ABOUT THE SOCIETY THAT CARES

As with past practice at each CFU National Convention, a committee was appointed at the 22nd Quadrennial Convention held in September 2007, known as the Special Awards Committee. The Committee is assigned the task of researching the fraternal service and recognizing those members of the Croatian Fraternal Union who have served honorably on the national level of our Society.

Upon determining those who are worthy and eligible for fraternal recognition, this Committee then presents its report to the Convention Body and solicits the approval of the Convention Delegates for the members they believe to be deserving of consideration. They officially submit a listing of names of those individuals they feel should be nominated for CFU Honorary Lifetime Membership status.

Recognition for Richard Major

The members of the 2007 Convention Special Awards Committee were: Chairman Stephen Gojmerac, Lodge 5, Johnstown, PA; Secretary Sonja Bolf, Lodge 60, Gallup, NM; Catherine Brnich, Lodge 72, Uniontown, PA; Louise Sindrich, Lodge 354, Cokeburg, PA; and Ralph Baker, Lodge 146, Versailles, PA. The committee members met during the course of the convention and prepared a listing of members for consideration by the Convention delegates.

In presenting the results of their deliberations, the Committee began by extending well-deserved recognition to brother Richard L. Major of CFU Lodge 439, Seattle, Washington. The committee recognized the long-standing involvement and recommended brother Major for fraternal recognition, citing that he had been, "extremely active in our society serving over the years in various capacities which have included Second National Vice President, Board of Trustees and High Trial Board."

The Committee further commented that brother Major "has proven to be a very valuable, knowledgeable and dedicated member and officer of our proud fraternal organization."

Concluding his two-term limit as a Member, and as President, of the CFU High Trial Board at the 2007 Convention, brother Major had previously served as a Member of the National Board from 1979 to 1983, as a Member of the High Trial Board from 1983 to 1987, as Second Vice President from 1987 to 1991, as a Member of the National Board from 1991 to 1999, and as a Member of the High Trial Board from 1999 to 2007.

We reaffirm the committee's astute evaluation of brother Major's longtime, loyal commitment to our Fraternal Society and were well-pleased they extended this singular attention to brother Major.

We heartily concur that brother Major's meritorious actions on behalf of the national administration have generously and beneficially served our Society and our membership over the years. We welcomed his nomination for CFU Honorary Lifetime Membership status.

Honorary Members for Life

Saluting others who have served our Society with dedication, the Committee also recommended the following members for lifetime recognition: Ante Capin, Lodge 644, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Ivan Salamon, Lodge 919, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada; and Stephen Namesnik, Jr., of Lodge 614, Newton Falls, Ohio.

Each of these individuals has worked for the good name and preservation of our Society and has endeavored to promote the programs and principles of our fraternal organization in their years of service on the national level. We extend our gratitude to them for their past, current, and ongoing fraternal efforts.

Additionally, the Committee urged, "all of the local lodges to continue honoring their members who are worthy of recognition for their dedication and hard work." We especially thank all lodge officers, volunteer recruiters, 50-year members and everyone who takes the time to help build our Society's ranks and uphold our fraternal reputation.

Upon the adoption of the Committee's report at the 2007 CFU National Convention, the names of Richard Major, Ante Capin, Ivan Salamon and Stephen Namesnik, Jr., have since been added to the Official Family Roster. Their names will appear in the listing of Honorary Lifetime Members in the Official CFU Lodge Directory and will duly be recorded with this preferred status in the annals of CFU history.

We congratulate those Members who have been named to the Honorary Lifetime Membership circle of outstanding fraternalists and proudly acknowledge their contributions which have provided made a lasting impact upon our Society.