There are 1.2 million #Rotarians across the World; each year, 150 are chosen to receive Rotary’s highest distinction of the Service Above Self Award.
This year, Rotary District 5840 - South Central Texas gathered at the historic New Braunfels Brauntex for our District Conference and Club Leadership Seminar -&- to celebrate our very own Hometown Hero Air Force Col (Ret) JC Clapsaddle, keynote and 2026 Service Above Self Award recipient.
JC’s inspiring presentation, “Rotary's Role in World Wide Peace,” provided a compelling firsthand perspective on Rotarians’ impact in times of global crisis and our vital role in advancing Positive Peace initiatives through transformational collaborations amid Clubs. As JC shared insights from his crucial work with Rotary International’s and Rotary Club of San Antonio, TX’s humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine amid the ongoing war with fellow global advocates Borys Bodnar, Steve Sidelnyk, Tony Preston and more &- as co-Founder alongside Jack Mcguire of Seeds of Hope International Peace Leadership Academy in Corrymeela, we learned ways we can help locally to:
Deliver life-saving aid and hope to Ukrainian families, refugees and the injured: https://www.rotarysa.org/initiatives/ukraine-relief
Plant -&- Nurture the Seeds of Hope that are bringing together rising Leaders across nations, ideologies, politics and cultures to learn civil discourse, mediation and practical peace skills: https://www.rotarysa.org/initiatives/nurturing-hope
Our esteemed District Governor Craig Hardy presented JC with his award and beautiful piece of artwork entitled “Texas Eagle.” With heartfelt gratitude to JC, already en flight to his next mission, we lift up prayers and support for our sister Rotary Clubs across the World. May the bonds of fellowship, peacebuilding, compassion and service continue to unite us across every border!