To celebrate the 4th of July we will have no meeting July 2. The Scuttlebutt will be sent on June 28 but there will be no newsletter on July 6 as our Executive Secretary Deborah Daley will be on vacation.
Maj Gen.(Ret) James R.("Bob") Stevenson Jr. retired from the Nebraska Air National Guard and the United States Air Force in Sept of 2022 after a 34 year military career.
His last assignment was as the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)at Offutt Air Force Base, NE, where he was the principal advisor on reserve component matters related to the command's diverse mission sets, including strategic deterrence, cyberspace operations, integrated missile defense, intelligence, surveillance/reconnaissance and global strike.
As a Brig Gen, he also served dual roles as the Deputy Director of Operations for Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations and as the Mobilization Assistant to the Director of Operations, U.S. Strategic Command. During this entire time, he served as an Airborne Emergency Action Officer aboard the Looking Glass Airborne Command Post leading an Alert Battle Staff.
Prior to his roles at USSTRATCOM, General Stevenson served as the Assistant Adjutant General for the Nebraska Air National Guard. He oversaw and was the principal advisor to the Adjutant General on complex and sensitive issues in the areas of logistics, command and control, communications, manpower and personnel, and other support functions related to Federal and State mission operations. Prior to promotion to General Officer, Gen Stevenson was the Wing Commander of the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Lincoln ANGB, NE.
General Stevenson received his commission through Officer Training School in 1989 after graduating from the University of Nebraska, Omaha. General Stevenson joined the Nebraska ANG in 1997 after nine years on Active Duty and subsequently attended the KC-135R Tanker Qualification Course.
He has held positions in the NEANG as 155th ARW commander, 155th ARW Vice Commander, 170th Group Commander at Offutt AFB, 155th Operations Group Commander, and 173rd Air Refueling Squadron Commander, Director of Operation, Flight Commander, Chief of Training, and Chief of Tactics.
General Stevenson is a command pilot with over 5,500 hours of flying time in T-37B, C-130E, RC-135, OC-135, E-6B and KC-135R aircraft and has combat flight time in contingency operations Allied Force, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
As a civilian, he is a former airline pilot with the now defunct Midwest Airlines and has flown as a charter pilot, as well as privately for fun for the last 40 years. He is married to the former Sherry Steinke of Norfolk NE and they have four grown children and ten growing grandchildren. They reside in Lincoln, NE.
Andy Bock has been named 2026 Rotarian of the Year by the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha, the highest annual honor that can be bestowed on a club member. He received the honor on June 25 at a surprise announcement.
Andy Bock is a fourth-generation native of Omaha, having lived in the city for all but three of his 65 years. He graduated from Westside High School and the University of Nebraska, and he holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota.
He is married to Kathleen Bock, a retired educator from Omaha Public Schools. Together since 1986, they have raised three sons and are now enjoying life as empty nesters.
With 34 years of experience in real estate, the majority of which was spent at CBSHOME, Andy transitioned to NPDodge six years ago. He began his career in sales with Coca-Cola Foods and later worked in marketing for ConAgra and American Business Information.
Andy enjoys playing tennis, participating in a card club, and reading. He has recently resumed piano lessons and enjoys walking and hiking as well.
Over the years, he has been involved in various community activities, including the Career Exploring program sponsored by the Boy Scouts.
He has been in Rotary since October 2024 and was named Yearling of the Year his first year. He has served as Program Chair of the Club, a critical position in the club arranging for speakers and presentations for each weekly meeting. Andy has been involved in community service activities and will be serving as Treasurer of the club in 2026-27.
According to Mary Bernier, Chair of the 4-Way Test Committee, “Andy was awarded Rotarian of the Year because of his exemplary work in chairing the Program Committee. He is an excellent leader, involving well-connected individuals, delegating appropriately, coordinating multiple details with tremendous follow-through. In a club that has many great leaders, Andy rises to the top.”
A group of Suburban Rotarians worked all day June 27 at Crestridge Elementary to continue efforts to beautify the school's campus. Here is a slide show.
The next book recommendation is "Beautiful Boy ( A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction)." The book will be discussed on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Bonefish Grill in Regency. Lisa Neu is the Book Club leader.
Yearlings were asked what their favorite women's sports is and most responded volleyball.
Aldi Moussa was introduced to the club as a new member by his sponsor Angela Chaney. Charles Rosenthal was introduced as a new member by Chris Barone.
Several club members received Charlene Tierney certificates.
Anthony Flott received his blue badge.
Speaker Joanne Li talked about how UNO is Omaha's college and how groups like Rotary are so important to the community. She reminded the audience that UNO was rated in the Wall Street Journal as #1 in Best Value, #1 in social mobility and #1 in student experiences. She spotlighted the university's other achievements including its academic research facility, its center of excellence, work force development, health science collaboration (having the #1 Biometrics Lab) and how graduates are staying in Nebraska and supporting economic development.
Consider visiting another Rotary club for a make-up! Rotary.org has a club finder for locations around the world. Please see the District website at rotarydistrict5650.org for details on local clubs. Visit one of the following Metro-Area Clubs!
Monday: Omaha Millard Rotary, 12:00 pm, German American Society, 3717 South 120th St.
Tuesday: Omaha Morning 7:00 am, First Watch Aksarben, 1222 S. 71st, Ste. B, Omaha. NE 68106
Tuesday: Omaha Night, 5:30 p.m. at La Voltaire, 569 N. 155th Plaza (first and third Tuesdays) Omaha, NE http://www.omaharotarynight.org/
Wednesday: Omaha Downtown, 12:00 pm, Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Ave., Omaha, NE 68105
Wednesday: Council Bluffs Centennial: 7:00 am, Hy-Vee Community Room 1745 Madison Avenue
Thursday: Western Douglas County, 12:00 PM Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation 20272 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Thursday: Council Bluffs, 12:00 pm, Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 South 6th Street
Friday: Omaha West, 12:00 pm, Charlie's on the Lake, 4151 S 144th St., Omaha, NE 68137
Email Deb for make-up/attendance credit to omahasuburbanrotary@gmail.com.
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