A Holiday Mixer Features a Chapter President Interview

In December, Capt. Thomas Merkle, USN, chapter president, presided over the chapter's annual Holiday Mixer as the master of ceremonies. The mixer was held at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue, Nebraska. After the event, Capt. Merkle was interviewed and shared his thoughts. When asked about the Holiday Mixer, Capt. Merkle commented that it was a great event where he learned more about several fellow chapter members. He was really inspired to see the motivation of the teachers in attendance, who were excited to receive their grants for STEM learning with their students. Capt. Merkle was asked what he finds most rewarding in guiding the chapter. He replied, "I enjoy the opportunity to meet so many fun, engaging tech-types who are, like me, interested in building the Offutt and broader Omaha, Nebraska, tech community while supporting the country's national security." When asked if he had a message to impart upon high schoolers, Capt. Merkle commented, "If you're interested in tech, don't be overly discouraged by the difficulty of STEM coursework up front. The challenge is highest in the beginning. There is lots of help available, and you're capable of more than you know right now. Dream big, and work for it. The reward is worth the struggle.'

In parting, Capt. Merkle pointed out the joy of participating in chapter events and meeting like-minded folks. By participating, you not only enrich the organization and help it reach its charitable aims, but you also learn and grow in unexpected ways, which is what true learning is.

Event Photographs: