David Hitt wins this year's Spirit of America Award

David Hitt of Jackson doesn't look at volunteerism as a civic obligation.

"I've never thought of volunteering as giving back to the community," Hitt said. "I find something I want to do and that I'm interested in, and I get involved with an organization that allows me to do it. So because it's something I love to do, I don't look at it as giving back."

Hitt has worked closely with local organizations such as Safe Harbor, Bollinger County Stray Project, Jackson Community Outreach Committee and the Jackson Rotary Club. In addition, the U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient works with Jackson VFW Post 10495, the Honor Tour and Jackson American Legion Post 158 to help give veterans a voice. Hitt is also board chairman of Cape Girardeau Area Magnet, an economic development group.

For his many efforts, Hitt was named the recipient of this year's Southeast Missourian Spirit of America award. He will be given the award at a ceremony at the USA Veterans July Fourth celebration at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Arena Park grandstand. Along with the award, Hitt will be given $1,000 to donate to the charity of his choice. Hitt said he will be giving the money to Safe Harbor and the Bollinger County Stray Project.

The Spirit of America award, established in 2003, is awarded by the Southeast Missourian and goes to the person who best exemplifies the character and community service that helps shape America. Past winners are Rob Callahan in 2010, Harry Rediger in 2009, Jane Randol Jackson in 2008, James Hearnes Sr. in 2007, Neal Edwards in 2006, Melvin Gateley in 2005 and Dr. Dan Cotner in 2004 and John "Doc" Yallaly in 2003.

Nominees are submitted by readers and winners are formally recognized every Fourth of July.

Marylin Neville, board member of Safe Harbor and director of the Bollinger County Stray Project, nominated Hitt for the award, and said she was "not at all surprised" when he was announced as the winner.

"I told Dave last year that I was going to nominate him," Neville said. "He was such an obvious choice. He is not an idle man and he has the highest work ethic. He doesn't just help you out to get things finished. He does a good job, does his absolute best for you and then asks 'what next?'"

Hitt said his work with the animal care organization is just as important as the work he does with organizations that help people.

"My wife Mary and I have always been animal lovers," Hitt said. "They are the most supportive creatures, whether you're good or bad to them, and it's our responsibility as humans to take care of them."

In addition to his work with animals, Hitt serves as the district's vice commander of the Jackson American Legion, is active with the local VFW and has worked with Rob Callahan on the Honor Tour, which takes veterans to the World War II memorial and other sites in Washington, D.C.

"The veterans of America make up the largest fraternity in the country," Hitt said. "It's important that they have a voice, and organizations like the VFW and the American Legion make sure they are heard."

Neville said the work Hitt does with her organization combined with the work he does with veterans made him an obvious choice for the award.

"Volunteerism runs in his family. It's the way they are, and those ethics have run in that family for generations," Neville said. "Dave is a gentleman and very courteous, and I'm so impressed by the work he does in the community. He is a man with the kind of spirit you expect of a great American."

ssemmler@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau MO