Two Worthy Brothers Awarded Harry S. Truman Award

Valley of Schenectady

On May 12, 2023, at the Valley of Schenectady’s open installation, Sovereign Grand Commander Peter J. Samiec presented the Harry S. Truman Medal for Outstanding Citizenship to Randall J. Meschutt, 32°.

The Illustrious Harry S. Truman Award for outstanding citizenship may be conferred by the Supreme Council or by the Sovereign Grand Commander upon any person, male or female, for outstanding leadership and citizenship in the recipient’s locality, state, or country. This prestigious award also may be conferred upon a person rendering exemplary and conspicuous service to the Scottish Rite or Freemasonry at large.

“Brother Meschutt consistently goes above and beyond when it comes to being a leader in the Valley of Schenectady,” said Ill. Bro. David Barnes, Active for New York. “He has been the driving force behind the Valley’s qualification for the Valley of Excellence and is always prepared to do whatever needs to be done for the Valley.”

Commander Samiec said he would be remiss if he didn’t mention Randy’s wife, Shari, as well. “Randy has motivated other members to become more active, and the attendance at events he and Shari have organized has risen substantially. Randy and Shari have proven to be a breath of fresh air in the Valley,” Commander Samiec said.

Shari and Randy Meschutt at a Dinner Cruise with the Valley of Schenectady

Valley of Fort Wayne

On June 10, 2023, at the Indiana Council of Deliberation, Brother Lonnie R. Cox, 32°, thought he was on stage to accept his Meritorious Service Award. He was surprised to learn that he was also being awarded the Harry S. Truman Award for Outstanding Citizenship.

Brother Cox, 32°, MSA, and his wife Barbara reside in Fort Wayne, where he has been a Scottish Rite member for nearly 20 years. He served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps, and after retiring as an HVAC business owner, Brother Cox and

Barbara founded The Shepherd’s House in 1998. The Shepherd’s House provides long-term transitional housing for homeless veterans with alcohol and/or chemical addictions.

Brother Cox, 32°, recognized the sacrifice of other veterans who struggled with substance abuse and mental health disorders, many who self-medicated to hide their PTSD. The Shepherds House has helped over 800 veterans to date and has recently expanded to meet the needs of non-vets as well

Recipient Brother Lonnie R. Cox, 32° and his wife Barbara