Volunteer Drivers Are the Key to Senior Citizen Independence

Herndon VA

02 August, 2021

11:04 AM

Description

Herndon Village Network provides area senior citizens transportation for doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and many other important activities. This allows seniors to age in place, and it also helps them to remain active in and connected with the community. Key to keeping seniors moving are volunteer drivers, like David (Dave) Gillard, who give the gift of a ride and friendship. Born and raised in Berlin Heights, OH, Dave attended Purdue University, where he also was a Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) midshipman. After college, he entered the U.S. Navy. There, he worked many years as a Meteorologist/Oceanographer, serving most recently as the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Observatory. After his military career, Dave worked as a contractor for the government for fourteen years. Dave and his wife, Joan, are long-time residents of Herndon, where they raised their two sons. Nathan Gillard is married to Samantha, and they live in Oklahoma City with their three-year-old daughter, Lyla. Steven Gillard is married to Merrit, and they live in Arlington with their daughters Dorothy, age eight, and Harriet, age four. The entire family enjoys doing activities together, especially outdoor adventures, like camping. Dave, although recently retiring in 2018, remains very active. A man of deep faith, he epitomizes fulfilling the expectations set forth in Luke 12:48, "...From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required…." (NRSV) He is highly involved with his beautiful grandchildren as well as with his community, which he serves extensively through Trinity Presbyterian Church and other nonprofit organizations including Herndon Village Network. "I heard from some friends about the great work that Herndon Village Network is doing, and I thought 'I can do that!'" Dave did not hesitate to help. He had experience interacting with community members through LINK, the local food pantry, and he knew he would enjoy reaching out to area senior citizens. He gives the gift of a ride once or twice per week. He finds it very easy to find ride requests that fit his schedule, and he enjoys the flexibility that this type of service offers. Most of all, he really enjoys meeting new people. "In two hours, you can really learn about someone else," shared Dave. "It's broadening and rewarding to get to know others in the community…. If you like people, this is the kind of work you want to do." Herndon Village Network thanks Dave and all of its other drivers for the valuable service and neighborly friendship they offer. To learn about becoming a vetted, volunteer driver, please visit https://herndonvillagenetwork.org/volunteer/.