Recognizing Citizens Who
Fight for Freedom

Each year at the State Policy Network Annual Meeting, Lens of Liberty’s Helen Krieble presents the Vernon K. Krieble Unsung Hero Award and a check for $25,000 to an American who has worked particularly hard to make a significant contribution to the preservation of Freedom. Winners of the Unsung Hero Award exemplify how citizens should engage the responsibilities of American citizenship.

The annual Unsung Hero Award winner is selected from a pool of nominees whose applications are evaluated by Helen Krieble and Lens of Liberty directors. Criteria include: 1) The nominees’ story: how the applicant fought back an attack on individual rights or other principle of freedom; 2) The applicant’s determination and process; 3) The applicant’s clarity of purpose and originality in their essay; and 4) The results of the applicants’ work to advance freedom.

Unsung Hero Award Winners

Shari Williams presents a check for $25,000 to 2017 Unsung Hero Award Winner Duffy Mich

William (Duffy) Mich

In August, 2017, Vernon K. Krieble Foundation Executive Director Shari Williams awarded a $25,000 check and the 2017 VKK Unsung Hero Award to Duffy Mich at the State Policy Network’s 25th Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Selected from an impressive number of nominees, Duffy Mich stood out for his work to hold the Empire State Development Organization, the Long Island Economic Development Council and the State of New York accountable to the people.
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Helen Krieble presents large check to John Kraft & Kirk Allen

VKK Founder Helen Krieble Presents 2016 winners John Kraft & Kirk Allen with a $25,000 Check

Kirk Allen and John Kraft, Illinois

Vernon K. Krieble Foundation founder Helen Krieble awarded a $25,000 check and the 2016 VKK Unsung Hero Award to Kirk Allen and John Kraft in September at the State Policy Network’s 24th Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Selected from an impressive and record number of nominees, Allen and Kraft stood out for their “watchdog” work to hold local government in Edgar County and throughout the state of Illinois accountable to the people.

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Helen Krieble standing with past Unsung Hero Award winners

Helen Krieble with Past & Present Unsung Hero Winners. L to R: Patti Murrow, Jennifer Parrish, Helen Krieble, Elaine Vechorik & Steve Schopp

Elaine Vechorik, Mississippi

In September 2015, the Vernon K. Krieble Foundation awarded a $25,000 check and the 2015 VKK Unsung Hero Award to Elaine Vechorik at the State Policy Network’s 23rd Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan. A record number of outstanding candidates from around the country were nominated for the award, but Elaine stood out for her hard work to reduce unnecessary government fees and costly regulatory burdens for the citizens of Mississippi.

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Patti Morrow Speaking In front of podium

Patti Morrow at the State Policy Network in September 2014

Patti Morrow, New Hampshire

The Vernon K. Krieble Foundation awarded a $25,000 check to Patti Morrow at the State Policy Network’s 22nd Annual Meeting in Denver, CO in September 2014. Many excellent candidates from around the country were nominated for the award, but Jennifer stood out for her work as an advocate for less government
regulation.

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Jennifer Parrish standing with Helen Krieble accepting the Unsung Hero award

Jennifer Parrish & Helen Krieble at the 2013 Unsung Hero Awards

Jennifer Parrish, Minnesota

Jennifer Parrish embodies the spirit of The Vernon K. Krieble Foundation Unsung Hero Award. She is committed to protecting the principles of freedom and works tirelessly to change state and local policy for the better—without the incentive a paycheck for her work or recognition.

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Jason Moore accepting a large check from Helen Krieble

Helen Krieble presents the 2012 Unsung Hero Award to Jason Moore

Jason Moore, Odessa, TX

At six-foot-six, Jason Moore is a familiar and formidable figure in West Texas, but his good-humored but tenacious demeanor is one of a servant for freedom. Moreover, the Vernon K. Krieble Foundation found one great reason after another to honor Jason as the 2012 Unsung Hero Award winner with a $25,000 check at the State Policy Network’s 2012 Annual Meeting. Many excellent candidates from around the country were nominated for the award, but Jason was a stand-out favorite for his work as an advocate for limited government, free market policies and entrepreneurship.

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Steve Schopp speaking in front of podium

Steve Schopp delivering his acceptance speech

Steve Schopp, Tualatin, OR

Not formally affiliated with a freedom movement organization, Steve Schopp nonetheless has a nose for government overreach—and a talent for creating coalitions that can kill inappropriate, wasteful big-government projects. Steve’s work to do just that in two separate initiatives stand out as particularly relevant to the Lens of Liberty doctrine that encourages an informed, responsible and engaged citizenry. In recognition for his work, Steve was awarded $25,000 and honored as the winner of the 2011 Unsung Hero Award at the State Policy Network’s annual meeting.

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