Pres/CEO, Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, "Top Gun"
Robert F. Willard was elected President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), located in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 9, 2012. INPO, sponsored by the commercial nuclear industry, is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the highest levels of safety and reliability ¾ to promote excellence ¾ in the operation of commercial nuclear power plants. On May 1, 2012, Admiral Willard completed a distinguished Navy career as the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.
Willard is a Los Angeles native and a 1973 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He has a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and is an MIT Seminar XXI alumnus.
An F-14 aviator, Willard served in a variety of west coast fighter squadrons; VF-24, VF 124, VF-2, and VF-51 aboard the aircraft carriers USS Constellation, USS Ranger, USS Kitty Hawk and USS Carl Vinson. He was Operations Officer and Executive Officer of Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). He later commanded the "Screaming Eagles" of Fighter Squadron 51. Following nuclear-power training, Willard served as Executive Officer of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), commanded the amphibious flagship USS Tripoli (LPH 10) in the Persian Gulf during “Operation Vigilant Warrior” for which Tripoli received a Navy Unit Commendation and commanded the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
As a Flag Officer, Willard twice served on the Joint Staff, was Deputy and Chief of Staff for U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, commanded Carrier Group Five aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and commanded the U.S. Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan. In March 2005, Willard became the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations; in May 2007, he assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet; and on October 19, 2009, he became the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.
His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and various other awards.
Our Annual Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, December 18, will be a wonderful gathering as always! We will enjoy holiday songs, the disbursement of our 2018 grants, and Santa may even visit! You are encouraged to bring guests. You are also requested to bring one gift for a child at Hillside or at a Boys and Girls Club to the Holiday Luncheon … PLEASE DO NOT BRING BEFORE DECEMBER 18TH! We do not have any place to store them. Suggestions for gifts are below:
Hillside (ages 6-21) requests that gifts be unwrapped. Suggestions are: Board games, Nerf balls, volley and soccer balls, sports team jerseys, Hot Wheels cars, stuffed animals, arts and crafts/coloring books, gift cards (Wal-Mart, Target, Ross, McDonalds, etc.), Barbie dolls, girls and boys’ watches, books for children and teens.
Boys and Girls Clubs (ages 6-18) request that gifts also be unwrapped. Suggested gifts would be the same as for Hillside. Additionally, stories about sports figures are appreciated along with books that are colorfully illustrated and depict persons and scenes representative of a variety of cultures and ethnic groups. Please show on the outside of the package what is in the package and whether the gift is for a boy, a girl, or either.
If you prefer to make a monetary donation rather than purchasing a gift, please give your money to Karen Losin by December 11, Noon. You may also contact the Kiwanis office and request that your gift be billed to your account. Gift requests after this date can be given directly to the organization.
Please make your guest reservations by Friday, December 14, at KiwanisClubAtlanta@gmail.com. After this date, we cannot guarantee that we can add additional seats.
Let’s make this a great Christmas for these very deserving kids!
Our club is looking for about 6 individuals who are willing to become part of the "Lunch Bunch" team! Team members will help the lunch meetings operate smoothly by working the a/v board and sounds system in the back, ensuring that any a/v the speakers use are properly set up, and working the microphones during the Q&A sessions!
While no technical experience is necessary, volunteers should feel comfortable and confident adjusting sound levels and setting up the computer for power point and video presentations. And the benefit is a dedicated comfy seat at the a/v table during lunch!
Just in case you missed the last couple Member Spotlights at the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta luncheon meeting, we have listed the last few below. The next time you need someone with their expertise, please, "Do Business with a Kiwanian!"
"Do Business" with these Kiwanians!
Tom Cross is the owner of LifeLine Repairs Inman Park, a retail store specializing in smartphone, tablet and computer repair. LifeLine Repairs also offers Pedicab rides for all ages on the Atlanta Beltline and in Piedmont Park. Go to www.lifelinerepairs.com/locations/ga/atlanta-inman-park/
Elaine Sterling is the owner of The Elaine Sterling Institute of aesthetics, nail care and massage therapy provides programs of excellence in the heart of Sandy Springs. They offer premier spa services to the public in our student clinic. Go to www.elainesterling.com
Do you want to let the members of our club know more about you and your business? Do you want to network and cultivate more business contacts? If you answered yes, then you need to sign up to do a "Member Spotlight" at one of our club meetings!
Spotlights are done every 2nd and 4th Tuesday luncheon meeting (and the occasional 5th) each month. You have two minutes to showcase your business and tell the other members how you can benefit them! To get on the schedule, just email Karen at KiwanisClubAtlanta@gmail.com.
Don't get the BOOT! Be sure your car has a Kiwanis Club of Atlanta car decal properly displayed on your vehicle.
The security company contracted by Lanier Parking will be booting all cars that are parked in the reserved parking places and that do not have a valid decal on their car identifying them as attending the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta luncheon. So if you arrive prior to 11:45 am on Tuesday, please make sure you have a parking decal on your car. You can get a decal from Karen at the luncheon meeting, and then place it on the right back window (passenger side) from inside your car. They are static cling, so easy to put on and take off!