Spotlight on Service: Kentucky Volunteers Receive Andrus Award

AARP Andrus Award: Celebrating Community Service in Kentucky

AARP Kentucky is thrilled to celebrate 50-plus Kentuckians like Reverend James Thurman (Lexington) and John Allbright (Danville). Both have given their life experiences to make a significant impact on those around them. The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is the highest honor bestowed annually, recognizing individuals who enrich their communities with their experience, talent, and skills. This award focuses on AARP’s purpose, vision, and commitment to volunteer service, and inspiring others to get involved.

Each recipient was awarded funds by AARP Kentucky to donate to a non-profit organization of their choice. Reverend Thurman directed his $3,000 donation to support the Kentucky State Command of the National Association for Black Veterans. Mr. Allbright directed his $1,000 award to support the Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville.

This prestigious award symbolizes the collective effort towards positive social change. AARP values the spirit of volunteerism and the vital contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they support. Recipients are selected for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve their communities, and inspire others to volunteer.

AARP Kentucky proudly recognizes Reverend Dr. James "Jim" Thurman as the 2024 recipient of the AARP Kentucky Andrus Award for Community Service. His dedication over the years has transformed lives, addressed the needs of those in his community, supported veterans, and faithfully guided his congregation. We are especially grateful for Jim’s many years of leadership and service as an AARP volunteer in Lexington. His commitment and service exemplify the true spirit of the Andrus Award.

"Reverend Thurman is the most kind-hearted, giving and thoughtful human being. He is a problem solver and model servant leader," Dr. Merrylyn Moran-Smith, AARP Kentucky Executive Council Member representing Kentucky's 6th Congressional District. She added, "If he gives you his word, you can count on Jim"

Reverend Thurman is an AARP Kentucky volunteer who's contributions to his community are well known in Lexington and across the Bluegrass.
To name a few of his honors for outreach:
-Inducted into the KY Veterans Hall of Fame
- Kentucky Male Veteran of the Year (2014)
- Entered in Congressional Record as an “Outstanding Kentuckian."
- Donated property to Lady Veterans Connect to open the first home dedicated to serving women Veterans.
- Serving as advisor to Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) District Veterans' Council
- Leading restoration of Lexington’s Week of Valor and coordinating more than 30 organizations and dozens of volunteers participating in Lexington Week of Valor.
- Supporting launch Operation Protect Veterans with the Kentucky Office of Attorney General fighting to protect veterans and their families from fraud and scams.

AARP Kentucky also proudly recognizes Mr. Jim Allbright of Danville as the 2024 Runner-up of the AARP Kentucky Andrus Award for Community Service.

Mr. Allbright was nominated by a fellow volunteer for his 33-plus years of work for the Great American Brass Band Festival and "other civic events too numerous to mention" in Danville, Kentucky.
Jim was serving as a volunteer on Centre College Campus when AARP and Centre hosted two Vice-Presidential Debates. In his nomination, Mr. Allbright is recognized for "his service to others reflected the vision and purpose of the AARP throughout his professional career. There has never been a question of his interest and local events and people both young and senior.

Learn more about the Annual Great American Brass Band Festival, here.