NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The National Wild Turkey Federation recently honored Sam Mars of Tennessee for his lifelong dedication and volunteer efforts to further the mission of the conservation organization.
Mars accepted the NWTF Five-Star Award during the 44th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show.
Similar to the military rank of five-star general, the NWTF’s Five-Star Award is the highest award the NWTF can present to its volunteers. Each of the five stars represents a trait found in the recipient; service, integrity, longevity to the NWTF, leadership and respect.
“This award was earned by all those who have served with me on the board over the years,” Mars said. “The NWTF is a way of life. It’s a culture that’s been ingrained in us. But let us remember we’re only one gun [regulation] away from extinction. Let’s keep fighting for our rights and never take it for granted.”
Mars has served the NWTF in many capacities, holding offices on local and state levels, including Tennessee State Chapter president and NWTF National Convention chairman. Mars has also served on the National Board of Directors for six terms, serving as secretary, vice president, president and chairman.
Mars has received accolades for his work with the NWTF, including his local chapter’s Outstanding Service Award, induction into the Tennessee Turkey Hunter’s Hall of Fame and the Roger Latham Service Award.
“Sam has been a devoted supporter of the NWTF mission,” NWTF CEO Becky Humphries said. “His commitment to the NWTF, conservation and hunting heritage has been unfaltering, and we are honored to present him with the Five-Star Award.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
When the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were about 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America. After decades of work, that number hit a historic high of almost 7 million turkeys. To succeed, the NWTF stood behind science-based conservation and hunters’ rights. The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to conserve enhance more than 4 million acres of essential wildlife habitat, recruit at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting. For more information, visit NWTF.org.
