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MERLE WOOD HUMANITARIAN AWARD Established in 1997 in honor of the late Merle Wood, this award is designed to recognize an individual who has made outstanding meritorious contributions of local, state, national or international significance to the development, promotion, improvement and/or overall progress of charitable programs designed to benefit others. Commendable contributions should be beyond the nominee's compensated job assignments or duties and exemplify humanitarian concerns. CRITERIA The Merle Wood Humanitarian Award will be presented to an individual whose outstanding voluntary service has been marked by actions or deeds that have enabled individuals to experience positive opportunities and activities related to American Quarter Horse involvement. Nominees should distinguish themselves through humanitarian endeavors in the American Quarter Horse industry. This award is not designed to honor an individual posthumously. WOOD'S LEGACY
Merle Edward Wood grew up knowing about hard work. As a young man Mr. Wood enlisted in the U.S. Navy Combat Corpsman and served with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He later retired after 24 years in the service. Mr. Wood joined the Missouri based Marion Laboratories in 1972 and later retired in 1989. He also served as vice president of government and consumer affairs for the Kansas City Royals Baseball Club. One of Wood's greatest passions was the American Quarter Horse. He and his family were involved in the Quarter Horse industry for more than 30 years. He once said, "I'm going to try and give back some of the things that have been given to me." This philosophy allowed him, as chairman of the AQHA Youth Activities Committee, to earnestly support our youth members. In 1975, Merle was charged with the development and fund-raising responsibilities for a newly approved concept, which would provide scholarship assistance for youth members of the American Quarter Horse Association. His zealous determination ultimately led to the inception of the American Quarter Horse Foundation and its very first program. NOMINATION PROCEDURE Anyone may nominate, but the nominee is required to be a current member in good standing with the American Quarter Horse Association. Completed nominations must include an application form, various supplementary materials and letters of reference. Application deadline is May 1, 2009. For more information, please contact (806) 378-5029 or foundation@aqha.org. American Quarter Horse Foundation (806) 378-5029 Phone
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