PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER – Julie Rathjen delivered brief remarks after being awarded the 2026 Tama Citizen of the Year award.

Started in 1982, the Tama Citizen of the Year award is given annually to a Tama resident who has made a lasting and positive impact on the community. This year, that honor was bestowed upon Julie Rathjen during Friday night’s festivities at the Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival.

Inside the Tama fire station, Tama Fire Chief Richard Jimenez spoke about Rathjen’s dedication to the community and the many ways she volunteers her time helping others.

“She’s always been willing to help,” Jimenez said while speaking about Rathjen’s service and involvement throughout the community.

Among the many efforts highlighted during the presentation was Rathjen’s involvement with Five Loaves, the weekly Thursday meal that brings community members together in Tama. Jimenez noted the importance of the gathering and the connections it creates throughout the community.

The presentation also highlighted Rathjen’s work at the Clothes Closet, where she spends countless hours sorting donations and helping provide resources to community members in need.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER – Flanked by members of the Tama Fire Department, Julie Rathjen thanked the department for being a hardworking force in the community.

After accepting the award, Rathjen humbly thanked those in attendance and reflected on the role faith plays in her life and service to others.

“I just want to give all the glory for everything I do to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He gives me strength and wisdom to do everything He commands me to do — to love everyone and to help those I can,” Rathjen said.

She continued by expressing gratitude to the community members, friends, and family members who attended the ceremony.

“With a great God comes great friends and family, and I’m so humbled that all of you — friends, family, and the community in general — came out tonight,” she said.

Rathjen also took time during her speech to recognize the efforts of Tama’s volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, pointing out the irony that the award is presented by one of the hardest working volunteer groups in the community.

“This award is given by the largest group of hardworking volunteers in Tama — the fire department — and they suggested this award go to somebody besides themselves,” Rathjen said. “When you hit your knees to pray, pray for the men and women of the volunteer fire departments and ask God to keep them safe while they strive to keep you safe.”