The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of October 9, 2006. 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.

Calvin Pfeil
Catholic Life Insurance
Branch #95
El Campo, Texas
Calvin Pfeil, FIC, who is president of the El Campo Branch and an agent, also is an active member of his parish and community. When his children were small, he served as an Assistant Scoutmaster and received the Bronze Pelican Award from the Boy Scouts for his work. Additionally, he coached, managed and umpired Little League and served on the El Campo Little League Board of Directors for 10 years. He also served as President, Vice President and Secretary of the St. Philip’s Catholic School Board.

More recently, Calvin was instrumental in getting his branch involved in the Blessing Cup, which supplies food, clothing and financial aid to the needy. Each year, the branch donates food and clothing as part of their Make a Difference Day project and helps shelve the donated food.

For 31 years, Calvin, an El Campo native, has served as a Reserve Deputy with the Wharton County Sheriff’s Office. He patrols throughout the county just like the full-time officers.

Barbara Jean Ceklosky
First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association (FCSLA)
Branch #172
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Barbara Ceklosky has been a member of FCSLA since her mother, a lifelong member, enrolled her at birth. Barbara also is joined by more than 50 members of her extended family. She has always admired her strong Slovak heritage, including taking trips to Slovakia to locate, then visit, family. Locally, Barbara is an enthusiastic member of several ethnic organizations, such as the Slovak Catholic Sokols and even a group in Canada.

Barbara’s dedication to her community has continued even after her retirement, by volunteering in a hospital dietary department and at a nursing home. Most recently, she organized a phone card donation program for soldiers in Iraq. She actively volunteers at her church preparing Slovak treats such as holubky and pirohy, and visits the sick and elderly. She also served on the committee to raise the Slovak flag at her local courthouse on Slovak Independence Day.

As long time Treasurer of Junior Branch #362 and member of the Magdalen I. Iskra District, Barbara also is licensed in Pennsylvania to sell insurance and annuities for the FCSLA. Her lodge projects include branch scholarships, children’s regular get-togethers, especially the Slovak Christmas party, and participation in the annual community JOIN HANDS DAY events for adults and children. This year, Barbara’s lodge joined others to assist the veterans on Memorial Day. Lodge activities extend to the area’s senior branch and district meetings, parties and Slovak celebrations. Barbara truly has carried her enthusiastic volunteer spirit through her Slovak lodge, her career and her community.

Mildred Holeman
SPJST
Lodge #88
Houston, Texas
Mildred Holeman, a member of SPJST Lodge #88 in Houston, was named Fraternalist of the year by her lodge in 2005. She volunteers many hours each month toward lodge activities, Czech Days, Anniversary Day, the annual Blue-Room Party and Dance, and annual workers appreciation parties. She has contributed canned goods and money for hurricane victims and needy families. Mildred regularly visits nursing homes, assisted-living centers, provides transportation to doctor’s offices, picks up prescriptions and groceries and, in general, aiding those who need help in the community. She has counseled many members of the community concerning financial, business and personal matters, often sacrificing her own schedule and personal funds to help members of the community. In fact, any person needing a helping hand, especially her beloved Czech friends, have found assistance, whether the need was financial, legal, advice or simply a compassionate ear. Only once, did she slow down for a very short period of time, while she was hospitalized with a broken hip.

Mildred works with Our Savior Lutheran Church to assist in scholarship programs for students who could not afford the tuition and works with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, supporting missions abroad to provide health kits and academic materials for children of all ages. She is an active participant in fundraising projects for the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Harbor, United Fund, March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society. She participated in sending toys to servicemen in Iraq for distribution to children whose homes were searched in pursuit of insurgents. She also attended conferences of Legal Secretaries International Inc., and participated in mentoring programs.

Due to her reputation and accomplishments, Mildred is frequently asked to speak to various groups. In 2005, she gave a motivational speech to a large group in Louisiana on “Overcoming Difficulties in Life,” as she shared her life experiences with youth and young adults. She also led church circle meetings, which involved working with and motivating youth workers in community outreach programs.

Billy Joe Merrill
Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum
Rhododendron Council #701
Weaverville, North Carolina
Billy Joe Merrill has served as Secretary of the Rhododendron Council of the Royal Arcanum this past year. He also has served on the social committee, as chairman of the Auditing and Finance Committee, as chairman of the Publicity Committee and as a trustee. In addition, Billy Joe has served as secretary of the Grand Council of the Carolinas, as well as the liaison between the memberships of the councils in the Carolinas. He also has served as Deputy Supreme Regent.

This past year, Billy Joe has worked with his council to gather pajamas for the local chapter of Caring for Children. He has been active in efforts to gather “Coats for the Cold” in Asheville. He also has organized a boys’ group in the neighborhood to pick up trash along the roadways.

In his church, Billy Joe serves as deacon, Sunday-school teacher and church treasurer. He participates regularly in the children’s sermon, in addition to singing in the choir and organizing the boys’ group (Royal Ambassadors).

Richard J. Castro
Supreme Council of SES
Council #18
Modesto, California
Richard Castro has a long history with the Supreme Council of the SES. He was first nominated to the line of officers in November 1979 and continued to the position of Marshal in 1982. In 1983, Richard was the author of an amendment to set aside a day to celebrate with families, an “SES Family Day,” and was chairman of three SES Family Days. In 1987, he served on the committee to adopt an amendment to create a Junior Movement for the SES and presented the amendment at the society’s Annual Convention. After the amendment was adopted, he was actively involved in the Junior Movement from 1987 to 1996. From 1992 to 1996, Richard served as Supreme Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, and in 1995, he was chosen as SES Fraternalist of the Year. He then was nominated to the line of officers in November 2004 as Supreme Master of Ceremonies. He presently is the Supreme 2nd Vice President of the SES and will be installed as Supreme President in November 2007.

For several years, Richard organized bus trips to Humbolt County for SES members to attend the reception of their Supreme President to their three Northern California Councils. Currently, he is the Secretary of SES Council “São Gabriel” #18 of Stevinson and a past Secretary of SES Council “Flor de Modesto” #25 of Modesto. Richard also has attended, and made donations to, several SES-sponsored activities, such as the Ronald McDonald House and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Residing in Modesto, California, Richard currently is the Secretary of the Modesto Portuguese Pentecost Association (MPPA), and also served as its Millennium President in 2000. Richard is a parishioner of “Our Lady of Fatima” Catholic Church in Modesto. He also is a member of the several organizations, including: Brotherhood of St. Anthony (and Past State Grand President); St. Anthony Co. #5 of Tracy; St. Anthony Co. #30 of Modesto; Supreme Council of UPEC Council #52 of Modesto (and Past President); Supreme Council of IDES Co. #154 of Tracy (and currently its Vice President); Supreme Council of IDES Co. #26 of Mount View; Luso-American Fraternal Federation Council of Modesto; Supreme Council of UPPEC Co. #66 of Tracy; ISMM Circle #16 of Kingsburg; Young Men’s Institute (YMI) Co. #44 of Hilmar, Knights of Columbus “Father Heslin” Council of Sacred Heart Parish – Turlock; Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California – Club #16 of San Diego and Club #26 of Woodland, Yolo County.