David Harding – January 2020 Volunteer
When did you become a volunteer for FIA, and what volunteer positions have you chosen to do? April 2016. My primary focus is on driving our clients to and from appointments. I also have done light maintenance. The first year, I stained several wheelchair ramps, tore down a deck, yard work, cleaned house carpet, gutters, etc.
What brought you to FIA? After I retired, I was looking for something to keep me busy while at the same time help others. When both of my parents got sick back home, I remembered there was no one there to take them to their appointments. When I read about FIA, I realized that was exactly what I needed to do.
Who referred you? What got you to contact us? I saw an article in the Epiphany Church Bulletin about FIA. The following Monday, I went to their office and asked about signing up for the next class.
Had you been looking for an opportunity to volunteer? See “What brought you to FIA?”
Any “Words of Wisdom” for us? You need a lot of patience. Sometimes what you agree to do morphs into a greater/longer task than you anticipated or scheduled.
Have you lived in the area long? Other places you have lived. Lived in Normal in the late 70’s and early 80’s while attending ISU. Relocated to Lincoln Illinois after college and moved back to Normal in 1999. I was born in Kewanee Illinois and left when I joined the Air Force out of high school. In addition to Kewanee, Normal, and Lincoln, I was stationed in Turkey and Rapid City, South Dakota during my time in the Air Force.
Where did you go to School? Kewanee High School, Black Hawk East Jr. College, BS and MS from ISU in Organizational Communication.
Jobs/Careers? USAF for four years out of high school, Bank Training Director for over 10 years after college, Self employed training consultant, and Call Center Human Resources/Training/Quality Senior Manager with AFNI for 16 years, State Farm IT for three years before I retired.
Hobbies/Past times/Passions? Stained glass has been my hobby for 20 years. Since retirement, I enjoy reading and taking short trips with my wife.
Family/ Pets? I’ve been married for 43 years to high school sweetheart, Beth. We have no children. Our spoiled dog, Lucy, continues to train us on who is the real boss in the house.
Anything else you would like to share? I’m proud that the first year I volunteered I was named the “Rookie Volunteer of the Year”. The experience with volunteering for FIA is unbelievably fulfilling. Our clients are so appreciative you can’t help but feel good after working with them.
Anything unique or unusual about yourself you would like to share. I’m a pancreatic cancer survivor. I think the experience has helped me look at things in a different way and realize how delicate life is and how we all need someone to be there for us when we need help. That’s what FIA is all about.