State Rep. Tammy Schmersal-Burgess presented Rollie Bousquet with a Spirit of American Foundation Award at the Mexico Select Board meeting on May 7, on behalf of the 131st Legislature for his volunteer work for the community. Also in photo is Rollie’s service dog, Bandit. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times

MEXICO — At the start of the May 7 Select Board meeting, resident Rollie Bousquet was surprised as State Rep. Tammy Schmersal-Burgess presented him with a Spirit of American Foundation Award.

The Spirit of America Foundation Tribute is presented annually in the name of 100-plus Maine municipalities to recognize those who volunteer for the community.

The sentiment before the 131st Legislature was introduced March 5 by Schmersal-Burgess and cosponsored by state Sen. Lisa Keim.

Bousquet was honored by the Town of Mexico in April 2023 with a Spirit of America Award for his volunteer services on behalf of veterans.

Every Sept. 11, Bousquet stands in front of his Main Street resident waving a large American flag and collecting donations to support local veterans. He said it’s his way of hopefully impacting others with a positive thought on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001.