Air Force Enlisted Village Resident Named LeadingAge Southeast Volunteer of the Year
Air Force Enlisted Village
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Contact: Scarlett Bauman, Marketing Manager
850-651-3766 (work) or scarlett.bauman@afev.us
Air Force Enlisted Village Resident Named LeadingAge Southeast Volunteer of the Year
Shalimar, Fla. (July 24, 2024) – Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) resident, Helga Howard, was recognized as 2024 Volunteer of the Year at the LeadingAge Southeast 61st Annual Convention and Exposition in Orlando. Howard was honored along with other individuals and organizations for their dedication, innovation, and commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults.
“We are honored to commend and recognize this year’s outstanding award recipients,” said LeadingAge Southeast President & CEO Steve Bahmer. “Their unwavering dedication, innovative approaches, and tireless efforts in serving older adults exemplify the highest standards of excellence in our field. Each one of them has made a significant impact, improving the quality of life for those they serve and setting a benchmark for others to follow. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and grateful for their invaluable contributions to their communities.”
Howard moved to Bob Hope Village in 2016 with a heart to volunteer. She has happily taken on any project that needs to be done to help residents and the Bob Hope Village staff.
"I needed a purpose in my life,” Howard said. “Volunteering has brought me joy. It’s fun, makes me happy, and makes others happy. Often, it puts a smile on other people’s faces. Making people smile is my motto.”
She volunteers at Bob Hope Village as a front desk receptionist, resident council representative, Wii bowling leader, at the general stores at Bob Hope Village and Hawthorn House, the Dolores Hope All Faiths Chapel, and in other areas.
“Helga is a cherished member of our community who selflessly dedicates her time to various roles from leading Wii Bowling teams and games to assisting at the front desk and supporting activities in the chapel,” Director of Bob Hope Village Bobbi Jo Dominguez said. “Her commitment and generosity uplifts everyone around her, and she makes a profound impact on our community's spirit and well-being.”
When she’s not volunteering, Helga enjoys creating greeting cards and gives them to residents and staff as a sincere greeting or hearty thank you. She also rides a bike for an hour daily as exercise, and she is always smiling and waving to passersby.
“Her enthusiasm for volunteering is infectious. She is a natural leader with a heart of gold and a passion for helping others,” Dominguez said. “Many people would become bored volunteering for the same organization year after year and day after day, but Helga brings renewed enthusiasm to each season's event planning with her positive, can-do attitude.”
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About the Air Force Enlisted Village
The Air Force Enlisted Village is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that provides a home for surviving spouses of retired enlisted Air Force members at Bob Hope Village (active, independent living) and Hawthorn House (assisted living and memory care) in Shalimar, FL near Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field. At Bob Hope Village and Hawthorn House, residents enjoy worry-free living and camaraderie while sharing memories of military life. To learn more about the Air Force Enlisted Village, please visit www.afev.us.
About LeadingAge Southeast
Established in 1963 as a Florida not-for-profit corporation, LeadingAge Southeast is committed to assisting members in achieving excellence as providers, businesses, and employers. To accomplish this goal, the Association provides up-to-date regulatory information, a wide variety of educational opportunities, representation before the legislature and government agencies, group purchasing services, and opportunities for networking with peers.
The Association is comprised of more than 250 mission-driven communities, representing more than 500 facilities and more than 140 business associates across Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. More than 80,000 seniors live in LeadingAge Southeast member communities. Thousands more are served through home health services, adult day care centers, and other community outreach programs offered by our members. LeadingAge Southeast members are economic engines, providing an estimated 25,000 jobs statewide. To learn more about LeadingAge Southeast, visit www.leadingagesoutheast.org.
Cutline:
Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) staff recently attended the LeadingAge Southeast annual convention in Orlando where AFEV resident Helga Howard was named Volunteer of the Year. From left to right: AFEV Director of Maintenance Shawn Truax, AFEV Director of Human Resources Terry Best-Rennahan, Howard, Hawthorn House Administrator Crystal Rowell, Bob Hope Village Director Bobbi Jo Dominguez, and AFEV President and CEO Brooke McLean.
