John Blom was honored Wednesday as winner of the 2015 General George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award.
The award is presented by the Fort Vancouver National Trust to honor the legacy of one-time Vancouver resident General George C. Marshall.
La Center High School senior Sean Nolan received the Marshall Youth Leadership Award.
The dinner featured a keynote address by Rob Havers, president of the General George C. Marshall Foundation, based in Lexington, Va.
Marshall was Vancouver Barracks commander, Army chief of staff, U.S. secretary of state and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Blom, a real estate broker with Hasson Co., was recognized for his role as volunteer “throughout the community in a variety of organizations.” Nomination materials noted his “potential to become a major contributor to Clark County through his social, political and charitable activities. His competence and work ethic distinguish him amongst his peers.”
Blom also was described as “a natural leader who is actively involved with many professional and volunteer organizations and works to make a difference wherever he is able.”
Blom will travel to Virginia, where he will tour the Marshall Foundation and visit Colonial Williamsburg, and to Washington, D.C. He will participate in the Fort Vancouver National Trust’s Celebrate Freedom programs and meet with local officials.
In youth nomination materials, Nolan was described as one of the longest-serving members of the county’s Youth Commission. His other community service includes the Boy Scouts and volunteering with the American Red Cross blood drives at Lewis and Clark High School, raising funds for the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, distributing clothing to the homeless in Portland as part of the “Friends Under the Bridge” project and serving as a math tutor.
The youth award includes a $2,500 scholarship, a $500 paid summer internship in the Trust’s Celebrate Freedom office and opportunities to meet with local elected representatives and to participate in Celebrate Freedom events.
