Spirit of America Award presented at Cape celebration

When you're in need of help with just about any task, you can call David Hitt, a Jackson man honored Monday for his service and dedication to volunteerism and his community.

Hitt is the 2011 recipient of the Spirit of America Award, presented annually by the Southeast Missourian. "He is a model of who we all want to be," Marylin Neville, director of the Bollinger County Stray Project, said about Hitt in her nomination letter.

At Monday's Fourth of July celebration, Jon Rust, publisher of the Southeast Missourian, described Hitt as a person who exemplifies patriotism, service, commitment, hard work and honor. Hitt is involved with numerous civic organizations, including Jackson Rotary Club, the Jackson Community Outreach Committee and is also a U.S. Army veteran and a Purple Heart recipient.

"Each year the committee making the selection is faced with a difficult decision. This year was no different," Rust said.

Much of Hitt's volunteer work involves other veterans. He works with Jackson VFW Post 10495, the Honor Tour and Jackson American Legion Post 158.

"Because of these American soldiers we are free. ... Because of these American soldiers the world is blessed," Hitt said at the ceremony.

In addition to his work with veterans, Hitt is also passionate about helping animals. He volunteers regularly with Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary in Jackson and the Bollinger County Stray Project.

Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr also spoke about Hitt at the ceremony, acknowledging his time spent as a member of the Jackson Board of Aldermen and the extensive list of committees he has served on as a resident of Jackson. He's also board chairman of Cape Girardeau Area Magnet.

Along with his award, Hitt was given $1,000 to donate to the charity of his choice, which he said Monday he's be splitting among veterinary facilities in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Scott counties. He said the money should help at least nine animals at each location be spayed or neutered.

Established in 2003, the award was presented to 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.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO