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Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (TAHSA) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides leadership, advocacy and education for retirement housing and nursing home communities. Annually, TAHSA presents a series of awards that single out the "best" in several categories. It is an honor to the individual, group and organization to be among the honorees. In 2011, Air Force Village celebrated four award recipients ... and we proudly introduce them to you ...
Volunteer Achievement - Individual Within an Organization
Russell Swansburg, Air Force Village I, San Antonio
A resident at Air Force Village I, Col Russell Swansburg has devoted his life to serving others. As an RN with a Master's Degree in Nursing and a PhD in educational administration, he has served students, patients and his country with honor and distinction. At AFV, he is tireless in his dedication to the residents of the Health Care Center, where he spreads cheer in the form of juice and homemade cookies. He has built the "Juice Patrol" into a thriving volunteer organization and he spearheaded the cookie-baking mission. Six days a week he sorts and delivers personal mail to every resident in skilled nursing and even reads mail to those who need a little assistance. And he generously shares his knowledge as a nurse and instructor, helping teach employees who are studying to become certified nursing assistants. An exemplary volunteer.
Customer Service Award
Lori DeWitt, Air Force Village II, San Antonio
Lori DeWitt, a retired Air Force Air Traffic Controller and First Sergeant, loves people and it shows in everything she does at Air Force Village. With foresight, strength and professionalism, she leads cutting-edge customer service, dispatching immediate assistance to resident needs and functioning as one of the AFV II courtesy officers who serve residents 24/7. She manages transportation services that transport residents over 26,000 miles per year to medical appointments, shopping, restaurants, museums and more. She authors a weekly campus newsletter; initiated establishment of a convenience store for residents and employees; and runs a five-star guest room service. She helps in a myriad of ways to transition new residents to AFV ... and once here, they happily discover that she is a dependable, compassionate and generous resource for all their needs. A superstar.
Housing Professional of the Year
William L. (W.L.) Starling, Air Force Village I, San Antonio
A retired USAF Master Sergeant, W.L. was promoted to Director of AFV I's 21-member maintenance team three years ago. AFV soon began an intense construction project that included renovating the high-rise; adding dining venues and an additional elevator; resurfacing parking; adding an underground connector to the towers; replacing the front entrance; adding Assisted Living; replacing the Skilled Nursing Facility; and replacing independent cottages with 12-unit apartment buildings. W.L.'s leadership, communication and problem-solving skills helped residents as they endured temporary moves; power and water outages; noise; and other construction-related inconveniences. He led his team in assisting residents every step of the way, keeping the peace and performing small miracles of extraordinary service. In January, W.L. he became Corporate Safety Manager, and we know he'll continue to come through for residents. A gifted leader.
Volunteer Achievement - Group Within an Organization
Air Force Village I, Air Force Village I Hobby Shop, San Antonio
This indispensible group of talented volunteers repairs furniture and electrical items for residents at no charge. Most residents generously make donations however, which the Hobby Shop turns over to the White Elephant thrift shop. The White Elephant pools those funds with its own revenue to benefit residents and employees in generous ways (see related story this issue). Much of the work the hobbyists perform is gratis for widows who may not be able to afford to send items out for repair. It's a lovely, selfless gesture. The Hobby Shop also goes beyond repairs - building custom tables for the relaxation class, an Adirondack-style bench set for the resident garden and other creative projects. A selfless, much-appreciated service. |
