FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2022

National service agency recognizes AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for exceptional service

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith presented President’s Volunteer Service Awards to 17 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in a virtual ceremony. Most of today’s awardees are also military veterans who have chosen to continue to give back. These awards were presented while AmeriCorps, the agency for national service and volunteerism, celebrates Older Americans Month. 

Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, the President’s Volunteer Service Award allows organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers based on service over a 12-month period or a lifetime. The awards program began in 2003 and honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires others to act. Award tiers include Bronze (100-174 hours), Silver (175–249 hours), Gold (250+ hours) and Lifetime Achievement (4,000+ hours). 

“During Older Americans Month, I am reminded of the tremendous impact that intergenerational service has in local communities, making our nation more just and equitable,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “Today, I had the privilege of recognizing AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers and veterans who have dedicated their lives to service. Thank you for committing your time and wisdom to making our communities stronger, more informed and better connected.”

The AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers recognized in today’s ceremony have served between 100 hours this year to more than 7,000 hours over their lifetime. Most of today's recipients previously served in the military or volunteers to assist veterans in their states at AmeriCorps programs. 

Today’s Bronze, Silver and Gold recipients include:

  • Charles (Lloyd) Van Dever, Augusta and Andover Senior Centers, Honor Flight and RSVP Advisory Council, Kan., Gold, 1,077 hours
  • David Ekart, Flint Hills Veterans Coalition and Veterans Day Planning Committee, Kan., Bronze, 107 hours
  • Don Durflinger, American Legion Post #189, Kan., Gold, 302 hours
  • Gary Rogers, American Legion and Dept. on Aging, Kans., Gold, 238 hours
  • Greg Platt, Valor Honey Program, Kan., Gold, 760 hours
  • Joe Ott, Manhattan Harvesters Regional Food Bank and Lions Club Adopt a Highway, Kan., Bronze, 100 hours
  • Ken Beauchamp Veterans serving other Veterans and Tennessee Redline, Tenn., Bronze, 110 hours
  • Randy Ross, VFW, Ala., Bronze, 116 hours
  • Sue Gregg, Kansas Honor Flights and Meals on Wheels, Kan., Bronze, 100 hours
  • William Freddy Turner, Tennille Food Pantry, Ala., Gold, 600 hours

Today’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include:

  • Billy Adams, AmeriCorps RSVP, Ala., 4,000 hours 
  • Clarence Ray Thompson, Veterans Day Parade and Fort Riley American Red Cross, Kans., 6,951 hours 
  • Gary LaGrange, Valor Hone, Kans., 7,376 hours 
  • John Cox, Veterans service projects, Kans., 4,542 hours 
  • Robert D. Borden, AmeriCorps RSVP, Ala., 4,000 hours  
  • Robert Harrell, AmeriCorps RSVP, Ala., 4,000 hours
  • Shawn Scalf, AmeriCorps RSVP, Tenn., 4,000 hours

The announcement comes during Older Americans Month, a national observance led by the Administration for Community Living. During this month, AmeriCorps spotlights the contributions of millions of older Americans and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers are making through service each year. 

For long-term, short-term, or just one time, volunteer opportunities use the AmeriCorps Volunteer Search, powered by VolunteerMatch. Visit americorps.gov/volunteer to find out more.

To learn more about the President's Volunteer Service Award, including the award packages based on hours of service, visit: presidentialserviceawards.gov/about.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency invests in grants for local nonprofit, community, tribal, and state organizations; places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.