Flying Beyond Limits: Salute to Veterans with Lt. Col. Katie Cook

The Downtown Rotary Club of Houston is a 501 (c) organization meeting twice each month for social fellowship and service. Join us and be a part of something big!Our members are committed to the ideals of Rotary International® and are dedicated and invested in making Houston, Texas, and the world a better place for all and…to have fun doing it. The Downtown Rotary Club of Houston membership is open to men and women who are recognized for their leadership, want to be socially active and dedicated to community service. No individual may join Rotary on their own.A current member of the Rotary Club of Houston Downtown must sponsor an individual for membership and subsequently that individual must be approved by the Downtown Rotary Club of Houston Board of Directors. Guests of members are welcome to visit the club to learn more about Rotary and our community and worldly involvement.

Downtown Rotary Club of Houston

We are thrilled to have Lieutenant Colonel Katie Cook visit with the Downtown Rotary Club of Houston on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

The Ballroom at Bayou Place

Come and honor our veterans at our fundraising luncheon with guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Katie Cook. Entertainment will once again be provided by the amazing Texas A&amp;M Singing Cadets. Please RSVP by Friday, November 7.<ul><li>This is a very special event. All veterans will be recognized during the program.</li><li>100% of the net revenue will stay in Houston to directly benefit Houston veterans.</li><li>Tables available for sponsorship. See below.</li><li>Dress is business.</li></ul>Premiere Beneficiaries<ul><li>Honor Flight - Houston</li><li>Tunnels to Towers Foundation - Veterans Village Houston</li></ul>

About Lieutenant Colonel Katie CookLieutenant Colonel Katie Cook graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2008 with a B.S. in Political Science and earned an M.A. in International Security from Georgetown University in 2009.A KC-130J pilot, she earned her wings in 2011 and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, flying combat logistics, aerial refueling missions, and close air support missions. In 2014, she became the first female pilot to fly with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, serving as Aviation Safety Officer and C-130 Aircraft Commander.Cook piloted the United States Marine Corps Lockheed C-130T Hercules, nicknamed "Fat Albert” for the Blue Angels. Subsequently, she commanded Airfield Operations Company at Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, supporting expeditionary airfield operations at MCALF Bogue. During her amazing military career, she has logged over 1,400 flight hours—including 400 in combat—and participated in missions across more than a dozen countries.

<h2>Ticket and sponsorship opportunities</h2> Donate a Ticket for a Veteran to Join Luncheon ($75 each)You may donate a seat for a guest veteran for $75. We will invite veterans from WW II, Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf War Era.Please be generous so that we may honor as many veterans as possible. Charitable Donations Are WelcomeIf you would like to make a charitable donation instead of purchasing a table or veteran ticket, please contact Kittie Gugenheim (kittiegug@yahoo.com). Tables Available for SponsorshipPlease contact Kittie Gugenheim (kittiegug@yahoo.com)to learn what each level provides, ie. program advertisement, recognition, event coverage, etc. <ul><li>$1,500 - Supporter Table</li><li>$2,500 - Featured Table</li><li>$5,000 - Underwriter Table</li></ul> You will need to provide the names of your table guests. You can also use any of the seats at your table to host one of our invited veteran guests. Each table, regardless of sponsorship level, comes with 8 event tickets. If the table isn't filled by the sponsor, any open seats will be filled by veterans. Featured Table In addition to their 8 tickets, you will be sponsoring 10 additional veterans, for a total of 18 tickets. We can provide transportation to get them to the event if needed. We will also recognize the Featured Table sponsors during the program. Underwriter Table In addition to 8 tickets, you will be sponsoring 10 additional veterans. The Underwriter sponsor will receive special recognition during the program and on the Downtown Rotary Club of Houston’s website for a year as the 2025 premier event sponsor. Accepted PaymentsWe accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Please contact Kittie to make a table payment.Please remit checks made payable to:The Downtown Rotary Club of Houston Veterans CommitteeMail to: P.O. Box 22104 Houston, TX 77227-9998For any questions, please call Kittie Gugenheim at 713-582-6863.

MEMBER TICKETSDowntown Rotary Club of Houston members are entitled to one (1) free ticket per paid member.Corporate members are entitled to five (5) tickets. Non-veteran visitors and and non-veteran guests must purchase a ticket at $50.*** If you are ordering more than one (1) ticket, please ENTER EACH ATTENDEE'S NAME for faster event check in. ***All credit cards and PayPal accepted. Valet parking included.