Colonel Steven Klein

In 2024, Colonel Steven Klein was recognized with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service, which is the highest level of volunteer award given by the President of the United States. This honor celebrates individuals who have contributed over 5,000 hours of volunteer service in their lifetime. This achievement is just one highlight in a nearly 50-year dedication to community and service. 

Beyond the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, some of Colonel Klein’s other notable recognitions include: Pride of the Union from the California Federation of Teachers (1997), Faculty President at Dorsey High School, Los Angeles (1997-1999), Member of the Year from Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring (2005), Knight Commander Court of Honor from the Supreme Council, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ (2015), and the Pillar Award from Elysian Masonic Lodge No. 418, Los Angeles (January 2024)

During his 50 years of volunteering, Colonel Klein generously dedicated time and effort to a wide array of charitable and community organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth, Jewish Vocational Service of Los Angeles, United Teachers Los Angeles, the American Red Cross, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Huntington Hospital, Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring, Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue, Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Ethics, and the Monterey Park Lions Club. He also served on the City of Monterey Park (CA) Traffic Commission and the board of the Alhambra Education Foundation. In addition, he has also personally donated over 20 gallons of blood and organized over 20 blood drives.

When asked what being a Kentucky Colonel means, he shared, “Being a Colonel is a very great honor. I am flattered and humbled to have been nominated and commissioned to be a Colonel. To me, it is one of the highest honors a person can receive.”