Featured Guest Speaker: Todd Freesemann, Rotary District Governor, District 6920Todd Freesemann graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and continued with a thirty-year military career that spanned both Army and Air Force service. He retired as a Colonel in 2013, and currently serves in law enforcement as Commander, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. Todd joined the Rotary Club of West Chatham – Pooler in 2004, serving as its President in 2008-2009 and as an Assistant Governor under six different District Governors. He is an avid supporter of the Rotary Foundation, and is a Paul Harris Fellow +8, Paul Harris Society Member, and a Major Donor.
Todd is a GRSP Trustee, a Will Watt Fellow, and has welcomed many GRSP students to Savannah, serving as a Host family to one and a local “second parent” to many others. He has also been actively engaged in the Group Study Exchange and Friendship Exchange including spending a month in Rotary District 1800, Germany, and welcoming their delegation in their visit to Georgia. Commander Freesemann is a Georgia Certified Peace Officer. He has completed the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council courses as Jailer and Basic Law Enforcement Officer. He holds an advanced certification as a Police Officer Standards and Training Approved General Instructor. Todd is a Certified Correctional Health Professional, National Commission on Correctional Health Care. He enjoys teaching portions of the Basic Jail Officer Training Course and mental health first aid course for public safety.
Todd was born and raised in South Dakota, leaving for college. His subsequent military career took him all over the world, including Korea, Honduras, Turkey, Germany, Iraq, and Israel. Todd and his wife Penny reside in Savannah, Georgia. They are members of Trinity Lutheran Church. They have a grown daughter, Katherine, a graduate of Georgia Tech.
Todd opened by encouraging us to generate a District Gov from our club and thanked us for our support of our GRSP, Sonali. The tradition of the DG speaking to all the clubs lives on with Todd, but he was delayed because his wife Penny recently “graduated” (retired) from being a judge. He also mentioned that while at AG training, Metro was mentioned as the example of good branding/communication that was exciting, enticing and engaging that others should follow.
DISTRICT:
Various chairs that are in each club are also in the district. There are 2700 Rotarians in our District (compared to 3000 in 2013) and he’s hopeful we’ll start seeing an increase again. We span down the coast from Savannah to Camden County and everything east of 75, up to Macon & Augusta, with 59 clubs. He commended our incredible work, especially our hands on service. He focused on the importance of “showing up” as well. District conference in April on Jekyll.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL:
Founding date: Feb 23rd, 1905. 120th year of Rotary’s existence (started in Chicago by 4 individuals who wanted to see what they could give back to their community. Rotary = Rotating meetings between their 4 offices. They quickly grew internationally and helped start the United Nations. Todd claims it’s the greatest service organization in the world. 1.4 Million members, 40,000 clubs. They recently spent a week with the 500 district governors and Metro is known amongst other directors- we leave an impression on leaders!
We all know the number one priority of Rotary is Polio eradication, which started in 1979 in the Philippines with well over 300,000 cases. RI saw this as an inspiration to take the effort to the next level. In 2024, we saw an increase in cases (up to about 100) but they are all centered in the mountainous region in Pakistan & Afghanistan, which poses a challenge in terms of access to patients. A number of young women have died in an effort to provide the vaccine to these remote areas. Our financial support aids in delivering that vaccine to prevent Wild Polio- the deadly and quick spreading strain of Polio. This shows the power of Rotary and asks us to keep that in our minds & hearts when we make donations. Reminder- our donations are matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
He also mentioned the tree planting efforts/environment focus, but his heart is truly focused on Peace Building & Conflict Resolution.
ASK:
Each Rotarian spends time thinking about Peace Building & Conflict Resolution- starting peace within ourselves. He commended our “Family of Rotary” sending cards, flowers, gifts, within our club. He also spoke about the little ways that we can extend encouragement and grace to those we interact with- possibly mediate between others in conflict, or simply avoiding arguing with others around us. He’s been in communication with the Mediation Center and they are starting a satellite club this month with 25 members.
People unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and within ourselves. He also recognized the presence of past presidents at our meeting and commended that!
Q: What’s Todd’s “Rotary moment?”
A: His attendance at the International DG convention- using in-ear translators and connecting with so many people. He’s also a huge believer in GRSP. They hosted a Turkish student who shared that all of her preconceived ideas about America were wrong (thankfully) and it’s remedying this misunderstandings that can bring more peace to our world.