Salem UCT member earns state recognition Willard Martsolf, left, was recently honored as United Commercial Travelers Fraternalist of the Year. He is shown with his wife Colleen and committee chairperson Homer Huprich. (Submitted photo)

SALEM-In the past 32 years, a Fraternalist of the Year is honored at the Annual United Commercial Travelers Convention. However, this year was an exception to that as the individual selected was out of state during the convention. Since the person selected was a Salem Council #590 member, he was honored at the monthly meeting held on July 10 at Perkins Restaurant in Alliance. Chairperson of the Fraternalist of Year Committee Homer Huprich honored this year’s recipient Willard Martsolf and wife, Colleen, at the meeting in front of members and many of their family.

This selection is made looking at everything a person does – not only for UCT, but the whole community in general. He has been dedicated to UCT by going through the line of officers on the local level three times and state level once; been active on many councils on local and state levels; the community by being involved with church offices and mission trips; Easter egg hunts for public and special needs children; fish fries; breakfasts for church and gun club; president of Retiree’s Club & Social committees; and volunteered on ice hockey festivals.

This year’s honoree helps to get people involved in programs, spearheads projects and help wherever needed. He could very well be called “Mr. Dependable” as he dedicates hours to the community for UCT, his church, gun club and the retiree’s club.