By Roslyn Ryan
Editor

Catholic men’s group has honored Tony Hackenberg for his commitment to his community, church and family

For Powhatan resident Tony Hackenberg, helping out comes second nature.

Accepting the credit? Well, that’s a different story.

Hackenberg, 71, was recently named the 2011 Virginia Knight of the Year—out of around 25,000 members statewide, by the Knights of Columbus, an international Catholic fraternal service organization. The honor came after Hackenberg was first named Knight of the Year by his local chapter.

Among the activities listed on the nomination form, submitted by fellow Knight Keith Hackman, were Hackenberg’s considerable efforts to assist local WWII veterans, his support of the Boy Scouts and his dedication to the Knights’ Powhatan chapter. He was also singled out for his leadership of the Wood Cutters program, a group he founded five years ago to help provide firewood for residents who might otherwise be unable to heat their homes.

Ask him to talk about any of these causes, however, and Hackenberg politely nudges the credit back toward the Knights organization as a whole.
“We couldn’t get done near what we get done if we did not have the all the members [of the Knights of Columbus] working behind us,” he said last week, when reached by phone at his home. “I really feel as if I am accepting this award for the council.”
While Hackenberg may not revel in the attention afforded by his most recent honor, he does take particular joy in working to address needs in the community that might otherwise go unnoticed.

“I guess I just see the opportunities,” said Hackenberg of the numerous occasions when he has marshaled the resources of the Knights organization on behalf of a county resident in need.
A member of the Knights of Columbus since 1987, Hackenberg is a two-time Past President and this year’s Treasurer. 

“As the current president, I can state his mentorship, advice, confidentiality and knowledge were all of value to me,” said Hackman his nomination letter to the State Council. “Other members of our council often tell me, ‘If you don’t know, ask Tony’.” 

The admiration, it seems, is certainly mutual. As pleased as he is to see his efforts benefit others in the community, Hackenberg is just as pleased to be affiliated with the Knights of Columbus. “It’s a wonderful organization,” he said. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”