"For unselfish, constant and dedicated service in "giving back" to the Laryngectomee community through personal contact, leadership in local, state and national support groups and for education of youth regarding the dangers of using tobacco products."

Earl C Mogk was awarded the first presentation of the Jerry Hough Memorial Service Award. The award is presented to a person who exemplifies the principles of "giving back" to the laryngectomee community that Jerry demonstrated and encouraged throughout his life as a person who had his larynx removed due to laryngeal cancer. Earl has unfailingly worked with his local club, the Broward New Voice Club and the state club, the Florida Laryngectomee Association, by serving in numerous offices, on the executive committees and in outreach and educational programs. Earl has participated in the International Association of Laryngectomees and is diligent in keeping focus on service to laryngectomees.

He has been constant in his support of and participation in anti tobacco presentations to children. He has been repeatedly honored by the American Cancer Society. He was given the 1998 Courage Award, Southeast Region, in recognition of the inspiration he has offered to other cancer survivors and the courage he has demonstrated in his own fight against cancer. He was also given the JCPenny Golden Rule Award in 1999 that reads, "A person's worth to a community or nation is no longer measured by his physical assets, but rather by his ability to render service to humanity ," James Cash Penny, 1921. Earl and his wife, Wini, have been faithful to their commitment to supporting the rehabilitation of persons who have had laryngeal cancer in spite of their own personal losses and grief. Thank you, Earl and Wini, for all you give and represent.

Jerry was devoted to serving the laryngectomee community and to supporting antitobacco efforts. He served as President of the FLA , the IAL and his local support group, the Suncoast New Voice Club. He sat as a board member for each of those organizations and was the editor for the Suncoast New Voice Club Newsletter. He was an advisory board member for the American Cancer Society and the state of Florida Board of Health & Speech-Language Pathology. Jerry began presenting anti-smoking programs to students shortly after he had a laryngectomy. He teamed with Bill Beurkens a few years later and individually and together they spoke to over 25,000 students in 15-20 years. They kept a schedule that required 2-3 presentations per week.

Jerry spoke several times about regretting that his health prevented him from attending the past 2 FLA Annual Meetings. Maryann, his wife who survives him, told of his plans to attend each meeting and then with great disappointment he realized he would not be able to tolerate the trips. He was always eager for a briefing on the program and the participation of longtime friends. He was well known for arriving early to play golf before the meetings began. At his memorial service, his son-in-law shared the vision that now Jerry could finally breathe without effort and play golf without tiring.

"Good-bye, Dear Friend"