03/01/2006
Arkansas Resident Honored with National Award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Gene Denton of Clarksville, Ark., received the National Wild Turkey Federation's Five-Star Award during the 30th annual Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 23 to Feb. 26.
The Five-Star Award is the NWTF's highest volunteer recognition, named for the military five-star rank given infrequently by Congress to individuals of outstanding ability, achievement and leadership. The award is not given every year and, in fact, only two other outstanding volunteers have received it.
When I came along, growing up in Arkansas, there were virtually no turkeys and no deer," said Denton. "That didn't mean we didn't have any, but in county after county, there was none. When the NWTF came along, their goal was to try and do things for the wild turkey...the ultimate goal was to have more turkeys and have a better opportunity for those of us who liked to hunt them. I wanted to get involved and do what I could. It's been a worthwhile effort."
The military-inspired award is fitting for Denton, a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, Amphibious Forces. As a volunteer, he has served in many capacities starting with his local and state chapters. Denton is currently an NWTF national board and Diamond Life member. He was first elected to the board of directors in 1980 where he has served as president, vice president and chairman of the board.
"Gene is a shining star, a benchmark of achievement for the tens of thousands of men and women who support the NWTF with their time, money and generous hearts," said Carl Brown, NWTF chief operating officer. "I consider Gene a dear friend, a dedicated fellow hunter, a fine leader and a great man."
Denton has also served as chairman on various executive and nominating committees including the constitution and bylaws committee and National Convention committee. In addition, he's served on the NWTF Turkey Hunting Safety Task Force in 1997 and 2005.
"I've hunted a lot of things, but I wouldn't trade turkey hunting for the rest of them put together," said Denton.
An Endowment Life Member of the NRA, Denton has nearly 30 years work experience with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, where he founded a multi-million dollar retirement plan. He served a six-year term on the Council of Industrial Relations for Electrical Contracting Industry in Washington, D.C., and on former Governor Bill Clinton's Advisory Board to the University of Arkansas, Labor Education program. Denton is married to the former Cara Stuart. They have four sons, one stepson and three stepdaughters.
The NWTF Convention was held Feb. 23 to Feb. 26 in Nashville, Tenn. To find out more about the event, call (800) THE-NWTF.
2006 NWTF Convention and Sport Show Sponsors
BASF, Bass Pro Shops, Browning-USRAC, Callmakers and Collectors Association of America, Cardiac Diagnostic Services of Virginia, Chevrolet, Federal Cartridge Company, Henkel Harris Furniture, Jeanette Rudy, The Lodge at Cabin Bluff, Marlin Firearms/H & R 1871, Mathews, Inc., MBNA, Mossberg Firearms, The Outdoor Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, T.I. Industries Frame Molding, USDA-Forest Service, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester/Olin Company
