Rotarian Andy Redman introduces First Sargent Brandon LaShure to the RC of Columbus

Rotarian Tom Titus (who nominated Steele) Dan Reed Award recipient Warren Steele, and Club President Tyler Townsend

Our newest member - Danielle Patterson Varner - is introduced by Past President Newt Aaron

The Rotary Club of Columbus has a century-long relationship with Fort Benning, the Maneuver Center of Excellence, since its beginning during World War I when Rotarians lobbied Congress to establish the base in Columbus. Each week the club welcomes a military guest to join us for lunch, and each guest is presented with a Rotary Challenge Coin, a Passport to the Arts with two tickets to a performance at each venue (the River Center for the Performing Arts, The Springer Opera House, Columbus State University’s Drama Department, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra), and an autographed copy of “Words for Warriors" (a book on leadership written by Rotarian COL (Ret) Ralph Puckett).

In November, the club recognized Warren Steele II as the 2019 recipient of the Dan Reed Award. Each year, the club recognizes a community member who exemplifies Service Above Self. The recipient is a non-member who has impacted the community in the areas of healthcare, education, and literacy, among others. Steele, a retired Senior Vice President with Aflac, has served for many years as a board member for numerous organizations, including Piedmont Columbus Healthcare, the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation, and Ferst Readers. The award is named for Dan Reed, who was a Past President of the Rotary Club of Columbus and Past District Governor of Rotary District 6900.His wife, Mary, is a current member and handles membership and attendance for the club.

As one of the largest Rotary clubs in the world with approximately 300 members, the Rotary Club of Columbus welcomed its newest member on November 13, 2019. Danielle Patterson Varner, the Managing Director of the Springer Opera House, became the club’s newest member.