2016 Spirit of America nominee: Rick Hetzel

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Girl Scouts/Denise Stewart

NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Rotary, Grace Methodist Church

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA?

Working with Rick Hetzel in the '90s and beyond was like watching a human dynamo focused on creating a better community for all. My awareness of Rick came while working with him in Crimestoppers while he was still the police chief. His sensitivity to providing a safe environment for Cape's citizens to live and work was admirable. Later in Rotary, his leadership with projects and events centered on the result and the good work -- not on personal gain. My career in Girl Scouting has given me a perspective on the quality of volunteerism and service -- so I saw early on that Rick was "one of the good ones." Since moving from Cape, I have watched Rick continue his good work in Cape Girardeau and expand those efforts to vulnerable populations in other parts of our world. Rick's motivation comes from a place of love. Love for his wife and family, love for friends and community, and most importantly a love of God and country.

It would be hard to list the projects, causes and good deeds that Rick integrates into his life; not only because of the variety and quantity of this work, but also because his life is not lived in giant banners. Instead, he purposefully moves about the community, engages friends and colleagues, and creates opportunities for success in the lives of others. Rick Hetzel exemplifies all the best that this country and community represents and he is a true citizen of the world.