Rotary Club of Gettysburg President Brad Hoch believes John Kramb is “a man of commitment, action and heart.”
The Orrtanna resident has been busy since joining Rotary in 2005. He has not only donated thousands of dollars to the Rotary Polio Plus Fund, which works to eradicate polio around the world, but he has also taken three trips to India to help administer polio vaccines to children.
Kramb, a polio survivor, received the club’s Dwight David Eisenhower Humanitarian Award at its meeting Monday at The Gettysburg Hotel. The award is given almost annually to someone who has dedicated their life to public service, club vice president and past recipient Ken Farabaugh said.
“John Kramb is a man of action who puts his money where his is mouth is,” Hoch said. “John believes in hard work and service above self.”
Hoch noted that in addition to participating in mission trips to India and donating to the cause, Kramb inspires others to do so. He has served as Rotary Club of Gettysburg president, district governor of Rotary District 7390 and is currently foundation chair for the district.
“Just think of the dent in this society you have made by doing what you are doing,” Rep. Dan Moul, R-91, said.
The Palm Springs, Florida, Chamber of Commerce first presented the humanitarian award to Eisenhower in 1967. It was transferred to the Rotary Club of Gettysburg in 2003. The club solicits nominees annually but only presents the honor when it believes it has a nominee whose humanitarianism resembles that of the former president.
Dr. Michael Birkner, Gettysburg College professor of history, said Eisenhower was especially honored to receive the award because it is one of few times the highly-decorated Army general was recognized for his humanitarian work. Birkner cited Eisenhower’s expansion of the Social Security System and availability of the polio vaccine as examples of his care for people.
“This is a president whose policies make those possible,” Birkner said.
Kramb is not normally a man of few words. Several times a week, he speaks to Rotary clubs throughout the state, hoping to inspire others to give more of themselves. Monday, a visibly emotional Kramb was at a loss for words.
“I am very humbled that I was selected for this honor. Thank you,” he said.