Plymouth couple earns AARP's top volunteer honor

By: State: Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS—At a mere 72 years old, Sen. John McCain's got nothing on Ben and Norma Leslie, the winners of AARP Indiana's 2008 Andrus Award for Community Service.

The Plymouth, Ind., couple clock in a few years older than McCain but are just as active and passionate about community service. Their enthusiastic commitment to something bigger than themselves is why AARP's 901,000 Indiana members salute them with AARP's highest volunteer award.

The Leslies received the award at an Oct. 23 ceremony in Carmel that honored AARP's strong volunteer corps across the state, including advocates, Driver Safety Program instructors and Tax-Aide volunteers.

"Norma and Ben do so much with so much enthusiasm that they can't help but impress you," AARP Indiana State Director June Lyle said. "We especially appreciate everything they do for AARP, but we're also proud of their strong volunteer commitments to their larger community."

• As members of AARP's Legislative Team, the Leslies drive to Indianapolis every week of the legislative session to talk directly with lawmakers about AARP's public policy agenda.
• They have collected almost 1,400 signatures for Divided We Fail, AARP's national initiative on health and financial security.
• They recently completed two-year terms as president (Ben) and vice president (Norma) of AARP's Marshall County Chapter.
• They travel frequently for disaster-relief and mission activities of their church, Pine Creek Church of the Brethren in North Liberty.
• Ben is past president of the Lakeville Lions Club and an active member of Congressman Joe Donnelly's Senior Advisory Committee.
• And just for fun, they entertain residents at Miller's Merry Manor with costumed visits at Thanksgiving, July 4th and St. Patrick's Day. (Ben's leprechaun outfit is legendary.)

"AARP's founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, often said that 'what we do we do for all,'" Lyle said. "Ben and Norma are wonderful examples of that spirit in action and extremely deserving of the 2008 Andrus Award for Community Service."