Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 05:30 PM
Alamo Womens Club in Alamo, CANovember 2025 Event
November 12 | 5:30pm - 8:30pm | Walk-ins Welcome
Speaker: Colonel Christopher Starling, U.S. Marine Corps Retired
Presentation: Department of War: Readiness, Robots, & Rules of Engagement
Colonel Christopher Starling, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) served for 26 years on active duty as an infantry officer. He completed ten overseas deployments including three combat tours. His post-retirement work has been focused on the veteran community. Currently he is the Executive Director of NPower SkillBridge where he helps launch cybersecurity careers for young men and women in the Armed Forces who are transitioning back into civilian life.
While on active duty, Chris commanded the 2d Battalion, 2d Marines based in Camp Lejeune, NC, and the 23d Marine Regiment based in San Bruno, CA. Staff assignments included instructor duty at the US Military Academy, West Point, NY; Chief of the Partnership Division at US Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany; and the senior US Military Advisor to the Emirati Presidential Guard in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Chris holds a BA from the Virginia Military Institute and a Master’s in Public Administration from the City University of New York. Additionally, he spent one year as a Hoover Fellow at Stanford University where he published his research on China’s expanding influence in Africa.
Honoring Service & Supporting Our Veterans
Join us at the Mt. Diablo Republican Club meeting on November 12, 2025, as we welcome four incredible organizations that support veterans, active-duty military members, and their families.
🇺🇸 Blue Star Mothers of America
Founded in 1942, this nonprofit unites mothers, grandmothers, and guardians of service members and veterans. They provide care and community for military families while promoting patriotism and volunteerism nationwide.
Local Chapter: CA101 Blue Star Moms – San Ramon, CA
bluestarmoms.org💻 NPower California
NPower offers tuition-free technology training and certifications to veterans, military spouses, and underserved young adults, helping them build digital careers and diversify the tech industry.
Representative: Colonel Chris Starling
npower.org🎓 Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation
Founded in 2003 by Mike Conklin and based in San Ramon, this nonprofit provides scholarships, mentoring, and community support for post-9/11 wounded and injured veterans as they transition to civilian life.
Representative: Mike Conklin
sentinelsoffreedom.org🎖 VietNam Veterans of Diablo Valley (VNVDV)
A local nonprofit of Vietnam-era veterans dedicated to improving the image of those who served, supporting fellow veterans, and fostering patriotism through community service.
Representative: Bill Green
vnvdv.orgDOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER - CLICK HERE
Social + Check in 5:30pm - Dinner Served 6:35pm
Dinner Buffet: Roast turkey with sage dressing (vegetarian), baby greens with blue cheese, candied walnuts, cranberries & raspberry vinaigrette, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans with shallot butter, and assorted breads & rolls. Vegetarian option: Penne pasta with basil, garlic, fresh tomato, herbs & seasoned tofu. Note: BYOB/Wine + bottle opener/glasses.
*Note: Meal reservations will not be available after November 8, 3pm. Speaker, cake & coffee only reservation option available for $25. Walk-ins may also use this option.
Note: Vegan option available by request only. Email the club email address to request - [email protected]
Opportunity Drawing + Wine Donations
Opportunity Drawing – $200 + Value!
Enter to win 6 bottles of wine + a $25 See’s Candy gift card!
🎫 Tickets: $20 for 5 | $10 for 2
One winner will be selected.Funds raised will be donated to local veteran organizations. Bring your cash and/or checks.
Wine Donations Needed
Help us prepare for future fundraisers.
Please donate a bottle of wine ($25+ value, newly purchased) at check-in.
As a thank-you, you’ll receive 2 free drawing tickets!