November 9, 2014

This was the 90th anniversary of my father, Kenneth Engle's birth. In the evening Cheryl sang in the Memorial Concert for composer pianist organist conductor Ovid Young who passed away in August. It was an honor to meet and visit with pianist Kurt Kaiser and his wife Pat. I remember hearing Kurt play at Faith Academy in Manila when I was in grade school.

Kurt Kaiser

Pat Kaiser

Salute To American's Veterans, Nov 5, 2014, Frontiers of Flight Museum, Love Field, Dallas, TX

I was invited to the 10th Annual "Salute to American Veterans" by Dallas Rotary Club member Dana DeVance. It was held at the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field, Dallas. It was an honor to be there among active duty military, veterans, and many the business people of Dallas, and the sponsors of this event. President of the Dallas Rotary Club is Charles M. Mohrle President of Mohrle-Morris & Associates, Inc. The Speaker was Vice Admiral Joseph MacGuire , a career Naval Special Warfare Officer (SEAL), US Navy. He retired in 2010 after 36 years on active duty. Dallas Rotary Club member Major General James Williams, US Marines, RET and US Naval Academy graduate, and Navy veteran Ross Perot were in attendance as well as many other retired military some of flag rank. The Rotary Club of Dallas is the first Rotary Club in Texas, founded in 1911. I was also honored to meet Donald Carter Senior and Junior, who are also members. As of Spring 2015 I have been accepted as a member of this longtime Rotary club, and it is an honor. Making some great connections here.

 Donald G. Carter, Dana DeVance, Charles Mohrle, and myself

Dana DeVance with Cheryl and me

Charles Mohrle's father Charles Mohrle Sr. was a highly decorated combat pilot in World War 2, and told his story at this Museum for many years.

 Vice Admiral MacGuire

 Major General Williams

 The Museum Floor where the event was held, Ross Perot was in attendance

 Donald G. Carter Jr., Donald Carter Sr. and myself

 Tony Crawford, author of "25 June 1943 MIA"

Texas Legends Draft Party, November 1, 2014

 Texas Legends Owners, President, and Staff

Eduardo Najera Head Coach and Donnie Nelson Owner

Executive Director Stewards Foundation 1994-2010

Twenty years ago today, I began a 16 year adventure as Executive Director of Stewards Foundation, founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1945, then moved to Wheaton in the 1970s. I met wonderful people from most of the 50 states we served. When the President of the board called me to offer me the "Interim" job he asked, "would you like to move to Chicago?" I said "no." (Nothing against Illinois, or Chicago or Wheaton, but I love Texas, even though I went to 1st and 2nd grade in Villa Park when Dad was on faculty at Emmaus). He said "would you commute?" I said "yes." For 15 months I boarded a Fokker 100 jet (90 seat) on Monday, and on Friday I boarded the same model to return from Chicago to Dallas. The board decided to take the "Interim" out of my title, and Cheryl and I moved to Wheaton in the fall of 1995. 

At the first opportunity and with the blessing of the board, I moved the whole thing to Midway Road, Addison Texas in 1998, where it operated until recently when it moved to Dallas. Cheryl was office administrative manager for 12 years, worked free the first year, and the board hired her. I loved the Executive Director aspect. Enjoyed most of the staff we had, and loaning millions for new assemblies/churches. Enjoyed managing a $10M investment portfolio. Another thrill was being involved in an effort to place 9 brand new board members (with a new vision) in 1991, which effort was successful, and created a new majority on the board. The men who were mentors to me, and involved in that effort, were Jean Gibson, Dr. Theodore "Ted" Dippy, John W. Brown, William "Bill" Neufeld and Gerald "Jerry" Keller, all now in heaven. My wife Cheryl and my Dad, Ken, were the greatest encouragements to me in those years. By far it is the most satisfying job I ever had, and I hope one day soon to utilize my experience in another similar environment. As with any job, there comes a time when it is appropriate to move on, so I gave my resignation in 2010. Dad will always be my #1 hero, and during the darkest most difficult days he called me to say he was praying for me, or sent me a note by snail mail, or a funny cartoon he had clipped from the paper or a magazine. After he went to heaven I found a folder with about 20 cartoons, and funnies he never had the chance to send. He was always thinking of others. He is my example, and I thought of him much and talked to him much during those 16 years. Thanks Dad!!