The Elks Lodge of El Dorado presented three awards Thursday in recognition of individuals’ efforts and dedication to their duties.
“These folks have all been working very hard and are dedicated to their causes,” said Roger Cutsinger, Elks president.
The first award presented was their Citizen of the Year Award, which was given to Allen Cooley, WWII History Center Foundation Board president and executive director.
Cutsinger said how hard Cooley had been working to get the WWII center started, and that the Elks were trying to help him any way they could.
Cooley said the award was a big surprise.
“I’m honored,” he said. “This is the first award of this type I’ve received.”
He said he has a spot to hang it in his office.
Next, Cutsinger presented the Elk of the Year Award, which went to Barbara Trent, the Elks Veterans Committee chair.
“She has worked very hard to help the veterans,” Cutsinger said.
Trent said she loves working with the Elks.
“These are the gentlest, kindest most giving people I have ever worked with,” she said.
The final award was Elk Officer of the Year, which went to Bob Reed.
“He is another one of these hard working officers,” Cutsinger said, adding that he is an all-around good helper for anything.
Reed too was honored to receive the award.
“I was glad to receive it, but this is something everyone officer here deserves because every one is officer of the year,” he said, adding that they all like their work they do there.
