Some Rotarians serve their local community. Others travel into the heart of a war zone to bring hope, healing, and lifesaving aid. Noel Sutter and Tom Warren exemplify Rotary's motto, Service Above Self.
Since joining the Rotary Club of Central Marin in August 2023, Noel and Tom have completed five humanitarian missions to Ukraine and are preparing for their sixth mission this fall.
Working with their Rotary Host Partner, the Rotary Club of Vinnytsia, and in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Sloviansk, Kharkiv Multinational, Kharkiv New Level, and Cherkasy, they have delivered more than 12 tons of humanitarian aid, valued at approximately $300,000.
Their missions have provided 18 ICU ventilators, AEDs, patient and fetal monitors, trauma supplies, hygiene kits, food, and lifesaving Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) devices to hospitals, civilians, and Ukrainian soldiers.
The Central Marin Rotary Club has supported these efforts with a $4,000 club contribution, while individual members have donated an additional $1,000 since 2024.
After each mission, Noel and Tom return to share powerful stories and photographs with their fellow Rotarians, reminding us not only of the devastation of war but also of the resilience and hope of the Ukrainian people.
Noel and Tom remind us that while we cannot stop every conflict, each of us can choose to bring hope, compassion, and healing to those who need it most. Their work is a powerful example of Rotary's commitment to creating lasting impact through Service Above Self.
Rotary District 5150 is proud to honor Noel Sutter and Tom Warren as Rotarians of the Month for August 2026 for their extraordinary humanitarian leadership and their inspiring commitment to serving those in greatest need.