Meet 9 of aarp’s military veteran volunteers

AARP’s community of volunteers is the backbone of the organization, helping the 50-plus population live their best lives. Across the country, these volunteers donate their time and talents

in person and from home while exploring the causes that speak to them. Within AARP’s network of approximately 50,000 volunteers are military veterans, who often give back to fellow former

service members with activities such as honoring deceased veterans or helping them access military health benefits. “AARP volunteers power our advocacy and our local education and outreach

programs,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP chief advocacy and engagement officer. “They serve on commissions and boards, mentor young people, check in on folks who need to hear a friendly voice,

share important information, and much, much more.” On the occasion of National Veterans and Military Families Month, meet some of our military veteran volunteers who have served our country

and now volunteer to give back to their community. LLOYD K. SODETANI, 77, AARP HAWAII MAUI CHAPTER VOLUNTEER, U.S. ARMY MILITARY INTELLIGENCE OFFICER, 1968-1999 Courtesy Lloyd K. Sodetani “I

have an ongoing project to help Korean War veterans receive public services, military benefits and appropriate recognition.”   PAMELA HENDERSON, 63, AARP ALABAMA STATE OFFICE VOLUNTEER,

U.S. AIR FORCE, 1989-2011  Courtesy Pamela Henderson “I find volunteering rewarding because of the mission and the role in addressing health and fraud issues — especially those impacting

seniors.” EUGENE KEITH, 73, AARP CONNECTICUT STATE OFFICE VOLUNTEER, U.S. AIR FORCE, 1970-1974 Courtesy Eugene Keith “I enjoy the camaraderie. Anywhere I go, if I’m talking to a vet, our

experiences — although different — are linked in some way.” LEONARD JOEL KIRSCHNER, 86, AARP ARIZONA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, FORMER AARP ARIZONA PRESIDENT, U.S. AIR FORCE, 1963-1985

Courtesy Leonard Joel Kirschner “I spent 22 years on active military duty and commanded six medical groups before retiring as a colonel. It was an honor to serve.” STU ERVAY, 84, AARP KANSAS

VOLUNTEER, U.S. ARMY, 1956-1966 Courtesy Stu Ervay “The self-discipline needed to be of service to others is the bedrock of American values and freedom.” ROBERT J. “BOB” ROBERTS, 90, AARP

KANSAS STATE OFFICE VOLUNTEER, U.S. ARMY, 1950-1952 Courtesy Robert J. “Bob” Roberts “I spent 17 months in active combat artillery in Korea, watching out for buddies and myself. That

experience taught me the importance of taking care of each other.”  RICH NASON, 71, AARP MONTANA STATE OFFICE VOLUNTEER, U.S. ARMY, 1970-1976 Courtesy Rich Nason “You learn to value and

cherish life, because as an 18- or 19-year-old in the Army, you grow up fast.” W. DAVIS HAWKINS JR., 75, AARP HAWAII STATE OFFICE VOLUNTEER, U.S. ARMY, 1968-1979 Courtesy W. Davis Hawkins

Jr. “I would not trade my service to my country for anything.” WARREN R. GEORGE, AARP ALABAMA STATE OFFICE VOLUNTEER, U.S. NAVY, 1958-1962 Courtesy Warren R. George “The Navy taught me about

discipline and leadership skills and allowed me to travel to foreign countries and meet new people.”