For 30 years Ron Schmidt has lived in Bryan. For 30 years, he's worked at the same place, and for 30 years he's given back to the community he cherishes.

"Frankly, I didn't grow as a person till I got to Bryan/College Station. I tribute that to a lot of my friends, my wife, and everything else," said Schmidt.

Ronald Bruce Schmidt grew up in Waco, Texas. He joined the Marines in 1970 and learned an important life lesson.

"It taught me to be persistent. It taught me not to give up. Persistence is probably worth a lot more than talent in some instances. You just keep going at it," joked Schmidt.

That persistence paid off when Ron moved to Bryan in 1981. He was the one and only employee at Texas Commercial Waste and in between picking up trash, maintaining the trucks and filling out paper work, he found time to give back. It all started when the Waco transplant joined the Bryan Jaycees.

"It was a real growing and learning experience and a lot of those people that I was in Jaycees with, they're my best friends today," said Schmidt.

From there Ron joined the Bryan Rotary Club, founded Keep Brazos Beautiful, has served on the Boys and girls club board for 27 years, and is heavily involved with Junction 505.

"I like to try to help people that help themselves. There's a lot of things that have a lot of hype to them but the Boys & Girls Club and Junction 505 and also Habitat for Humanity, they're all things that work. They do what they say they'll do," said Schmidt.

Ron also had a hand in getting Blinn College the land it needed to become the education center it is today.

"Back then we knew that it was going to grow and people wondered why we needed about 100 acres. I think at that time we all knew that it would surpass the needs of 100 acres. I think they've out grown that campus and need more space," said Schmidt.

It's the American way and being an American is all Ron strives to be.

"I think being involved, from a civic stand point in your community is something unique to America and to Texas. We really need to promote that and pass that on to our kids because that's what makes us America. We open our arms and our pocket books to people in need and that's just the American thing to do. That's the American way," said Schmidt.

And to be the recipient of a 2011 Jefferson Award is a distinction Ron never expected.

"Honored and humbled because I know a few of the people that have received it in the past. Being included in their company is quite exciting," said Schmidt.

Ron Schmidt, volunteer, friend to many, and 2011 Jefferson Award winner.