OHIO – Dorothy M. Dunford
As a volunteer associate ombudsman with the Joint Office of Citizen Complaints, Dorothy Dunford has sought to ensure that the needs of local nursing-care facility residents’ are met and that individuals are treated with dignity and respect. She’s also been a care provider for neighbors, friends and family for many years. Recently, she needed to set aside some of her formal volunteer activities to support a family member with terminal illness. She rearranged her home and added the necessary equipment to ensure the family member’s comfort. Dorothy is a retired HR Specialist who has been actively involved in civic, community, faith-based and fraternal organizations, including the Day of Caring (on which she has worked for more than 14 years). She also is a reading tutor, a volunteer in and sponsor of youth sports, supportive of higher education and involved in many other youth activities. She is the recipient of numerous local service and leadership awards.
OKLAHOMA – Gerald E. Gustafson, M.D.
Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Gustafson has helped thousands of people through his work as a surgeon and by taking leadership roles in health affairs. In retirement, he volunteered with the Tulsa County Medical Society and served as chairman of the Committee on Concerns of Older Tulsans (COOTS) and the Golden Oldies (organized older and retired physicians). He worked to encourage the passage of legislation to create a special medical, osteopathic, and dental license for retired professionals working as volunteers in charity clinics. Through COOTS, he promoted the passage of legislation for “recycling” unused, unexpired, non-controlled prescription medications from nursing homes. These medications are transferred from nursing homes to the Tulsa County Pharmacy for re-dispensing to the elderly and indigent. The program has provided more than 5 million dollars worth of recycled drugs to the indigent, many of whom are elderly.
OREGON – Hugh Sowers
During his 39 years of military service, Hugh Sowers held key positions in the Navy Medical Department and retired as a Captain in the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Navy. That experience, and his 17 years serving as a dedicated advocate for healthy communities across Oregon, has made him an asset to AARP and many other organizations. As the Oregon Volunteer Coordinator, Hugh has been instrumental in broadening AARP's reach across the state. In 2008 alone, he helped coordinate more than 75 community events that reached 10,000 people statewide. He has volunteered as a health-team leader, worked to engage the general public at community events, and advocated for health-care reform by serving on statewide committees. Hugh is also active in local, state, and national boards and committees, including the Yamhill County Board of Health and the Oregon Health Fund Board Benefits Committee, among others.
PENNSYLVANIA – Carl Bailey
An award-winning small businessman and community advocate, Carl Bailey has served on the boards of directors for more than a dozen local organizations, including the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Carl is a volunteer for the AARP Tax-Aide Program, administered by the AARP Foundation. He is a member of AARP–Pennsylvania’s Long-Term-Care Task Force and is active in the association’s legislative advocacy work.
PUERTO RICO – Francisca Colon
As president of the AARP Río Piedras Chapter #4572, Francisca Colon has spearheaded multiple initiatives to help people in need, including children, the sick, and the homeless. Francisca has actively participated in the Divided We Fail initiative and the Sowing a Future With Dignity movement, both of which call on elected officials to address the issues of crucial importance to the elderly. Currently, Francisca is the president of the board of directors of the Transfiguration Lutheran Church of Río Piedras and is involved either as a board member or volunteer in the Lyons Club, the American Red Cross, the Puerto Rico Teacher’s Association, and the Association of Children and Adults with Mental Retardation. By working as a connector among several organizations that share AARP’s mission to make a difference, Francisca has vastly broadened AARP’s social impact in Puerto Rico.
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