The Texarkana Oaklawn Rotary Club recently gathered to honor two of its longest-standing members, Winford Dunn and Hershel Flanagan, as they transition from active to honorary membership. This celebration marks a significant milestone in their commitment to community service through Rotary.
Decades of Service
Winford Dunn has been a dedicated member of the Rotary Club for 57 years, joining just a year after the Oaklawn Rotary Club was founded in 1967. Hershel Flanagan, with 26 years of membership, also reflects a deep commitment to the Rotary’s mission of ‘service above self.’
Dunn expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in what he considers the most important civic engagement in Texarkana. He highlighted the organization’s dedication to community and international service projects, which have left a lasting impact on both members and beneficiaries.
Impactful Contributions
Flanagan echoed Dunn’s sentiments, emphasizing the pride he takes in the Rotary’s achievements. He pointed to successful initiatives such as Polio Plus and local charity support funded through their drawdown events. These efforts have strengthened both local and international communities.
Beyond their service projects, both Dunn and Flanagan have valued the personal relationships formed within the Rotary. Flanagan noted that the friendships he developed with fellow Rotarians have been significant in his life.
Advocating for Inclusion
Dunn also played a pivotal role in advocating for the inclusion of women in the Rotary. At the time he joined, women were not allowed to be members. Motivated by personal interest, as he had daughters, Dunn and another member worked to change this policy, paving the way for a more inclusive organization.
The Texarkana Oaklawn Rotary Club, part of a global network of 1.2 million members, continues to address some of the world’s greatest challenges through volunteerism and humanitarian projects. Those interested in joining can find more information on their website.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
