Congratulations to Victor Lurz, awarded MOWSV’s Volunteer of the Quarter for the 3rd quarter 2022. Victor has been a reliable and hardworking volunteer since beginning at MOWSV in January 2021. “I have volunteered with Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley for just over a year,” stated Victor. “I decided to volunteer because when I retired, I needed some things to do to fill the time.” Two years ago, in May 2020, Victor retired from the Monterey Sheriff's office as a crime scene investigator, a position he held for 36 years. Victor’s wife suggested that he contact Meals on Wheels to see check out their volunteer opportunities. He called, filled out a volunteer application and has been a exemplary volunteer even since. Victor is always available to take on extra routes no matter how far in Monterey County we need him to deliver.

When asked what his favorite part of volunteering is, Victor replied with “My favorite part is all the different people. I get to meet a lot of people who have come from all walks of life, different situations and experiences and that's probably the best part.” In addition to the variety of people he meets, Victor gets to drive around the diverse areas of Monterey County and enjoys the colorful scenery. He added that if you're looking for something to do, things to fill your time doing nice things for people in need, volunteering is a great idea. 

Born and raised in South Dakota, Victor left home right out of high school to join the Navy. He served for four years stationed in San Diego. His next job was as a welder and shipfitter in the San Diego shipyards for about five years. Victor said, “I got tired of working for a living so I decided to continue my education.” He enrolled in classes under the CSI scale when, back in the day, it was called Evidence Technology. Victor earned a degree in Evidence Technology which led to his first job with the Sheriff’s office in 1984. That job opportunity brought Victor to the Salinas area where he has lived for the past 38 years.

Victor calls Salinas home with his wife and two daughters, of which the oldest is 30 and the youngest is 21. Animal lovers, the family has two cats, a bunch of chickens and a lot of homing pigeons. “We have a little over an acre of land at home, so we have animals and lots of trees and garden stuff that’s always in need of work,” says Victor. Another hobby that interested him within the last 5 years, is his love for welding. Due to his welding experience that began in the Navy, Victor finally got some welding equipment and has been dabbling with welding projects.  And if he wasn’t busy enough, he has photography skills that have made “Say Cheese Photography by Victor Lurz” a fun and prosperous endeavor -- providing affordable photography for all types of functions, including weddings, family portraits, senior portraits and special events since 1986.

Always willing to help those in need, Victor spends time volunteering at the VA Clinic in Marina hours there in the week either driving disabled vets to doctor’s and/or military VA appointments. We are so glad that Victor chose Meals on Wheels as one of the organizations to become involved with. Thank you for all you do, Victor!