The National Fraternal Congress of America recognizes members of fraternal benefit societies across the nation, including Modern Woodmen of America, as "Fraternalists-in-Action" who volunteer time, energy and compassion to strengthen communities through local chapter activities and other charitable endeavors. These outstanding volunteers are honored as Fraternal MVPs. 

 

Stephen J. Powell, Vincennes, Ind.

Stephen J. Powell, Vincennes, Ind., was named a Fraternal MVP for the week of Feb. 4. The NFCA also invited Stephen to share his fraternal story with his senators and representatives during a trip to Washington, D.C. A lifelong member of Modern Woodmen, he has made volunteering a priority despite health problems that forced him into retirement 10 years ago. “People helping people,” Steve says. “It doesn’t get any better than that!”

Steve has been the coordinator for the Self Help and Resource Exchange food program since its inception in March 2001. He is also the county coordinator of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for Seniors and works with the Disabled American Veterans chapter to drive veterans to their appointments at VA hospitals.

He volunteers at the Indiana Military Museum, sits on the advisory councils for Generations United and RSVP and was appointed to the Vincennes City Board of Zoning Appeals by the mayor two years ago. He ushers at the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center and raises funds for Harbor House, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence.

Steve served nearly five years in the Army, worked for the Social Security Administration and retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1998.

 Jess Taylor, Topeka, Kan.

Retired Modern Woodmen District Representative and former Agency Manager Jess Taylor, a 57-year Modern Woodmen member from Topeka, Kan., was honored as a Fraternal MVP for the week of Nov. 26. The NFCA also invited Jess to share his fraternal story with his senators and representatives during a trip to Washington, D.C.

Jess was recognized as a Modern Woodmen Hometown Hero last year. A former Modern Woodmen Youth Service Club leader, Jess has helped start 12 clubs and continues to sponsor two. Jess has also been actively involved in Modern Woodmen Camp 536. His volunteer efforts with camps and clubs include planting trees at local parks, cleaning parks and zoos for Join Hands Day, and collecting food donations for the annual Thanksgiving dinner in Topeka.

In addition to camp and club activities, Jess is a commercial artist who uses his talent to enrich his community. In addition to raising money for schools, churches and non-profits by selling caricatures, Jess also volunteers at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. He teaches art classes and illustrates the award-winning Military Officers Association of America newsletter. Jess is a former Kansas National Guardsman and colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.


Lisa Lippitz, Bourbonnais, Ill.

Modern Woodmen member and youth service club leader Lisa Lippitz, Bourbonnais, Ill., was named a Fraternal MVP for the week of Jan. 29.

Lisa has helped kids in her Kankakee, Ill., club make a positive impact for 17 years. Members initiated the “Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat” program to collect canned goods. They also participate in the local river cleanup, visit residents at their adopted nursing home and honor our troops through the community’s Pause for Patriotism event.

Lisa's many volunteer activities over the years have also included helping with a brownie troop, working as a candy striper at the hospital, teaching arts and crafts at church camp, helping with art classes at local schools, conducting science lessons at Olivet University Kids College, and tutoring after school several times a week at the library. She also helps make costumes and props for local dance and theater productions, and helps with a benefit for the local women's shelter.

Tracie Surridge, West Burke, Vt.

Modern Woodmen member and youth service club leader Tracie Surridge, West Burke, Vt., was honored as a Fraternal MVP for the week of March 5.

A former Modern Woodmen club member herself, Tracie has been a club leader for 12 years. She has directed her members in fundraising efforts for the local fire department, school library, after-school intramural sports program, a new playground and families in need.

She’s also organized annual Join Hands Day events, bringing youths and adults together to conduct painting, planting and cleanup projects. Her club members have cleared a local nature trail and removed 400 pounds of roadside trash in their local area. Tracie’s club members also enjoy nature hikes and hosting a communitywide potluck.

An active community volunteer, Tracie’s efforts don’t end with the club. She frequently volunteers at the school where she teaches third and fourth grades. In 2005, she led the school’s Hurricane Katrina fundraising efforts. She also runs the after-school Math and Reading Fun Club for students who can’t afford the traditional after-school program. And as a member of the Burke School and Community Association, Tracie is helping raise funds to replace a 20-year-old playground.


Megan P., Oklahoma

A fifth‑grader, Megan is an active Modern Woodmen of America Youth Service Club member. She was honored as a Fraternal MVP for the week of April 16.

As a club member, Megan has helped make cards for U.S. veterans, delivered packages of stationery and stamps to shut‑ins, assisted with a tree planting at the fire station, donated canned food, helped host a party for residents of a local nursing home, and participated in Join Hands Day.

Megan also helps out at a day care, and she is active in her school's honor choir and academic challenge team, her church youth group, softball, and basketball.


Nancy Cox, Rushville, Ill.

Nancy Cox, Rushville, Ill., was named a Fraternal MVP for the week of May 21. A lifelong Modern Woodmen member, Nancy has served as leader of several Modern Woodmen youth service clubs since 1991, and she now leads a new club. She also volunteers with her mother, Elsie, at Modern Woodmen’s Browning, Ill., camp activities.

Nancy credits Elsie for her own love of volunteering, as her years as a club member under her mom’s leadership instilled a love for community service. Nancy has passed this love on to her own children. She even picks up trash around town as a part of her daily exercise routine.

A former local Volunteer of the Year, Nancy spearheads many community projects. She was chiefly responsible for the renovation of the Virginia Community Center. She raised funds for the center through Modern Woodmen Matching Fund Program activities with her youth clubs, and she painted, sanded and refinished the center’s floors to save money. Once in disrepair, the community center now hosts receptions and other events.

Nancy serves on the local Little League board. She also handles the league’s paperwork and manages its concession stand, scheduling volunteers and stocking food. She also oversees the local high school’s stand.

Carole Thornburg, Chuckey, Tenn.

Modern Woodmen member and assistant youth club leader Carole Thornburg, Chuckey, Tenn., was honored as a Fraternal MVP for the week of June 4. The NFCA also invited Carole to share her fraternal story with her senators and representatives during a trip to Washington, D.C.

Assisting her mother, Peggy Vaughn, the club’s leader, Carole arranges club members’ get-togethers with local nursing home residents and coordinates valentine deliveries to veterans and the elderly. She also contacts local elected officials regarding club activities and salutes the local newspaper staff with containers of goodies each fall. Additionally, Carole volunteers for the Afton Modern Woodmen camp, decorating parade floats, planting trees and delivering donations.

Carole is the youth programs director at her church. She plans its Vacation Bible School and Christmas program each year, and she coordinates youth events between churches in Afton. She recently organized a “rock-a-thon” to raise money for charity.

Carole also keeps the books and scores for the local tractor association, coordinates Boy Scout activities, and organizes the Ruritan T-ball and Little League teams. And she helps plan and set up the community’s annual “Meet Your Neighbor” cookout. 


Helen H., Louisiana

A high school sophomore, Helen has logged more than 600 hours of volunteer service in her 10 years as a Modern Woodmen of America Youth Service Club member. She was honored as a Fraternal MVP for the week of July 9.

She helps her mom, the club’s leader, prepare for meetings and assists younger club members with activities. She coordinated the club’s 2007 Join Hands Day project by transporting and organizing food items to prepare 120 bags for the homeless. She also enjoys the club’s visits with the elderly.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Helen and her basketball team hosted a welcome banquet for nearly 150 relocated students and their families. Helen donated coats, school supplies and some of her school uniforms to the new students. She recently traveled to New Orleans with a church group to do more volunteer work for hurricane victims.

Helen is also active in soccer, basketball, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student council and her church youth group.