Relentless efforts deserve recognition

TOPIC: Kudos all around
OUR VIEW: Plenty to give thanks for every day

Over the last three years, Gene Gudenkauf was a tireless worker for anything and everything about the military.

Whether it was attending award ceremonies to ensure soldiers and Department of the Army civilians were recognized properly, or actively participating in troop deployments and redeployments, Gudenkauf was there as president of the Fort Knox Chapter of AUSA.

On Monday, Gudenkauf turned over leadership to Ed Snyder at an AUSA General Membership Meeting and Luncheon on post.

He helped raise money for the Hardin County Veterans Tribute by creating, funding and selling a tribute coin to hundreds of people all over the nation and he spearheaded Hardin County’s Tunnel to Towers Run held in Radcliff commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack. He pushed for more community participation in Hooray for Heroes and got it.

His value to the military cannot be measured in dollars or time.

So for your relentless work and kindness, we say thank you to Gene Gudenkauf.

IDEAL HONOR. The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce has various roles in our community.

Recently, the latest leadership class of the chamber unveiled one that honors America’s wounded warriors.

The first Hero of the Heartland award went to Staff Sgt. Alexander Hernandez during last week’s monthly luncheon in Radcliff.

Hernandez was assigned in June to the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Knox after he blew out his knee during a combat patrol in northern Afghanistan, he said.

Hernandez was chosen by Michael Bowden, transition coordinator for the Warrior Transition Battalion, for excelling in his duties and reaching out to help other soldiers, displaying exemplary conduct in the process.

During the event, Hernandez said he was humbled by the attention and grateful for the support he has found in the battalion.

Creating this honor is certainly appropriate in a community like ours that values, respects and honors its military.

ATHLETIC SACRIFICE. A handful of area student-athletes last week started a new journey in their lives: By signing with Division I athletic programs.

For Central Hardin’s Drew Harrington and North Hardin’s Lydia Gumm and Ryan Daniels, their attention to detail in the classroom and the field of play has pushed them into rare company.

Harrington will play baseball at the University of Louisville; Gumm signed to play golf at Florida State University and Daniels has signed to play golf at Morehead State University.

For many, the signing day achieves a lifelong goal to play their chosen sport at a higher level.

Several other student-athletes will end up playing various sports as well at smaller schools and for that, they, too, should be applauded.

This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise editorial board.