Pictured above, left to right; Jacqueline Boynton, MVAC Board of Directors, John Woodwick, MVAC Executive Director and Victor Vriesen, Roger J. Wolfe Award Recipient.

Victor Vriesen, Blue Earth, received the 2009 Roger J. Wolfe Achievement Award at Minnesota Valley Action Council’s 43rd Annual Meeting July 20.

This award was established in memory of Roger J. Wolfe who served on the MVAC Board of Directors for 22 years.

The criteria for selection include the individual’s volunteer contributions, how these contributions impact the community, and how these accomplishments motivate and inspire others. One individual from the nine counties of south central Minnesota is selected each year for this honor.

Vriesen, a retired third generation minister, has exemplified a life filled with giving back to the community.

In high school he was awarded the American Legion Award for courage, honor, service, leadership, and scholarship. During his college years he was a representative on the student senate, chairman of the all-college council and held leadership positions in many Christian associations.

He received the Iowa Governor’s Leadership Award, and has been a scoutmaster for over a decade. He has also received the Citizen of the Year Award by the Ledyard Community Club, and named Clergy of the Year by the North Central District Iowa Health Care Association

He has served as the president of the Blue Earth Ministerial Association, lead volunteer chaplain of the United Hospital District and volunteer chaplain at three Minnesota Correctional Institutions. His accomplishments, contributions and awards are too numerous to list, but all have been in recognition of his dedication of service to the community.

Vriesen represents the ideals symbolized by the Roger J. Wolfe Award, the MVAC board said in presenting the award. His dedication to the community and his volunteer efforts have touched many lives, they added.

At the annual meeting, MVAC also honored people from the area with the Community Action Achievement and Supporter Awards. These are individuals who have demonstrated success in their march to self reliance and the people and organizations that have assisted people living within limited income ranges to get ahead.

Minnesota Valley Action Council’s Annual Meeting took place at Heritage Hall, South Central College, North Mankato on July 20.