RWBC Honors Jean Hessenauer with Its First Americanism Award

Celebrating Eight Years of Service, Patriotism, and Dedication to Country

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, and the Republican Women of Baltimore County celebrates its 60th birthday, it is especially fitting that RWBC establish an Americanism Award to recognize an individual whose dedication to our country has been demonstrated through years of service.

The first-ever RWBC Americanism Award was presented to Jean Hessenauer, in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to Americanism and her eight years of service as Chair of RWBC’s Americanism Committee.

For eight years, Jean has been the person behind so much of RWBC’s visible patriotic spirit. She has carefully housed and maintained our flags and has organized, decorated, and marched on behalf of the club in eight Fourth of July parades.

And Jean doesn't just show up—she shows up with enthusiasm.

This year’s Fourth of July parade was a perfect example. Despite temperatures reaching 100 degrees, Jean appeared in full Thomas Jefferson attire, complete with a powdered wig, bringing history and patriotism to life as she marched proudly with RWBC.

Jean’s dedication was also on full display during RWBC’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary at Wellspring of Life Therapeutic Farm. She was instrumental in virtually every aspect of the event.

Her contributions began well before the celebration itself, with a pre-event visit to the farm that included grooming cows, sheep, and goats. She then helped transport and set up dozens of chairs, flags, decorations, and supplies. Jean also secured the participation of Boy Scouts, who added a meaningful patriotic element to the celebration through a symbolic flag-folding ceremony and USA trivia.

And, of course, when the celebration was over, Jean was there to help break everything down, load it all up, and haul it away.

That is Jean.

Her Americanism does not end with RWBC activities. In her “spare” time, she continues to demonstrate her love of country and community through her church activities, support of Maryland agriculture, involvement in 4-H programs, compassion for animals, and countless trips to donate supplies and support our veterans at MCVETS.

She serves without fanfare, asks for nothing in return, and consistently demonstrates that Americanism is not simply a word—it is a commitment expressed through service.

Jean Hessenauer embodies the spirit of patriotism, volunteerism, and devotion to community that this award was created to honor.

As RWBC celebrates 60 years of advancing the principles of our great nation, it is fitting that our inaugural Americanism Award should go to someone who has spent eight years helping keep those principles—and our flags—flying proudly.

Congratulations, Jean Hessenauer, recipient of the first-ever Republican Women of Baltimore County Americanism Award!

Thank you, Jean, for your extraordinary service, your patriotic spirit, and your unwavering dedication to our club, our community, and our country.