Oct 30, 2025 — Debbie Cardenas: Damsels in Defense

Bulletin for October 30, 2025

Featured Speaker: Debbie Cardenas

Damsels in Defense — Personal Safety, Self-Defense, and Protecting Women & Children

OPENING

The meeting was called to order, followed by prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

"Everyone faces seemingly overwhelming odds sometime in their life — never give up."

— Thomas R. Norris, United States Medal of Honor

CLUB BACKGROUND

The club was founded in 1946 as a service and social club. Among its cherished traditions: a metal bedpan used for infractions since at least 1963. The meeting recognized former presidents and members' military service across all branches — Marine, Air Force, Navy, and Army.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE

• Board met at 'Bank of Bob'

• Christmas party: Barbara will ensure gluten-free options are available

• Grants approved: $1,250 to Heartbeat Survivors of Suicide (increase) and $500 to Rocky Mountain Ninjas

• The Peak News grant request is on hold due to their restructuring

• New member: Randy Creasy was voted in, though absent due to a cold

• Next board meeting: December 9 (rescheduled due to Thanksgiving)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Off-site: Soaring Eagles Community School — November 6

Meet at 4710 Harrier Ridge Road at 11:45 AM. Bring your driver's license. Signed-up members: Kevin, Eric, Bob Lucia, Jeff, Barbara, Larry Gaddis, Benny, Paula, John Russ, Wilhelm. Barbara will send detailed instructions via email.

Southern Delivery System Off-site Tour

Private tour planned for February 5, around lunchtime. The facility is the endpoint of a pipeline bringing water from Pueblo to Colorado Springs. The building is named the Ed Bailey building — Ed Bailey served as 'our water guy' for 40 years. Guests are welcome; sign-up sheet coming.

KEYNOTE: DEBBIE CARDENAS — DAMSELS IN DEFENSE

Debbie is a personal safety advocate and instructor with 10 years of experience serving realtors, college students, medical professionals, and seniors. As a survivor of sexual assault, Debbie was motivated to help others stay safe. Her program, Damsel in Defense, equips women with protection tools. She has raised $675,000 and supported over 1,700 girls in Cambodia and India.

Alarming Statistics

• 1 in every 5 women are survivors of rape

• 70% of sexual assaults occur before age 17

• 1 in 3 women experience partner domestic abuse

• College-aged women are 4 times more likely to be assaulted

Situational Awareness and Safety

• Be aware of your surroundings; make eye contact; scan when exiting buildings

• Limit distractions — avoid phones while walking in vulnerable situations

• Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, stop and seek help

• Display confidence: walking alertly can deter potential assailants

• Know exits in buildings; be ready to respond in an emergency

Safety Tools Overview

• Stun guns: Require arm's-length contact, include flashlights, lifetime warranty ($65–$85)

• Pepper spray: 16.5 ft range, UV dye, strongest civilian formulation — apply in a 'Zorro' pattern ($25)

• Kubotan striking tool: Effective at close range, recommended for vehicle carry ($15–$20)

• Emergency flashlight: Multiple modes, magnetic mount, seatbelt cutter, window breaker, phone charging ($45)

Domestic Violence Awareness

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Debbie emphasized that domestic violence includes emotional, sexual, financial control, and isolation — not only physical abuse. Resources are more available now than ever. Support victims with practical tools and compassionate, non-judgmental engagement.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking may surpass drugs as the top crime within five years. Debbie cited that a child can be abducted in as little as 32 seconds. Vigilance and close supervision of children in public are critical.

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