White House Author

Some of the poorest communities in Tennessee’s Williamson County are concentrated in the higher elevations, far removed from the region’s more prosperous areas. Since 2002, Bob Dietrick has been the driving force behind his Rotary club’s major project, Operation Starfish, which helps low-income residents of Williamson County gain access to clean, safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. These residents, relegated to the poorest land in the southern sections of the county, commonly rely on shallow wells, many contaminated with E. coli bacteria. Under Bob’s leadership, the club identifies families in need and provides potable water, often paying for tap water fees and assisting in securing indoor plumbing. In addition to his work with Operation Starfish, Bob has also led a group of Rotary clubs in a cooperative effort to build two homes for Habitat for Humanity in the last two years.