Gary Masek was awarded the Sokol Omaha Polka Hall of Fame Service Award in 2011.

As a member of Sokol Omaha, Gary’s parents got him and his brother started in Little Boy classes at age five.  He went through all the Boy classes, then Jr. Boy until reaching Sr. Men’s classes.  While in the Sr. Men’s classes, he began teaching classes at Sokol.  He also attended the polka dances with his parents, and has helped keep the Sokol Omaha Polka Hall of Fame going.

A member of the Sokol Omaha for 48 years, Gary has held many different offices, such as Unit Director, Vice President for 10 years, President for 20 years, and General Manager of Sokol Auditorium and Sokol Underground from 1996 to 2010.  Gary has also held offices in the American Western District as Vice President for 20 years, and President for 16 years.  He was the first person not from the Chicago area to hold a national office in the American Sokol Organization from 1985 to 1995, as 2nd Vice President & Vice President from 2000 to 2010.