The San Clemente Exchange Club is proud to have an outstanding President this year — Don Echelberger, a dedicated member of our club for an incredible 54 years. In July, we celebrated our 60th anniversary, and Don stands as the longest-serving member among our 32 active participants.
Don’s background is as impressive as his commitment to Exchange. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and pilot, having flown a range of aircraft including aerial refueling tankers. After his military service, Don transitioned to a career with TWA, where he rose to the rank of Captain. Upon retiring from aviation, he continued serving the community through work in San Clemente’s real estate industry.
At his official installation as our 2025–2026 Club President in late June, Don made a memorable statement by unveiling his new club hat — MEGA! Inspired by the MAGA slogan, Don’s version stands for Make Exchange Great Again. It’s likely he’s the only member in the entire National Exchange Club sporting a MEGA hat — and he wears it proudly to every meeting.
Don’s leadership goes beyond symbolism. He’s a powerhouse when it comes to recruiting new members. Since January 2025, he has personally brought in five new members, and he’s set a goal to reach ten by the end of his term in June 2026 — he’s already halfway there.
I wanted to spotlight Don and his many achievements for your awareness. He’s a phenomenal leader and a true ambassador for Exchange. I hope you’ll have the opportunity to meet him at our upcoming Exchange Club meeting on September 18th.