Annually the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) honors a senior citizen (50+) in each state for using knowledge, skill, creativity, and ability to make a difference in their local community. The purpose is to recognize an individual who has volunteered their time and energy to help others with special needs and goals. An outstanding volunteer provides a service commitment “above and Beyond” what would be expected.
For the calendar year 2022, AARP Utah has selected Kenneth Vaughn as the Outstanding Volunteer for our state. That title will place his name and volunteer work in competition for the National title and a $3,000 check to be donated to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
Vaughn founded the Chairbound Sportsman 13 years ago to help people in wheelchairs to get outdoors, and in doing so, he said he realized that anything is possible. He currently serves as vice president of the Springville based Chairbound Sportsman Organization. Vaughn works with state and federal officials, as well as ranchers and landowners to arrange some of the scheduled events that give many the opportunity to do things like hunting and fishing.
Vaughn spends 25 to 45 hours a week to plan and carry out Chairbound Sportsman events. If it were not for the efforts of Kenneth Vaughn, many individuals would not have gotten out to hunt and fish again due to their disability.
The Chairbound Sportsman annual Christmas banquet is scheduled for Saturday evening, Dec. 3 at the Provo Elks Lodge. For more information about the Chairbound Sportsman Organization go to their website at chairboundsportsman.org. Kenneth Vaughn can be reached at kennethvaughnsr@gmail.com. Donations to the cause are always appreciated. New participants are always welcome.
