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1. April 13, 2012 at 05:58 am | Posted by John

   I have had the pleasure of working with Gary for more than ten years. He is selfless in giving time for those in need as well as helping other volunteers, and raising necessary funds to make Good Shepherd Caregivers work smoothly. I am in charge of the medical equipment committee for Good Shepherd. We pick up donated equipment, deliver and pick up that equipment from care receivers, and repair equipment as needed. Gary is ALWAYS ready to lend a hand when needed. He helps with large ramp building projects, putting up signs for a local arts and crafts festival, which raises money for Good Shepherd, and working in the warehouse to keep it organized and efficient. He is by far the most active president we have had for many years, in a group of very high caliber people. It's a pleasure to work with him for the benefit of others who need help.

2. April 13, 2012 at 12:12 pm | Posted by Paula Marrone-Reese

   Volunteering is such a beautiful gift to see in action. That is what is displayed while witnessing the neighborly acts of kindness performed by Gary Tucker. A story comes to mind. Recently a disable senior veteran came to Good Shepherd needing to borrow money so he could use it to fund his upcoming move. The staff convinced the veteran that we could ask if any volunteers would be willing to help with his emergency so they contacted a few veteran volunteers one being Gary Tucker. His immediate response was “Count me in”. This move was from a second story three bedroom apartment. Gary Tucker was tuckered out after the move but his response was what it normally is “Count Me In”. Wow what a man!!!

3. April 13, 2012 at 12:16 pm | Posted by Nancy Marmorella

   Gary is the kind of volunteer who is always ready to step up to the plate, just ready to help with no fuss. Recently, he helped a gentleman with a very difficult job of packing and moving. Gary was sick that day, but he knew he was needed, so he went. They got the man moved to his new home in the next county, which is out of our agency's service area. In the weeks since the move, Gary has continued to go check on the man, mowing his lawn, moving boxes, etc., even though it no longer counts as part of his "official" volunteering. That's just the kind of guy Gary is.

4. April 13, 2012 at 12:17 pm | Posted by Susan MacDonald

   Gray Tucker has been an amazingly energetic volunteer for Good Shepherd Caregivers for a number of years. He was instrumental in setting up and implementing a strategic planning process, and spent hundreds of hours over the years refining and updating it. He dedicates his heart and soul to Good Shepherd, and the organization would not be where it is today without his twelve years of service.

5. April 13, 2012 at 12:24 pm | Posted by Kevin Marrone-Reese

   Who wears a duck costume? Gary Tucker does and he will do it again and again to raise money to help those in need. Not only does he wear the duck costume but he is the one that thought up the idea of holding the Rubber Ducker Classic which is a race down the town run with proceeds benefiting the Fix-it Team. The Fix-t Team assists aging seniors and disabled residents with home maintenance and repairs so they can stay independently living in their homes. Go Gary; wear that duck suit with pride!

6. April 13, 2012 at 12:54 pm | Posted by Dave Spunich

   What more can I add to the comments? Gary's dedication is helping others that may be less fortunate than we.

7. April 13, 2012 at 13:01 pm | Posted by Renny Smith

   That list is just the NEW stuff--he used to facilitate the Good Shepherd Caregivers Board retreats, too!

8. April 13, 2012 at 13:13 pm | Posted by Vicky Thomas

   Good Shepherd Interfaith Caregivers is an integral part of our community and Gary an integral part of Good Shepherd. He is faithful, insightful, innovative, and willing to serve as a senior and for seniors. He truly fulfills his mission in life!

9. April 13, 2012 at 13:16 pm | Posted by Lisa Jacobs

   Kind and generous with his time, a job well done!

10. April 13, 2012 at 14:10 pm | Posted by Kevin Haymaker

    Gary's support for the Good Shepherd Caregivers is critical to the success of the organization. He is always actively involved in every event the organization offers. He created, organized and ran the Rubber Ducky Classic event that was a huge success for Good Shepherd. He does what ever it takes to promote the organization. I believe Gary would be an excellent representation for the recognition from Salute to Senior Service award.

11. April 13, 2012 at 14:24 pm | Posted by Julie Gregg

    I was on the staff of Good Shepherd the day Gary showed up (like a 6-foot tall angel) and offered his volunteer help to our executive director at the time. He promptly became her unpaid "right hand." Newly retired, all of his professional skills were at our disposal --- and his hobbies, as well.
    
    He was (and is, 12 years later) beloved by staff and clients alike for his unfailing good nature and rare sense of humor. The Rubber Duck Race is vintage Gary Tucker - as is the model train layout he set up in the front yard of the Good Shepherd office to greet open house visitors. We have had many other wonderful volunteers over the years; but Gary Tucker came - and stayed - and has "worn all the hats," serving the organization in every way possible.
    
    Thank you, Gary!

12. April 13, 2012 at 15:20 pm | Posted by Bonnie Schuster

    Gary Tucker is a wonderful man. He is always there to help when he is needed at Good Shepherd. I have benefited with help when I need it. Mr Tucker makes you feel like a friend , as do all the volunteers at Good Shepherd. I never hesitate to ask for help when I need it. Sometimes it is hard to say I can't do this anymore. I have never felt that way with Good Shepherd. I vote for Mr Tucker for this award and thank him for all he's done.

13. April 13, 2012 at 17:28 pm | Posted by GT Schramm

    Gary has been a tremendous asset to GSIVC both in his personal volunteering for cilents and for the Board of Directors of which he is now President. He is well deserving of this honor and has my full support and congratulations

14. April 14, 2012 at 00:24 am | Posted by Nan Broadhurst

    Gary T. has been a volunteer in all capacities since I came to Shepherdstown. He was in the forefront of every project I was ever involved in. But in addition, he has stepped forward to serve as President of the Board of Directors, now offering a vision and strategic plan that will transform how the agency works. It is a real blessing to have him be such an integral part of this wonderful organization.

15. April 14, 2012 at 08:56 am | Posted by Betty Severson

    Gary Tucker is the President of the board at Good Shepherd Caregivers. He has done so much for the organization by his faithful volunteering - such as landscaping an area outside the office including a train to enhance the area. Trains are his hobby so he has even installed a track at the local restaurant with a train running around the track to entertain the customers. Gary has come up with new ideas for fundraising such as the Rubber Ducky Classic, which was a huge success. Good Shepherd is fortunate to have a volunteer like Gary.

16. April 14, 2012 at 12:29 pm | Posted by Daniel VanBelleghem

    Gary T. has worked tirelessly for the last 12 years to bring the Good Shepherd Caregivers organization to an unparalleled level of excellence. He certainly merits this award for his ideas and his energy in completing them.

17. April 15, 2012 at 19:51 pm | Posted by Dan Rowzie

    Good Shepherd Caregivers has a real working Board of Directors and Gary Tucker, our Board President, typifies this by being involved in almost every aspect of our caregiving services. Due to Gary's involvement, our care receivers are getting an increase in the number of quality services. For instance, he does transportation to medical appointments, does home repairs and is on the handicap ramp build team. When building the handicap ramps, Gary realized the difficulty of obtaining funds for materials for these ramps. Gary came up with a unique fund raiser, with the proceeds going toward materials for handicap ramp construction. In it's first year, The Rubber Ducky Race was a huge success and an excellent public relations tool for the organization. Tickets are sold for numbered ducks that are released to race down the swift moving Town Run. About 300 little yellow ducks swim down to the finish line. To do this Gary had us all selling tickets, but he dressed in a full and goofy duck suit, even on 90+ degree days, to make this a highly sucessful event, bringing in $3000 the first year. We're proud of our Board of Director President, Gary Tucker!

18. April 16, 2012 at 13:09 pm | Posted by VIRGIE MOORE

    I TRUELY COMMEND GARY FOR HIS WORK FOR GOOD SHEPHERD FOR SO MANY YEARS. IT SHOWS HIS DESIRE AND COMMITMENT TO HELP THOSE IN NEED. HE HAS GONE OVER AND ABOVE THE CALL OF DUTY AND HAS BEEN A GREAT EXAMPLE TO OTHERS WHO SERVE. THANKS GARY!

19. April 16, 2012 at 14:21 pm | Posted by Melanie

    Gary is a tireless volunteer on behalf of Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. His ideas are creative, practical and and occasionally humorous--this is a man who had no qualms about dressing up as a duck to promote GSIVC's First Annual Duckie Race! Gary has led Board Retreats and serves on the Fundraising Committee of GSIVC. As a fellow-board member, I find Gary's dedication, thoughtfulness and creativity on behalf of an organization whose primary focus is to enable senior citizen's and disabled individuals to stay in their homes, to be deeply and sincerely inspiring.

20. April 19, 2012 at 16:38 pm | Posted by Bonnie Austin

    I have had the pleasure of working with Gary at most of the fundraiser events that Good Shepherd Caregivers has had. He is always there from beginning to end. One of our most successful events is the Potter's Bowl, in which local artisans provide soup bowls and local businesses ( and also individuals) provide the soup. The participants can keep the bowl they like and sample the soups...usually about 15 kinds, sometimes more. Gary has been instrumental in setting this up which is one of our most popular events. He is one of the most hard working volunteers I've ever met.

21. April 19, 2012 at 16:40 pm | Posted by Malanie Cline

    Mr. Tucker cuts wood for my grandpa so he won't be cold in the winter. This is the only heat my grandpa has in his house.

22. April 19, 2012 at 16:48 pm | Posted by Maleah Cline

    Mr. Tucker even put a fountain in the train garden so the birds can play in the water. He cares for people and the animals.

23. April 19, 2012 at 17:17 pm | Posted by Kristopher Cline

    I just saw the new shed in the back yard at Good Shepherd. Now there are shelves thanks to Gary to store supplies!

24. April 19, 2012 at 22:48 pm | Posted by Connie Shaffer

    It has been a deep privilege and joy to work alongside Gary over the years with GSIVC to plan, strategize, and implement activities and events to heighten the community's awareness of what this marvelous 501-C3 is all about and why they continue to change lives for the better. It is now my experience with equal measures of joy, privilege and much gratitude to be on the receiving end of Gary's time, talents, and support as he and the rest of the Fix-It Team respond to my occasional cry for help to maintain my home, grounds, or tasks that I simply need help to do. Along with that he brings that element of assurance that all is going to be fine----and if I need anything, just call. Oh, and besides all that---he is a really really funny guy too! And laughter feels good sometimes when you haven't done that in awhile. I am certain our care receivers experience that right off. Thanks Gary, for all you do for so many.

25. April 20, 2012 at 17:13 pm | Posted by Angie Hill

    Gary is one of our most dedicated volunteers. Ever since I met him seven years ago, Gary has always had a ‘can-do, sure will, how can I help’ attitude. With every need that comes our way, his tentacles seem to grab, go, and get ‘er done. Any nonprofit would want to clone him.
    
    Gary takes things personally—his passion and goodwill to others are truly admirable. You never know which hat he’ll be wearing on any given day—whether it’s for yard work, fund committee meetings, as Board President, fix-its, or ramp building—Gary suits up as if he was still in the military. In the summer though, he enters his ‘just quaky’ mode with the Rubber Ducky Classic race, and gets in full ducky armor, bringing the community and funds together to help our Fix-it Team.
    
    Just like Home Instead, our non-profit agency strives to help seniors live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Our volunteers provide non-medical in-home care services for older and disabled residents giving them basic support services – assistance with activities such as meal preparation; light housekeeping; errands; visits; yard work; medical equipment loan; fix-it projects; handicap ramps; and transportation to doctor appointments, shopping, dialysis, and chemotherapy. We are compassionate about our program and the benefits to our community and care receivers. Recently we were awarded with the 2011 WV Governor’s Service Award, which showcases outstanding examples of community leadership as role models so the public will appreciate the value of service for themselves and their communities. Good Shepherd was one of two organizations selected from among 16 nominations, and was recognized for exemplary dedication to service and volunteerism.
    
    Our program is truly privileged to have Gary on OUR team.

26. April 23, 2012 at 10:30 am | Posted by Ruth Brown

    Gary Tucker truly exemplifies the Good Shepherd Volunteer Hero, who Salutes Seniors (Frail and Elderly)
    Always willing to go the extra mile.I had the pleasure of sitting on the Board of Directors with Gary..His leadership skills, yet humbling ways, always impressed me. He is an amazing Assett to The Good Shepherd Volunteer Caregivers and the surrounding Community.
    We Commend you Gary. You Deserve the National Award.

27. April 23, 2012 at 10:37 am | Posted by Thomas Reilly

    Gary is one of the most caring and giving persons that I have ever met. I’ve known Gary for over a decade volunteering at Good Shepherd. I know Gary best when I was on the board of directors and he was one of our speakers at an administrative retreat. He was our program facilitator and spent so much time preparing the meeting and events. When the meeting was over he followed up on each detail. One word “FANTASTIC”. So many times Gary would brightly stop by my office and talk about things that are going on and when there was a crisis’s he always was there to help. We had a long time friend and volunteer Meade Dorsey who was a corner stone of Good Shepherd. He recently passed and I knew that no one would be able to fill his shoes as a care giver and advocate for the Good Shepherd’s Team. As time goes on I noticed that there are two cornerstones, Meade and Gary Tucker. He is always there by Good Shepherds side as a part of the core just like Mr. Dorsey was. Today Gary shines brightly and deserves all the recognition we can muster. Gary has been intimately involved in so many aspects of Good Shepherd, I can’t image Good Shepherd without him.

28. April 23, 2012 at 12:50 pm | Posted by Betty Shipley

    There are many days that I see Gary in and out of Good Shepherd. Always working on a project or a future even. His willingness and ability to resolve or make lighter the problems of so many in need. He goes way above the call of duty. He is a true blessing.
    
    HATS OFF TO HIM!!!!!

29. May 29, 2012 at 14:32 pm | Posted by Kelly

    Congratulations, Gary, from all of us at the National Volunteer Caregiving Network. You're an inspiration and one who certainly puts his "faith" into "action."