper columnist. I currently am involved are not the highlights. Highlights have been
with no less than five military history groups coaching a club back to health as Club Coach. A
and organizations, three of them strictly in the great thrill and exciting ride. Mentoring a club

Pacific Northwest and Oregon/Washington. from their infancy to being able to walk away
I write for these groups, serve as a consultant today and know that they are well grounded
with the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest in their Toastmasters experience. Mentoring
Service, and the Civilian Conservation Corps individual Toastmasters members in their

Legacy Organization. positive membership experience, serving as
I prepare seminars and presentations an area and division director, giving my best
for them, and had the privilege this past to ensure that they have the tools to thrive and
May of serving as the guest speaker (thanks survive, and be there for them when they need

Toastmasters!) for the Fort Vancouver Military TLC, a swift kick or “Well Done”. I have always
Barracks Association. I spoke on the Centennial felt that training—club officer make-up training,
of the First World War and the casualties of the TLI seminar presentations or just a one-on-one
European theater using medals, powerpoint, and experience have been a forte I’ve not only been

VOICES! | SEPTEMBER 2019 9