Santa Fe Man Named AARP New Mexico's Top Volunteer

By: State: New Mexico

Leonel Garza, of Santa Fe, has been named AARP New Mexico's 2008 Andrus Award winner. The award is named for AARP's founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus and is given to a volunteer who most exemplifies her example and motto of "to serve, not to be served."

The honor was announced Nov. 18th during AARP's Annual Volunteer Conference and Recognition Banquet, which is held to thank volunteers for their hard work each year.

For the last five years, Garza has served as the chairman of AARP New Mexico's State Legislative Committee, which determines what legislative issues AARP will take on at the state level and whether or not to support or oppose those measures.

Clarice Getz, also of Santa Fe, who nominated Garza for the award, says he definitely deserves the honor.

"I think he's a true leader," Getz said. "He looks at both sides of an issue and really thinks things through. He works well with everyone. We'd just be lost without Leo. His knowledge, endurance and patience have been a plus to our community."

AARP New Mexico State President Louis Sarabia, of Las Cruces, said it isn't so much what Garza has done for the community that makes him stand out but the way in which he conducts that service that earns him special recognition.

"Leo is a very sincere and humble individual. He is not quick to judge others. Leo has the ability to look at the big picture when confronted with an issue and tends to see the glass half. He is quick to lend a hand and is a man of his word. If he agrees to do something you can bet that he will follow it through. The other quality he exhibits is kindness. If you need help, Leo will be there to help. He is a very caring individual," Sarabia said.

After retiring from the Social Security Administration in 1996, Garza became active in the National Association of Retired and Active Federal Employees. There he met Jack Abernathy, who convinced him to attend an AARP State Legislative Committee Meeting in Albuquerque.

"It was a very interesting meeting. I found dabbling in politics was intriguing – something I did not know and didn't understand but I thought it was something I could learn," Garza said of the inner political workings of the state Roundhouse.

Garza has found his experiences volunteering for AARP and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP, through the city of Santa Fe, to be rewarding.

"I've met interesting people. I have learned over the years, new skills and a chance to effect what goes on at the Legislature—a chance to convince the Legislature to establish progressive policies that help serve ultimately all New Mexicans," he said.