Award recipient does what comes naturally: Helping others

By Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Staff Writer

John Barraza recently received the Robert F. Miller Hero Award from the retired senior volunteer program in Gallup. Barraza, who said he knew Miller and often went walking at the Rio West Mall with him, provides rides for other seniors around town and also tackles other projects as they arise. [Photo by Jeff Jones/Independent]

GALLUP — John Barraza didn't need to receive the Robert F. Miller Hero Award for people to know he's an extraordinary man.

Barraza received the award recently from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program for his extensive volunteer service in the community. Rachel A. Sanchez, RSVP director, said Barraza was especially honored because of his work in the Senior Companion Program and his commitment to look out for the medical welfare of one of the seniors enrolled in the program.

According to Sanchez, in his role as a senior companion, Barraza grew more and more concerned about the health of one of the homebound men he was assigned to visit. Barraza kept stopping in, she explained, to help feed the man and check on his condition. Barraza grew alarmed as the man's condition deteriorated, she added, and kept pushing to get the man admitted to the hospital.

In a phone interview on Wednesday, Barraza recalled telling Sanchez that he felt compelled to help the man, but he didn't have the authority to admit him into the hospital. Barraza finally talked to some of the man's relatives, who agreed to the hospital placement.

"Mr. Barraza saved his life," said Sanchez. She added the man's health is greatly improved, he's out of the hospital, and he is doing very well.

Sanchez said she instituted the RSVP's Hero Award in 2001 to honor the memory of Gallup resident Robert F. Miller, a local World War II veteran who was a survivor of the Bataan Death March. Miller, who died in June 2000, donated many hours of volunteer service through RSVP in the years before his death.

In a statement explaining the award, Sanchez described Miller as "a kind, considerate, giving, loving, gracious and compassionate man, who gave freely of his life, experiences and time to anyone and everyone he came in contact with."

Sanchez uses similar words to describe Barraza, who was a friend and walking partner of Miller's. "He's such a willing and caring individual," she said of Barraza. "He really does make a difference in our community."

As a volunteer, Barraza works as a senior companion and also helps drive seniors around town for needed trips and appointments. Barraza, who speaks both English and Spanish, said he most enjoys talking and visiting with the seniors he assists. "A lot of these older people are friends of mine," he explained.

Barraza said he was taken by surprise when he was presented with this year's Hero Award at the Annual RSVP Awards Banquet. He delivered invitations to the banquet, he explained, but had no idea he would be the recipient of the award.

In addition to Barraza, a number of other individuals were honored during the banquet. Dolores Giron was recognized as Senior Companion of the Year. Irma Shirley was honored as Most Willing and Special Volunteer. Martha Zollinger was recognized as the Most Hours Volunteer, and Erin DeYoung was honored as the RSVP Work Station Supervisor of the Year.

Eight other volunteers, besides Barraza, also received awards for their participation in the Senior Companion Program: Bernice Aldridge, Alice Begay, Daisy Begay, George Etcitty, Dolores Giron, Gertrude Guillen, Eugene Shaw, and Laree Sunderman.

The RSVP program is part of the National Senior Service Corps, which is administered by the Corporation for National Service. The program helps individuals age 55 and older put their skills and life experience to work for their communities.

According to Sanchez, the local RSVP has 32 different work stations around the county at a variety of civic, church, and non-profit organizations. For more information about the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, contact Sanchez at 722-3565.