Community treasures

Ron Ditzfeld knew he would receive the first Freedom Torch Award when he arrived at the ceremonies Friday. But yet another honor capped his evening.

Sgt. Maj. Randall Woods, who leads Smith-Cotton High School's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, gave Ditzfeld a ceremonial coin awarded by Maj. Gen. W. Montague Winfield, commanding general of the Army Cadet Command.

Ditzfeld earned the coin, the first of its kind issued in Missouri, for his support of Smith-Cotton's JROTC program.

'I never saw a two-star general go out and get his coin engraved,' Woods told the audience of nearly 90 at Best Western State Fair Inn. But then Woods was surprised that Winfield called him to discuss Ditzfeld's contributions to the four-year old program after the sergeant major sent him a memo citing Ditzfeld's involvement.

It had 'been a while' since he fielded a call from a two-star general, Woods said.

The presentations by Dave Phillips, publisher of The Democrat, and Woods topped the dinner at which 10 people were saluted for their outstanding community service.

Woods, the main speaker for the evening, discussed the attributes of character, leadership and community service.
Phillips introduced each nominee with a summary of his or her accomplishments. Video clips of the people who nominated them were played before the top award was given to Ditzfeld, a trucking company owner, who supports a host of community organizations and projects.

The nine other honorees were:

' Kristen Allcorn, a high school student and founder of Community Caf', a volunteer feeding program.

'Jo Colvin, a Pettis County Red Cross board member who helps locally and travels to disaster scenes throughout the country.

'Roger Garlich, who as executive director of the Center for Human Services for more than 40 years, has overseen a vast expansion in services to people with disabilities.

'Judy Haushahn, founder and operator of Seven Bells Sanctuary for dogs.

'Father Vince Hoying, a Roman Catholic priest for 50 years who pays special attention to sick and those in nursing homes.

'M. Bill Jones, a Versailles veterinarian and civic leader who works with the state urban search and rescue team.

'Don Morton, retired Sedalia Public Library director and long-time community volunteer.

'Tim Mosier, retired county Emergency Management Agency director, author and tornado expert.

' Barbara Rohr, who started the child careers program at State Fair Community College and has taught hundreds of students now working with preschool children and as teachers' aides.

Ken Weymuth, of the W-K General Motors dealership, endorsed the newspaper's selection of Ditzfeld.

'You couldn't find anyone more deserving than Ron Ditzfeld,' he said. 'Anytime anybody asks for anything, he's there to help.'
Marsha Drennon, president of State Fair Community College, thought the exercise had value.

'I congratulate The Sedalia Democrat for honoring members of our community who have not always been recognized for the good work they do,' she said.