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Bob DeWald, AARP Washington’s Andrus Award for Community Service Recipient

November 5, 2020

Being devoted to serving your community doesn’t stop once you retire. Bob Dewald, an Emerald Heights resident, is a great example of this.

2020 Washington Andrus Award for Community Service

After 16 years of dedicated community volunteer work, Bob has been selected by AARP as the 2020 recipient of the Washington Andrus Award for Community Service. This is the association’s most prestigious state volunteer award for community service. The Andrus Award honors Washingtonians 50 and better who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members.

Andrus Award for Community Service. Bob DeWald

His nomination is rooted in his long-time volunteer work and the extensive list of organizations he is involved in. This includes his service with AARP over the last 14 years. The association selected Bob for his remarkable service, which has greatly benefited the community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers, according to the recognition.

With AARP, Bob is a popular and strong presenter. He has delivered hundreds of presentations across the state on topics from Fraud Prevention, Cybercrime, Brain Health, Living Longer, Living Smarter and Home Fitness.

Aa a veteran he has also continued to give back to his country as a volunteer with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) which is the only volunteer program within the Department of Defense. Bob has held every position possible within the ESGR Washington State Chapter and was awarded the Medal for Exceptional Public Service, four years in a row.

The award recipient of the Andrus Award includes a donation of $2,000 to go to the non-profit of choice. Bob selected two organizations, the Kaiser Permanente Foundation and Unity of Bellevue – each will receive a check for $1,000 to support their mission.

The recipients are chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members, improve the community with the work performed, and inspire others to volunteer – Bob DeWald has been an exemplary community member.

Residents Make Emerald Heights Special

Learn more about life at Emerald Heights from the people who know it best. Read our residents’ personal stories.

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