Appreciating Our Volunteers: Captain Nuru Neemuchwalla

National Volunteer Appreciation Week 2016 is upon us and to celebrate, AARP California is honoring some of our devoted volunteers. We are fortunate to have volunteers who come from diverse backgrounds, and are rich in experience and knowledge. Every volunteer has something special to offer, and AARP CA volunteer Captain Nuru Neemuchwalla certainly fits that bill.

 

Capt. Neemuchwalla was born in Bombay, India and joined the Merchant Marine Academy shortly after finishing high school. He graduated from the Marine Academy in 1958 and worked in the Merchant Navy until 1976 when he retired with the title of Captain. Following his retirement from the Merchant Navy, Capt. Neemuchwalla migrated to the United States where he eventually settled in Oakland, California. The Captain then worked with various merchant ships at the port of Oakland, before retiring as a Terminal Manager for the Maersk Line in 2001.

Capt. Neemuchwalla became involved with AARP CA while looking for ways to share his rich experience and incorporate his love for advocacy work. “Volunteering with AARP has both brought meaning to my retired life, and given me the opportunity to share my expertise and skills with others,” said Neemuchwalla.

Capt. Neemuchwalla lists advocacy work as his favorite aspect of being an AARP CA volunteer. Advocacy efforts which Capt. Neemuchwalla has been involved in include the passing of the California Hospital and Family Caregiver Law, California’s Secure Choice retirement savings program and many others. When seeking motivation to continue his work, Capt. Neemuchwalla remembers the smiles of those in the community whom he has helped.

When he is not volunteering, Capt. Neemuchwalla enjoys hiking and spending time with his family. He also has two grandsons who keep him on his toes, one of which beat him at a game of chess recently. In addition, Capt. Neemuchwalla and his wife, Ruxana, have a large group of local and international friends whom they often visit. He ends the day each day watching the news, and being thankful for another day.

AARP CA would like to thank Capt. Neemuchwalla for utilizing his experience and skills to help us reach our goal of creating livable communities for all.

Do you know someone like Capt. Nuru Neemuchwalla, who is using his or her skills and experience to make a significant difference in your community? If so, honor his or her dedication, commitment, and creativity with a nomination for the 2016 AARP California Andrus Award for Community Service — AARP’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service. Nominations for this year’s award will be accepted through June 3, 2016 at the AARP California office.  Nomination forms are available by contacting Antoine Cook at (626) 585-2608, on the web at www.aarp.org/AndrusAward or by calling 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).