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Page Updated 03/09/2025
Special Awards
Beginning in 2017, the Cowcatcher Division, of the Lone Star Region, of the National Model Railroad Association, initiated Special Awards to recognize those who have set themselves apart and have provided service, leadership, and dedication to the division. These awards specifically identify three categories: Service, Overall Contribution and Leadership and finally Craftsmanship. We plan on honoring those individuals who have earned these special awards for years to come. Also, in 2025 the Division is very excited to announce a Lone Star Region Youth Award to one of our youth members. Jim Norwood Award for Member of the Year The Jim Norwood Member of the Year Award – For decades Jim Norwood supported Division 1 with his participation. He was admired by all and his kindness helped more than just a few. He hosted frequent operating sessions on his layout which depicted the Kansas City Southern. To remember Jim, we now have an award in his name honoring the member who has shown exemplary leadership and service in the past year, as well as preceding years.
John Garfield Award for Volunteer of the Year The John Garfield Volunteer of the Year Award – For years, John Garfield has been a stalwart when needed on any volunteer assignment. It is only fitting that an award bearing his name honor the outstanding volunteer of the year.
Leo Palitti Award for Craftsman of the Year The Leo Palitti Craftsman of the Year award – Starting in 2020, the division chose to memorialize another beloved member. Leo Palitti was a devoted member to the hobby, division and his club, the Texas Western Model Railroad Club. Leo’s craftsmanship was superior and the list of awards garnered by his work would fill volumes. To honor Leo and the individual who has continued his legacy of outstanding modeling we have created the Leo Palitti Craftsman of the Year Award.
Director's Award for Outstanding Leadership Team Member The Division Director's Award for Outstanding Leadership Team Member was established in 2021 to recognize a leader whose responsible performance went beyond expectation with results producing unique, never before contributions to the betterment of the Cowcatcher Division and its membership.
Special Appreciation Award Presented to Mike Mackey, MMR, as grateful appreciation for his outstanding display of leadership and enthusiasm as Director of the Cowcatcher Division from 2017 through 2022. Mike has built this division up making it the vibrant organization it now is. He is a mentor to us all. Cowcatcher Division Youth Award Article IV of the LSR By-Laws makes the provision for a Youth Membership Program in each Division of the LSR including the Cowcatcher and to have an Annual Youth Award. Qualifications are: 1. Be a student. Anyone under the age of 18 qualifies if they are not already an NMRA member. The NMRA has also made arrangements to allow college students under the age of 25 to qualify as a STUDENT. They must have a CURRENT student ID to the school they are attending – include a photocopy of the ID.2. Be sponsored by a current NMRA member with Division Director approval. 3. Be presented by the Division Director at the Annual LSR BOD meeting – one sponsorship per year. 4. BOD Approval. The details of the Approval process appear in the above LSR Article. The Cowcatcher Director, Dick Brannan, is happy to announce that Youth Member Wyatt Cook, the son of Cowcatcher Division member Dan Cook, was awarded a Youth Award by the Lone Star Region at the recent Board of Directors Meeting. This is the first youth award for Cowcatcher Division in several years. Well done Wyatt!!!  (L to R) Wyatt Cook & Dad, Dan Cook |