Spirit of America 2014 nominee: Dennis Vollink

Nominated by Drury Southwest Inc.

Dennis Vollink

Drury Southwest Inc. is proud to nominate Dennis Vollink for the prestigious Spirit of America award.

Dennis is deserving of the Spirit of America Award because of his service to our country, dedication to education, and the betterment of the Cape Girardeau community.

He sets the standard for loyalty. He served 34 years with the U.S. Air Force -- four at the Air Force Academy, seven on active duty, and 23 in the reserve, retiring as lieutenant colonel. Dennis continues that commitment today, volunteering as the academy's admissions liaison officer for Southeast Missouri.

On a professional level, Dennis has served Drury Southwest Inc. and its predecessor companies for 33 years, the past 12 as president. He also serves as the company's mechanical engineer and pilot. His list of professional accomplishments are numerous, and locally include crucial participation in the development of West Park Mall, Siemers Drive (i.e. Walmart, Lowe's, Menards), Lorimont Place and Auburn Park Place.

As Dennis' energy and expertise have benefited Cape's economic fortunes, so too have area schools, hospitals and charities. Dennis was the moving force behind Notre Dame's observatory and numerous renovations at St. Mary's Cathedral. He serves on the SEMO River Campus Board of Managers and is a judge at the regional science fair. Dennis also sits on Saint Francis Medical Center Board, where he serves on the finance, audit and quality committees.

It's safe to say that if there is a good cause or project in the area, Dennis is somehow involved, whether leading the charge or behind the scenes, making him worthy of the Spirit of America award.

Community involvement:

* Member of St. Mary's Cathedral.

* Member of Knights of Columbus Council 11205.

* Saint Francis Medical Center Board of Directors, finance, audit and quality committees.

* Judge at Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair.

* SEMO River Campus Board of Managers.

* Member of Northern Arizona University HRM Board.

* SEMO Department of Physics and Engineering, Physics External Advisory Committee.

* Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education Advisory Committee.

* Past member of Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning.

* Registered professional engineer.

* Supporter of Discovery Playhouse, Catholic Campus Ministry, American Cancer Society, Notre Dame Regional High School, St. Mary's Cathedral, United Way of Southeast Missouri.