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The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"
Fraternal MVPs—Week of February 25, 2008
The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of February 25, 2008. 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.
Kristin Milbrandt
National Catholic Society of Foresters
St. Mary’s Court #657
Fort Atkinson, Iowa
Kristin is involved in St. Mary’s Court #657, her school and the local community. A two-year National Honor Society member, she received all conference honors in softball, basketball and volleyball. Kristin was on the highest honor roll throughout her high school career. One of her teachers described her as “a very fast learner who always exhibits great time management skills and goes the extra mile to ensure that she produces nothing but quality work.”
Kristin’s volunteer commitment is exceptional for someone 18 years old. She participated in “Students Educating Students,” tutoring elementary students and helping them with their homework. As a National Honor Society member, Kristin participated in 23 service projects, chairing “Operation Backpack,” which collected thousands of plastic bags for local food pantries and homeless shelters. At her church, she serves mass, lectors, and assists at church dinners. Also active in the American Legion Auxiliary, Kristin was an officer at the local level, the Fourth District President, and was asked to carry the POW-MIA flag for the National Junior Convention in Anaheim, California. Kristin has participated in JOIN HANDS DAY for many years, cleaning the cemetery for Memorial Day and putting up the flags. All this led one of the adults she worked with to say, “She is truly a remarkable, reliable, dedicated young person who serves the needs of others.”
Kristin is from a loving one-parent family and has worked hard for everything she has achieved. She worked part-time as an office assistant for Winneshiek County Farm Service Agency from 2004-2006, and as a childcare provider from 2005 to present. Known by all around her as a leader and a doer, Kristin is enthusiastic and articulate about the fraternal cause and fraternalism.
Charles F. “Chuck” Racki
KSKJ Life, American Slovenian Catholic Union
Veronica’s Lodge #115
Kansas City, Kansas
Charles F. (Chuck) Racki currently is President of St. Veronica Lodge, Kansas City, Kansas. Prior to becoming lodge President, he held the office of Head Auditor. When he was elected auditor, his first order of business was to establish an annual budget and prepare quarterly income/expense financial reporting for presentation and approval to the Board of Directors.
Besides being the chairman for his lodge’s 100th anniversary gala, Chuck volunteers his time with various lodge events including JOIN HANDS DAY and matching funds events. He was selected the KSKJ’s Fraternalist of the Year in 2004. In July of 2007, Chuck volunteered his time and played an important role at the second bi-annual KSKJ Life Young Adult Conference held in Kansas City.
Chuck’s special talent is working with younger members of his lodge in helping them understand the importance of giving back to their community and becoming future leaders. He continues to devote his time and talent to KSKJ and his community.
Chuck served on St. Joseph’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Board of Directors and served as the group’s Treasurer for four years and another three years after his children graduated from elementary school. He also serves as a Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Chuck is employed at EMBARQ Corporation and has held a variety of positions in the treasury and cash management areas for more than 27 years. He currently is a Revenue Manager in the Accounts Receivable Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Rockhurst (College) University where he majored in Accounting.
He has been married to his wife, Monica, for 27 years and has a daughter, Erin, and a son, Eric. Both Erin and Eric are KSKJ scholarship winners and help Chuck out with various lodge functions and activities. He also was a baseball and basketball assistant coach for both of his children as they were growing up.
Krista I. Fuchs
Greater Beneficial Union of Pittsburgh
GBU District #810
Cleveland, Ohio
In 1957, Krista Fuchs immigrated to the United States from East Germany. Soon after her relocation, she joined the Greater Beneficial Union and was elected trustee of her district. In 1984, she became the district’s Fraternal Secretary and has held that position ever since. In 1980, Krista was contracted as a GBU District Sales Representative and soon became one of GBU’s top sales representatives. She since has received numerous awards for her production in selling GBU life insurance and annuities. Her awards have qualified her for the GBU President’s Club, Sales Leader Club and President’s Millionaire Club. In 1992, Krista was presented with the coveted GBU Louis Volz Award—GBU’s highest award for excellence in fraternal service and leadership by a district officer. She also received GBU’s Fraternalist of the Month Award in July 1997.
Krista’s infectious personality and natural leadership ability has inspired many fellow volunteers to take up new challenges, become more involved in district activities and she’s shown others how to serve GBU members more efficiently.
Krista takes her German heritage to heart. She is involved and strongly supports her local German clubs; the Donauschwaben Society, the D.A.N.K. Organization, Chapter #30 and the German-American Federation of Cleveland. Krista was instrumental in the development of the German weekend school where she taught for many years.
Krista loves to help others, be it through monetary donations or donating her time in the collecting of food and clothing, or raising funds for those in need. Krista never forgets the sheltered or the sick. She always takes time to brighten their day with a visit, a smile or a bouquet of flowers. It is not surprising that Krista Fuchs was elected “Cleveland German-American Woman of the Year” in 1994!
Krista enjoys traveling to California and Florida to visit her two daughters and three grandchildren. In her spare time, Krista enjoys the game of tennis for which she has also won many trophies and awards.
Roger Mayer
National Mutual Benefit
Oconomowoc #717
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Roger currently is the treasurer and a past director of National Mutual Benefit Oconomowoc Branch #717, and is involved in almost every activity the branch performs. His favorite activity is their volunteer maintenance at the “Clark Farm Nature Center.” The Clark Farm has been owned by the Oconomowoc School District since the mid-1960s, but does not have the budget for maintenance of its 99 acres. The branch members empty trash cans, trim the forest trails, maintain the benches and the amphitheatre. Last summer, Roger built an entrance sign to the center that identifies that Branch #717 as the maintenance provider.
Over the past 30 years, Roger has been a cub master, a “Webelos” leader, scoutmaster, troop committee chairman, and now serves the Potawatomi Area Council as a member of the district committee, membership chairman of the Sunset Waters District, and family friends of scouting presenter. Roger also has been to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico seven times, where he has taken the Boy Scouts on high-adventure backpacking treks.
Roger serves as a parish trustee treasurer at Saint Jerome Catholic Church. He was a teacher for the 11th-grade confirmation preparation for 20 years and is now an instructor for the Right of Christian Initiation for Adults for those choosing to enter the faith. He has served as president and as a school board member. He also has served as a finance committee member and as a parish council member.
Roger currently is president of the Mary Lane Area Sanitary District. He had taken an interest in the planning of the installation of sanitary sewers in his area. After the system was completed, Roger continued to work with the organization, was elected as a commissioner, and then president of the District.
Roger is a member of the Oconomowoc Rotary Club and its past president. Through Rotary, he has been involved with some of the Post Prom Parties, having served as chairman and continuing to be a chaperone for 33 years.
His work career has been spent in the automotive field. After being a mechanic in the army and other miscellaneous jobs, Roger started working at a Ford dealer in 1960. After 43 years, he retired as a parts department manager in 2003. Roger now works part-time at May Garden Center and runs the neighborhood water system, of which he is the certified operator.
Roger assists his wife, Kathie, with her volunteer activities. They have three daughters: Liz, Sarah and Anne, and two sons: Bob and Bill, in addition to 10 grandchildren. As the father of three girls, he has been involved with many Girl Scout activities, mostly as a trainer or as a chaperone. He also is a former member and past president of the Oconomowoc Jaycees.
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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