NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Volunteers are the lifeblood of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and each year the NWTF recognizes the best of the bunch with the Roger Latham Service awards, during its annual Convention and Sport Show.
This year, during its 31st annual Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn., the NWTF presented Roger Latham Service awards to David Burdge of Pennsylvania, Dave Mahlke II of Minnesota, Timothy Schwent of Missouri, and Bob and Kim Passeretti of Kentucky for their contributions to the NWTF’s conservation legacy.
“Our volunteers are the best in the world, but some stand out from the rest,” said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. “This year’s winners go out of their way to promote conservation, hunting and the wild turkey.”
The Roger Latham Service awards are given to NWTF members who are not employed as professional wildlife managers, but have made significant contributions to wild turkey conservation.
David Burdge currently serves as NWTF Pennsylvania state chapter president and on the state board of directors. Even before being elected to the board in 1999, Burdge was already actively working for the wild turkey as a local chapter president and banquet chairman, as well as mentoring young and novice hunters. He also helped initiate the Turkey Hunters Care program in his area.
Dave Mahlke has been an NWTF volunteer for more than 20 years, and a chapter president for the past 15. He has served on the Minnesota board of directors, state chapter president and currently serves on the NWTF’s national board. Mahlke was critical in helping change Minnesota law to be less restrictive toward young hunters by allowing experienced hunters to mentor novices.
Bob and Kim Passeretti of Kentucky are dedicated to both their marriage and the NWTF. They have served in countless capacities while trying to spread the NWTF’s message. Kim serves as the Kentucky state chapter secretary while Bob handles Kentucky’s Web site and newsletter.
Timothy Schwent has been a member of the NWTF since 1984 and has served in multiple capacities for both hi local chapter and the NWTF Missouri state chapter. Schwent believes in passing hunting traditions to others and has personally introduced many newcomers to the joys of turkey hunting. He also stays in touch with his state legislators to stay up-to-date with hunting and conservation issues.
“These people are some of our most dedicated volunteers,” Keck said. “They know that hunters were the first, and best, conservationists, and they’re going to make sure that hunting and conservation lasts for many years to come.”
For 34 years, NWTF volunteers from across the United States, Canada and 15 other countries have dedicated themselves to continuing America’s long tradition of conservation, which started, and continues today, with hunters.
With more than 545,000 dedicated members and volunteers, along with cooperators, the NWTF has spent more than $230 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving more than 11.3 million acres of wildlife habitat.
For more information about the Roger Latham award or other convention highlights, call (800) THE-NWTF or go online at www.nwtf.org.
