The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"
Fraternal MVPs—Week of August 6, 2007
The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of August 6, 2007. Fraternal MVPs are “Fraternalists-in-Action” who volunteer their time, energy and compassion to strengthen their communities through participation in local lodge activities and other charitable endeavors.
Willie Blue
Knights of Columbus
Council #11780
Tukwila, Washington
When most people are diagnosed with cancer, a lot in their lives changes and they don’t continue their regular routine or activities. This was not the case for Willie Blue, however. When Willie was told that he had cancer in 2006, he not only kept up a regular routine, but still devoted most of his time to helping others and working with his council to better his community. Willie, even when plagued with personal hardship, gives of himself to help others, truly demonstrating what it means to be a Knight of Columbus.
Willie joined the Covington (Washington) Council #11780 in April of 1999. He quickly progressed through the degrees and became a 3rd Degree Knight by July. Willie became deeply involved as soon as he joined the Knights, becoming chairman of the parish golf tournament, a position which he still holds. In 2001, Willie became an officer in the council and worked his way up to Deputy Grand Knight. Willie remained active and the Order helped him through difficult times. In 2004, Willie’s four-year-old son, Joshua, died of leukemia. Stricken by tragedy, Willie and his brother knights hoped to bring about some good by founding the “Joshua Blue Scholarship Fund,” which has raised $3,500 for children attending Catholic high schools and colleges. In the midst of all of this, Willie still made his 4th degree, the highest degree in the Knights of Columbus. He is chairman for many of the council’s events, and always gives back to the council, attending all meetings and other events.
In addition to his involvement with the Knights, Willie also is a prominent contributor to his church. He is the current co-chair of the church committee and serves as a lector. Willie proclaims a “stewardship way of life” that his church is currently trying to embrace. He participates in many of the church activities and men’s retreats and is devoted to prayer and the teachings of the Church. Willie finds a way to carry his love and dedication for others through the church and into the community. Willie attends and volunteers his time to helping the Cub Scouts, in which his son, Jordan, is currently a member. He also volunteered to coach a youth basketball team and is now a referee. Willie, his wife Julie, and their son, Jordan, try to keep a balance between church, community and family, which shows in Willie’s attitude toward helping others and his involvement in the Knights.
Willie Blue is the kind of man most others wish that they could be. He is devoted to his family, a standout in the community and in his church, and a beloved brother knight to his council. Willie has endured many hardships over the past few years, but despite all the obstacles placed in his way, he has remained an incredible knight and person. Willie sets an example for all and his actions should not be emulated only by his brother Knights and community, but by all who hear of the hardship he endured and how he remained a great man.
Penny Lou Wills
Gleaner Life Insurance Society
Arbor #628
Sulphur Springs, Illinois
Penny is a natural-born volunteer, pitching in and helping out no matter where she is. When no one would be a leader for Girl Scout Troop #189, Penny stepped in. She cooks the breakfast every Sunday at the Methodist Church, helps at luncheons and volunteers at a nursing home six hours a week. She donates four hours a week at the Sulphur Springs Arbor, cooking, building and cleaning, whatever is needed.
The elderly hold a special place in Penny Lou’s heart, and she spends six hours a week driving these friends to doctors’ appointments, the store or just to get out. She works on local food drives, 4-H ice cream socials, cemetery clean-ups and solicits prizes from merchants for local benefits. She also helps with Operation: Mom’s Cookies, a program which sends baked goods to service personnel in Iraq.
Helen Washick
Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union (LPSCU)
Branch #6
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Helen recently was named LPSCU’s 2007 Fraternalist of the Year. Helen is a longtime member and strong supporter of the LPSCU, having sponsored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and in-laws for membership. She is active in all activities within her branch in Wilkes-Barre, Penn.
Since 1982, Helen has devoted her life to volunteer service in her community. She has been a dedicated volunteer at John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitation in Wilkes-Barre, where she transports patients to and from therapy. Often times, she would accompany patients on trips to their doctor's appointments and for diagnostic tests. Having volunteered over 5,500 hours at the John Heinz Institute, Helen has received numerous certificates of commendation and awards for her outstanding volunteer service.
On May 3, 2007, Helen was notified by a letter from Thomas E. Pugh, Senior Vice President of John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine that she is the recipient of the 2007 Lawrence W. Roth Memorial Volunteer Award. Mr. Pugh's letter praised Helen and stated, "Your compassion, your selflessness, have meant a great deal to enhancing the reputation of this hospital. Because of you, patients are better served here."
Helen also has been a 25-year volunteer for the American Red Cross, preparing the plastic bags used for blood drives. During that length of time, she also has volunteered for the Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming counties in its Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She was presented with many certificates of merit and appreciation from the American Red Cross and RSVP in recognition of her tireless efforts and dedicated volunteer service to the community.
Helen is proud of receiving The President's 2005 Call to Service Award "USA Freedom Corps," a plaque and President's pin from President George Bush, in recognition and appreciation of her commitment to strengthening our nation and for making a difference through volunteer service.
The officers of Branch #6 summed up her accomplishments by stating, "Truly, Helen Washick is one extraordinary person—by volunteering, she has shown the true meaning of fraternalism."
Helen recently celebrated her 92nd birthday. She is a member of St. Joseph's Church, East Northampton Street in Wilkes-Barre.
The NFCA salutes these outstanding Fraternalists-in-Action for their dedication, kindness and generosity. They embody the heart of fraternalism through their volunteer efforts and commitment to their communities.
To view previous week's MVPs, click here.
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