Eric Schneidewind chats about his new national role

Eric Schneidewind of Lansing, former AARP Michigan State President, stopped in for an interview about his new position as national AARP’s lead volunteer on Michigan’s Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels this week.

Schneidewind, who stepped into his role as national AARP President in June, said he loves public service and public policy, and he gets plenty of opportunities to work on both as the head of the AARP Board of Directors.

"It's a chance to deal with a lot of the policy issues around the country that I care a lot about," said the 71-year-old Schneidewind.

He also chatted with Shiels about the importance of Social Security and AARP’s “Take a Stand” campaign to put the issue front and center in this year’s presidential and congressional elections. The major party presidential nominees -- Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton -- have responded to AARP's questions about their plans to protect and strengthen Social Security.

"One issue that we really hope our members and others in the country will focus on is the future solvency of Social Security," Schneidewind said.

Schneidewind served as AARP Michigan President for six years, completing his term in 2014. He has since served on the national AARP Board of Directors.

Listen to the interview here: http://bit.ly/2aPPcDm