Harmon and Martin to be honored March 12 with Golden Nugget Award

By Lisa Lucke 

Since 2004, when the Amador County Chamber of Commerce created the Margaret Dalton Golden Nugget Award to honor Amador County’s “unsung heroes” a dozen people have been selected who embody the spirit of giving of themselves to help others beyond mere job descriptions. This year’s winners are no exception and on March 12, the award will be presented to two of the community’s most dedicated and tireless advocates for others: Kathleen Harmon, Executive Director of Interfaith Food Bank, and Floyd Martin, Amador County Veterans Services Officer and longstanding member and former office holder at American Legion Post 108.

While both have detailed job descriptions that are as different as any two could be, Harmon and Martin had identical responses when asked about what they “do” to help the people they serve. Though asked the question separately, both answered, “Whatever it takes.” Interestingly, they had similar reactions to the news that they had been chosen as this year’s recipients of the Golden Nugget Award, which included being surprised, humbled and happy. 

Kathleen Harmon, Interfaith Food Bank

For Harmon, who has held her position at Interfaith Food Bank for ten years, one of the most common hurdles she faces is the task of correcting misconceptions among the general population about the demographics of the food bank clients, which number about 2800 families, or 4000 individuals per month.

“Sixty-seven percent of our clients work, or have worked within the last year. We [currently] serve more than five-hundred seniors – fixed income folks, veterans, disabled – all people with lives that matter…they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. They deserve to eat,” said Harmon.  

Harmon’s role as an advocate for others did not begin with her tenure at IFB. Prior to that, she spent five years as Program Manager for Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA), where she administered programs including Child Abuse Prevention-Education, Youth Mentoring, Amador Lifeline, ESL and AIDS funding.

In addition to “whatever it takes,” Harmon does have a long list of specific duties.

“There is the standard business stuff, managing a business that is both food bank and the thrift shop. [There is] personnel, payroll, food procurement, managing resources, keeping costs as low as possible, finding the best, most nutritious food for the growing number of men, women and children that need help,” she said of the tasks that consume much of her time.

A substantial portion of Harmon’s time and energy is devoted to advocating at the state and national level for the populations she serves, with the goal of influencing public policy. In that capacity, she speaks directly with legislators and has been to Washington, DC each year for the last five years fighting for better legislation aimed at keeping safety-net services from being cut.

“What makes me light up and feel like I make a difference, is helping people…It really doesn’t matter how many hours it takes. I know I am doing exactly what I am supposed to do. It feeds me, fills, me, rewards me, motivates me. It makes my life matter.”

One pressing issue for Harmon at the current moment is securing an affordable bid for a paved parking lot as well as adding to their freezer space. Because the facility is free and clear, the idea of changing locations just wouldn’t be practical.

Floyd Martin, American Legion Post 108

For Martin, a Vietnam-era vet who served in the Air Force from 1960 – 1964, the fulfillment he receives as Veterans Services Officer for Amador County and through his involvement with American Legion Post 108 originates with the work he does not only for others, but also for his country and community. In both capacities, his ability to help fellow veterans drives him to work harder, for everyone he possibly can. He cites his primary motivation as his love for God and Country and considers two significant role models in his life, his dad and his wife Mary, largely responsible for having helped form him into the man he is today.

“I had great respect for my dad. He was a WWII vet. He didn’t want me to go, but I went anyway,” Martin said, explaining that it is a typical “warrior” response not to want to see the next generation enter into potentially dangerous situations. Martin added, “Everything my dad did, he did until it was done right. That is what I learned from him.”

Martin credits his wife of 45 years, Mary, as the driving force behind entering into his work with veterans, as well as succeeding in it.

“Everything I’ve attempted, she’s encouraged me. When I heard that the Veterans Services position was going to become open, I was interested, but I wasn’t sure about leaving my job in the beverage industry that I’d had for thirty years. She said, ‘You’ve always cared about veterans.’ She’s backed me on everything I’ve ever done, from coaching softball to my work,” said Martin. In 2000, just two days after being elected as American Legion Department Commander for the State of California, Martin was appointed to his position as Veterans Services Officer by the Amador County Board of Supervisors.

As VSO, Martin is the point-person for all of the community’s veterans who need help getting benefits they are entitled to, but don’t always know about. Martin’s actual list of “duties” is exhaustive, from coordinating and administering veterans’ services programs to processing claims for disability and insurance benefits, in addition to working with legislators and lawmakers on policy at all levels of government. Martin meets his responsibilities with a calm passion. He has also been involved in community endeavors over the years, including coach and umpire for Amador County Little League Association. His and Mary’s two daughters, Robyn and Amanda served their country for twelve years in the United States Army and are members of The American Legion Auxiliary, as are the Martin’s four granddaughters.

Additionally, Martin is a twenty-five year member of The American Legion who has also served three terms as Department of California Membership Director.  During two of those terms, the Department of California reached 100% in their membership. This year marks the twelfth consecutive year Martin has been awarded Gold Brigade status for his achievements in membership. To illustrate just what has been accomplished under Martin’s watch, Amador County Post 108 is ranked as the third largest post in terms of membership in the State of California. Martin’s main, ongoing goal is to reach the rest of the approximately 4000 veterans living in Amador County to encourage them to join.

Martin received word recently that he has been endorsed to run for American Legion National Vice Commander.