Etzler earns national Thrivent award

Van Wert independent/contributor content

Carl Etzler, FIC, a Thrivent Financial representative in Van Wert, has been named a 2010 Divisional “Volunteer of the Year” for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Etzler was just one of four representatives nationwide to receive this honor.

The Divisional Volunteer of the Year recognition is for outstanding service to others in church, community, chapter and professional organizations in 2010. During the year, Etzler was involved in many activities including “Kids Against Hunger” events at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Van Wert and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Convoy, the “Blessings In A Backpack” project, as well as being active in the West Central Ohio Thrivent Chapter. Etzler is also an assistant coach for the Crestview High School varsity softball team.

“Carl sets the standard for living out Thrivent’s mission of helping members live lives of greater abundance and generosity,” said Jim Thomsen, Thrivent Financial senior vice president of member services. “He is very deserving of this recognition.”

As a faith-based organization, Thrivent Financial members are organized into local groups called chapters that meet regularly to carry out volunteer projects, educational programs and fund-raising events. Etzler is an advisor to the West Central Ohio Thrivent Chapter, which serves Van Wert, Mercer, Allen and Auglaize counties.

In addition to receiving a 2010 Divisional Volunteer of the Year plaque, Etzler was given $5,000 to donate to “Kids Against Hunger”, the charitable organization of his choice, and was be honored by his peers at a gathering earlier this year.

Etzler is a financial representative with MidAmerica Regional Financial Office and serves Lutherans and their families in northwest Ohio communities.

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit, Fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping approximately 2.6 million members achieve financial security and give back to their communities. Thrivent Financial and its affiliates offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial creates and supports national outreach programs and activities that help congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. For more information, visit Thrivent.com. Thrivent can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.