This article has been updated to clarify that June 13 was a Knights of Columbus installation ceremony that also included the presentation of The George Meany Award to Mr Wolf. The Boy Scout Troop, not Pack, that he is involved with has also been corrected.

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When Edward F. Wolf, Sr arrived at the St Rose Gathering Hall on June 13 for an installation ceremony of the new Knights of Columbus officers, he was surprised to also find himself the center of attention, as the recipient of the prestigious George Meany Award. The award is an AFL-CIO Executive Council honor recognizing union members “who have made a significant contribution to the youth of their communities by volunteering in the programs of the BSA [Boy Scouts of America],” according to information found at www.scouting.org. The George Meany Award, introduced in 1974, is named for the first president of the AFL-CIO, a BSA supporter for many years.

Unbeknownst to him, the local council of the Knights, with which he has been associated since 2003, had nominated Mr Wolf for the honor. Numerous signatures from the union, as well as the BSA, were required to complete the nomination application, said his wife, Barbara Wolf.

In a letter submitted by Len Moritz, Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Faithful Navigator, Assembly 3230, in May of this year to the Boy Scouts of America Program Impact Department, he extols the many qualities that made the Knights believe Mr Wolf was a candidate for the award, which is not readily given out.

Writing on behalf of the Knights of Columbus, St Virgilius Council 185 of Newtown, among the reasons Mr Moritz noted was, “Ed Wolf is truly an exemplary role model for generously using his God-given talents and his time in service of others.” Mr Wolf, the letter continued, has “dedicated his life to the Boy Scouts of America.”

Joining as a Cub Scout in 1967, the 35-year member of Local Union #3 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and current assistant leader of Troop 370 in Sandy Hook, went on to become an Eagle Scout, wrote Mr Moritz. He noted that Mr Wolf also volunteers as a Venturing Crew advisor and with the BSA Unit Commission, as well as regularly volunteering at Knight-sponsored events and fundraisers.

“The Knights of Columbus and the wider St Rose of Lima Parish community have benefited from Ed’s charitable spirit…” continues the letter. When the Knights determined a building was needed for the organization and church community, Mr Wolf provided electrical expertise and installed an alarm system. With that building available, “His work helped provide an intimate setting for grieving families in the parish, who lost children in the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy.”

Mr Wolf is among 2,600 men and women who have received the George Meany Award, presented by AFL-CIO central labor councils and state federations, in the past 40 years. The award is considered to be an opportunity to recognize union members “for their service to youth, and also makes the public aware of the important role union members play in the community.”

“I do things not to get rewarded,” Mr Wolf told The Newtown Bee on June 19. “I’m proud of this award. It is considered to be prestigious. I’m proud to be associated with the Knights of Columbus, the union, and scouting.

“It’s a reward,” he said, “being involved with the community and kids.”