By NED B. HUNTER
nhunter@jacksonsun.com

Martin and his family at the Awards luncheon

Martin Jelinek was named the 2007 Exchangite of the Year by the Jackson Exchange Club on Tuesday.

Jelinek joined the service organization in 2001, serving as vice president in 2004 and president in 2005. He said receiving the award Tuesday is the second highlight of his Exchange Club career after being asked to serve as president.

"When people tell me it is well deserved, it means a lot to me," Jelinek said, "because I don't feel I am doing anything more than anyone else, but apparently they see it differently."

Exchange is an all-volunteer, national service organization. Its local chapter was established in 1924. Members meet each Tuesday at noon at the Double Tree in Jackson.

The organization's programs of service are child abuse prevention, Americanism, community service and youth programs.

Jelinek was not told he would be receiving the award prior to its announcement. He said having his wife, Shelley, and two children at the ceremony added to the award's significance.

"Seeing them there, and seeing the pride in their faces, and the smiles was priceless," Jelinek said. "And having Shelley there with all her tests and studies that she is going through with her Masters program was wonderful."

Shelley Jelinek is enrolled in the certified registered nurse anesthetist program at Union University.

Martin Jelinek is the online manager for The Jackson Sun. He remains active with the Exchange Club as a board member.

He is helping with Exchange's Flags of Freedom project. The organization is attempting to sell 1,500 U.S. flags that will be flown on the campus of Union University from April 26, to May 4.

The project is designed to honor the 1,500 children who died from child abuse as of the 2006 census, according the Exchange Web site and also honor former and present U.S. servicemen and women.

"That will be the crowning accomplishment of my memory in Exchange right now," Jelinek said.