Leading by Example: Herb Kelleher’s Thanksgiving Lesson in Service

Many years ago, on a Thanksgiving weekend, severe storms brought airports across Texas to a standstill. Flights were delayed, tempers flared, and luggage piled up faster than workers could manage. At Dallas Love Field, passengers were stranded, and employees were stretched to their limits. Amid this chaos, a man in a suit stepped onto the tarmac, grabbed a bag, and began loading luggage into the belly of a waiting plane.

That man wasn’t a ramp worker — it was Herb Kelleher, founder and CEO of Southwest Airlines. When an employee recognized him and asked, “Herb, what are you doing out here?” he smiled and replied, “We’re in the airline business, aren’t we? Let’s get these people home.”

His example sparked a remarkable response: off-duty workers voluntarily came in to help. By the end of the day, hundreds of flights had moved, and thousands of travelers were on their way. The lesson was clear: leadership isn’t about commanding from above — it’s about serving alongside your team.

Herb Kelleher’s story reminds us that true leadership is grounded in humility and action. As John Quincy Adams famously said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Leadership is not a position or a title — it’s the embodiment of service.

This is the spirit that lifts Roswell Rotary. Every time a member arrives early to set up tents, stays late to clean up after a fundraiser, or warmly welcomes a guest, leadership is in motion.

Honoring Our Heroes: Roswell Rotary’s First Annual Family Farm Day

This past weekend, the Roswell Rotary Club proudly hosted our annual Family Farm Day — a special celebration dedicated to the brave men and women who protect and serve our community every day. We were honored to welcome members of the Roswell Police Department, Fire Department, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers, along with their families, for a day of appreciation, relaxation, and community connection.

It was a picture-perfect day — blue skies, delicious food, and a shared spirit of gratitude that could be felt throughout the event. The laughter of children echoed across the farm as families enjoyed painting birdhouses, decorating pumpkins, face painting, the ever-popular jumpy house, and even panning for “gold.” For many, it was a rare and meaningful opportunity to slow down, spend quality time together, and simply enjoy being in the moment.

Several officers shared how deeply they appreciated the chance to unwind with their loved ones. One officer noted that seeing his children laugh and play that day made him feel truly valued in a way words couldn’t express. Roswell’s new Fire Chief Pabel Troche also commented that it was “one of the nicest, most well-done events he’s ever attended honoring those who serve the community.”

Giving back to our first responders is at the heart of what Rotary stands for. These men and women dedicate their lives to protecting ours, and it’s our privilege to show them how much their service means. Events like Family Farm Day remind us that gratitude is not just a word — it’s an action, and one that strengthens the bonds of our entire community.

Of course, a day like this doesn’t come together by chance. It happens through the dedication and teamwork of Rotarians who live out our motto, “Service Above Self.” A heartfelt thank-you goes to Gary Garrett for graciously hosting us on such an incredible property, and to Dave Young, Lynne Lindsay, Kathy Igou, Alicia Hughes, Gene Beckham, Jack Wyche, Michael Curling, and Bob Clarkson for their leadership, creativity, and hard work on the planning committee.

Together, we made Family Farm Day not just an event — but a lasting expression of appreciation for the heroes who keep Roswell safe.As Mother Teresa wisely reminded us, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” I am so proud of this club, and proud to serve alongside each and every one of you! Service Above Self is not just a motto at Roswell Rotary…

Cornhole for Polio With a Fresh Spin

Looking ahead, we continue this commitment with our PolioPlus Cornhole Tournament later this month. As we raise funds and awareness to help eradicate polio worldwide, we join millions of Rotarians in a decades-long mission fueled not by fame or fortune, but by determination, teamwork, and compassion. Please take note of the NEW format for our cornhole tournament and get ready to “pick” the winning team from those in the field! It’s going to be a fun opportunity to win a raffle prize. (Details to follow — please ask!)

Polio eradication is one of Rotary’s greatest achievements — a testament to what can be accomplished when ordinary people unite behind an extraordinary cause. Our collective service truly embodies Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self. As we serve our first responders and toss cornhole bags for a cause, let us remember Herb Kelleher’s simple wisdom: “We’re in the people business.” That’s what Rotary is all about — people helping people, one act of service at a time. Through these acts, both big and small, we build stronger communities and a better world.

That’s leadership. That’s Service Above Self. That’s Roswell Rotary.