Chuck Carter DG – Bio

Born in Pensacola, FL on his mothers 24th birthday on May 17, 1956

Proud Veteran of the United States Navy.

Was married and divorced to the same lady twice. (Persistence or just plain Crazy?) They remain good friends and have 2 daughters: Psychologist Ashlee Carter and Anthropologist/Chef Sarah Carter.

Joined Lions in November of 1986 after he was invited to a meeting of the Pike Creek Valley Lions Club in Wilmington, Delaware by Lion Bob Straub. Thank you, Lion Bob!

Has held every Club position, many of them more than once. Has been a Club President 6 times. Has been a Zone Chairperson 4 times. Has been a Region Chairperson 2 times. Has numerous positions in both District and Multiple District leadership. Has been a Vice District Governor, a 1st Vice District Governor, and a 2nd Vice District Governor.

Sponsored the first lady Lion member, Christine Brett, into the Pike Creek Valley Lions Club in early July of 1987, shortly after it was voted on to offer membership to ladies by Lions Clubs International. As of August 2021, Lion Chuck has sponsored 69 Lions into his Club(s) and has also brought in over a dozen other members into other Clubs and finding them a good sponsor. (Yes, he can help you with membership!)

Was honored by his Club when they recognized him with a Melvin Jones Fellowship in 1993 for his work helping the Club’s waitress obtain corrective surgery for her “Lazy Eye” condition. He put together a golf tournament to raise money for the surgery and a week of paid time off for the lady and her family.

Has attended 4 International Conventions Has attended 1 USA/Canada Forum

Has many Governors awards and MD awards for Lion’s Service.

IS ONE HELL OF A PROUD LION!!!

WE SERVE!!!

1st Vice District Governor Jim Gregory Biography

Lion Jim was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. At age 19, he joined the United States Army and proudly served for 20 years. After retiring from the Army, Jim went to work in a civilian position for the Department of Defense. He retired from that position in February 2015 and moved to Florida in July of that year. He worked for Home Depot until January 31, 2019 when he retired to become a full-time Lion.

In 2003 Jim joined the Newport News (Host) Lions Club, where he served one year as a director, two terms as club president, two years as club treasurer and two years as club secretary. He also served as the first Global Leadership Team Coordinator for District 24-D (2009-2012) and as Zone Chair (2013-2014).

After he moved to Florida, Lion Jim joined the Hudson Bayonet Point Lions Club and has served as club treasurer and twice as club president. He has also served as the Disaster Team Coordinator for District 35-I. Lion Jim is currently serving as First Vice District Governor of District 35-I.

Lion Jim was awarded the International Presidential Certificate of Appreciation in 2009 and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Lion Jim has been married to his wife, Lion Linda, since 1996. They have a blended family of 3 daughters and 2 sons. They have also been blessed with 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandsons!

2nd Vice District Governor Gary Michael LaSpina  Biography (8-3-21)

Lion Gary was born December 15th, 1951 and adopted soon after by two loving parents, Mike and Lorraine LaSpina. He lived most of his life in the small Polk County town of Fort Meade before moving to Winter Haven 7 years ago. He is married to Diane (who he calls his Lady Di) for 45 years, and has a 34-year-old adopted son, John-Michael, who now lives in Brooklyn, NY.



He retired from the military in 1995 after 24 years of combined service in the Florida Army National Guard, U.S. Air Force, and closing out his career on a U.S. Army Active Guard Reserve tour assigned to the 53d Infantry Brigade Headquarters, Tampa, FL. He’s also a retired Middle/High School TV production teacher and IT professional with Lake Wales High School where he still works part time.

He has been a Lion since 2012 and member of the Lake Placid Lions Club where he has served as Club President, Secretary, Marketing Communications Chair, Service Chair and has served on the Club’s Board of Directors. He has served as Zone Chair, Peace Poster Chair, 35-I Newsletter Editor, and District and Multiple District Audio/Visual Chair. Lion Gary maintains web sites for the Florida Lions Foundation for the Blind, MD 35 Diabetes Awareness Foundation, and the Florida Lions Diabetes and Retinopathy Foundation. He’s also serving as a Director on the Board of District 35-I Lions Sight Foundation.

He has attended the Florida Emerging Lions Leadership Institute in 2019, the 2020 Virtual USA/CANADA Leadership Forum and the 2021 Virtual Lions Club International Convention. He is currently enrolled in the Lions University working on his Bachelors.

Lion Gary is a Melvin Jones Fellow, District 35-I Crusader Award recipient, Lake Placid Lions Club Lion of the Year and Past District Governor’s Lion of the Year. He has also received the International Presidential Leadership Award and International Presidential Certificate of Appreciation.

Liongarylp35i@gmail.com

Cell: 863.617.5537