AARP Regional Leaders Rawle Andrews Jr. and Estella Hyde Receive National Humanitarian Award for Veterans and Caregiver Education and Outreach

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS) hosted its 16^th Annual Buffalo Soldiers Memorial Banquet to celebrate America during Black History Month, recognizing individuals who endeavor to move America "towards its most perfect union."  

Several hundred guests watched as honorees were presented medals to commend their service to African American veterans and active military members.  Rawle Andrews Jr., Regional Vice President for AARP, was honored for his commitment to veterans and veteran caregivers across Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic States.

"It is a pleasure to congratulate AARP Vice President Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq. on such a tremendous honor," said LTC Ricardo C. Toye, United States Army Retired. "Whenever I think of this gentleman, three things immediately come to my mind; integrity, diligence and professionalism. He has an untiring willingness to help individuals and families, especially those within the veterans community. It is never about gratuity, but always about service."

"As an African American and US Army Veteran, I salute you Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq. for your unwavering attention to detail in the service of humankind based upon your work at AARP," stated Kenneth J. Brewer, Sr., 2LT, US Army, Signal Corps., and Executive Director of Washington-based H Street Development Corp. "Kudos to AARP, Mr. Andrews and all 2016 NABVETS honorees."

"I am humbled and honored to accept NABVET's 2016 National Humanitarian Award in part for initiatives I led or co-led at AARP to ensure that the depth and breadth of our various programs and services are known to and available to veterans and their caregivers," said Andrews. "This service is the very least AARP can do to say 'Thank You' to the many men and women who have sacrificed or, in some instances, paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we all enjoy in the United States, as well as those who are working tirelessly now to help veterans who served at home or abroad."

In his former role as AARP Maryland State Director, Andrews worked with the Lieutenant Governor's Office and the Maryland Secretary to host AARP's first Salute Veterans Conference in Baltimore, MD in 2011.  Andrews also approved an initiative to support a Conference on Women Veterans at Morgan State University in association with the MSU School of Social Work–-the first serious initiative to address the benign neglect of female warriors. Thanks to the groundwork laid by Andrews, NABVETS has joined AARP in pursuit of legislative initiatives impacting health security/care, financial resiliency and protection against fraud.

Estella Hyde of Linesville, PA was honored for multiple endeavors which have inspired many and promoted multicultural engagements, enabling AARP to enhance inclusion to veterans-- especially those from Vietnam and the more recent wars against terrorism. 

Hyde most recently served as AARP's Regional Volunteer Director, and was previously the AARP State President in Pennsylvania. She is a retired Professor Emeritus from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania's Department of Nursing, and is a retired Major in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Hyde is a former member of the board of the Pennsylvania Nurses Association and the Patient Advisory Board for the Pennsylvania Medical Society. She is a graduate of Kent State University, Villa Maria College, the University of Pittsburgh and Case Western Reserve University.

"I applaud, congratulate and thank Stella for all she has done and continues to do for Americans 50 and older, and particularly the families of veterans." said Andrews. "She walks the talk."

Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq. is a regional vice president for AARP, the largest non-profit organization advocating for the rights and interests of persons 50 and older in the United States. Mr. Andrews is a member of the AARP National Leadership Team with duties including management and oversight of AARP's operations across the nation's seven largest states:  California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. In addition to AARP, Mr. Andrews also is active on several boards and civic panels, including: the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging; the DC Superior Court Civil Rules Committee; the Holy Cross Health Foundation of Maryland; the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust; and the Laurel Wreath Commission of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.  He also is frequent lecturer on consumer protection and boomer/elder law and policy issues, and holds adjunct professorships at Georgetown University and Howard University School of Law where he graduated with honors in 1990.

About AARP: AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

CONTACT:  Jacklyn Isasi, AARP PA
(267) 825-9928 or [email protected]

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania

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