There is no one more deserving of this award than Dewitt. Dewitt H. Hudson, Jr., is a retired Colonel with more than 23 years in the United States Army. He is a Silver Life Master and has been actively involved in contract duplicate bridge since 1970. Col. Hudson is a dedicated teacher who is always willing to help anyone. From his beginner's classes he has introduced many newcomers into the duplicate bridge environment. He sponsored his entire class for their first tournament last spring. Always, he is willing to spend extra time with the learning process. Dewitt has mentored many novice players, among whom are - Travis and Lidy King, Bob Kennemer, Nedra Sims, Junene Johnson, Virginia Reinier, and countless others. Dewitt has given many unpaid hours of encouragement and invaluable information to almost everyone in District 16. He has also been instrumental in organization of new groups within the District.

Since becoming President of District 16, Dewitt has attended 28 tournaments in our District. This is quite a big job and deserves a great deal of praise. At the beginning of his tour as President, District 16 was 21 out of 25 for Membership and Retention. Presently, District 16 ranks as 4th out of 25 for Membership and Retention, with the goal of being ranked #1 a deinite possibility for the near future. Dewitt's influence has been widespread, as is reflected by the increased interest toward ACBL membership, especially programs increasing membership in the youth, and also the senior group.

There is no one more dedicated to the enrichment of ACBL and our district than Dewitt Hudson. The following highlights some of the more outstanding work that he has been accomplishing behind the scenes:

1. Instructor at University of Texas at Arlington - Continuing Education Program
   1. Teaching Basic Bridge classes in the evening for several years, and encouraging his students to join ACBL.
   2. Teaching an Advanced Class in the morning
   
   
2. Board of Governors - Member of National Board of Governors for over 7 years. Submits articles in Scorecard to inform the membership of activity or actions of Board of Governors.
   
   
3. As a member of ACBL Educational Foundation assisted with providing funds for Stephenville, TX, Bridge (Laura Nash) to purchase supplies for her new bridge group. Also, was instrumental in assisting with Bryan and College Station (Barbara Nance) receiving funds to help with youth programs.
   
   
4. President District 16 for 2005 and re-elected President for a second term 2006.
   1. During his tenure as President, Dewitt has presented certificates to 8 Mayors and 2 Mayor Pro Tem (Temple, Midland, Abilene, Waco, Humble, Richardson, Grapevine and Fort Worth). Expressions of appreciation to the bridge group and Dewitt for their contribution to the community were heard everywhere.
   2. Letter of Appreciation to tournament chairperson and president of various units in the District.
   3. Expresses concern for all members with a problem in District - "Words From the President."
   4. Visited 26 units, sectionals, and Regionals in District 16, plus 2 Nationals.
   5. Largest Tournament in Mexico (Puerto Vallarta) in years.
   6. Worked with Staff to have all units represented for the 17 Texas Star Awards.
   
   
5. Participates in Unit 183 Fort Worth games several days a week and is a regular attendee at the Saturday night games. The Fort Worth Bridge Studio is greatly benefited because of the tireless efforts of Dewitt.
   
   
6. As a mentor, he is superlative, always going above and beyond the norm to encourage and teach novice players, and he is also very patient with slow learners, always encouraging them.
   
   
7. Programs to beneit the youth have been a priority for Dewitt Hudson. He has actively encouraged youth participation by organizing beginner's classes on various college campus, as well as high school. Seniors have also been recipients of his efforts to improve and encourage participation in ACBL activities.
   
   
8. Dewitt personally assisted in coordinating with District 7 for STAG charity games to support bridge players in Orange and Beaumont. He also set up a special fund that accepted donations, raising $3700.00 to support the Beaumont and Orange facilities that were damaged by Hurricane Rita.

In 2000, Dewitt was appointed by District 16 to be Lifetime Goodwill Member. As a member of Goodwill committee he has attended all meetings and wears his pin at all sectional, regional and national events. No one in District 16 is more qualified or more deserving of the Jacoby Award than Dewitt Hudson. I am a member of ACBL and attend regularly at Unit 183 Fort Worth Bridge Studio. Thank you for your consideration of this nomination of Dewitt Hudson.