National Guard, Rotarians join efforts on international service project

Jefferson City Breakfast Rotarian Tom Quinn directs members of Rotary District 6068 as they assemble 300 well-baby kits to be delivered to Panama.
Jefferson City Breakfast Rotarian Tom Quinn directs members of Rotary District 6068 as they assemble 300 well-baby kits to be delivered to Panama.

An idea, a thought and a hope that the National Guard would agree to transport goods to those living in Panama is how the mission started.

Just before Rotary 6068 held their annual conference last fall, members began to think about an international service project they could do - something to commit to for several years. The goal was to establish a long-term mission with a broader impact than many small projects.

Noting the National Guard has a "huge presence" in Panama, Jefferson City Rotary members thought the pairing was a great idea.

"Soon we were on our way, and at the conference, the Rotarians really adopted the mission and we were amazed," said Joan Kramer, president of Jefferson City Breakfast Rotary Club.