More than 200 people gathered Thursday, July 16, at the Luepke Senior Center to celebrate the 10th installment of the Senior Heroes Awards, a program that has spent the past decade recognizing the volunteers, caregivers, businesses and organizations making a difference for older adults throughout Clark County.
For the big dreamer behind the annual awards, Dick Halvorson, the milestone represents years of teamwork built around a simple philosophy: recognizing people for the work they do. Halvorson said the organization was spearheaded alongside Dave Kelly, executive director of the Area Agency on Aging and Disability in Southwest Washington, and Eric Erickson of CDM Caregiving Services.
“So we’re the three musketeers,” Halvorson said. “I came with the idea. I got them involved because I need nonprofits to be a part of this.”
From a small beginning, the organization has continued to grow year after year.
“And then it mushroomed into 10 or 12 people at our first meeting, and here we are today,” Halvorson said. “We’ve given out a ton of awards for businesses and individuals. We actually give money away to nonprofits, award winners and community organizations for innovation projects. So we’re rather different from most people in the awards business because we also not just recognize, but we also give money away to support our community.”
This year, the Senior Heroes Awards honored Battle Ground optometrist Dr. Jason Egbert, of First Sight Family Vision, with the Healthcare Professional Award. Egbert was unable to attend the awards ceremony, but was honored for his dedicated service to helping senior citizens “maintain the independence, safety and quality of life that come with healthy vision.”
“Dr. Egbert has volunteered countless hours repairing eyeglasses, serving assisted living communities, and ensuring vulnerable seniors receive the care they need with dignity and respect,” the event program states.
The Michael R. Wilson Caring Heart Award was awarded to Mike Burton, a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran and Purple Heart recipient, who received a long standing ovation during the awards ceremony on July 16.
“Mike has continued his commitment to service long after his military and public service careers ended,” the program states. “Today, he is a trusted advocate for senior veterans and their families, helping them navigate complex veterans’ benefits, healthcare, housing and survivor services with patience and compassion.”
The original inspiration behind Senior Heroes came from Halvorson’s years working in social services, where he learned the value of acknowledging people’s contributions.
“Everybody loves to have their name called. Everybody wants a pat on the back now and then,” he said. “And yet in corporate structures in the world, most people don’t get that. You know, they don’t go out of their way to even say ‘Thank you’ sometimes.”
Halvorson said previous experiences helping establish awards programs led him to develop what he believed would be a stronger model.
Among the organization’s priorities are recognizing caregivers, who Halvorson said play a vital role in helping older adults remain safe and supported.
“We want to make sure that people have the opportunities to come together and have some fun,” he said. “And at the same time, put people in a proper position and a mindset that when you’re pushing up people and making people feel special, you get a lot more out of people. You know, you attract more with honey than you do vinegar. Well, that’s what praise and recognition is all about.”
The 2026 Senior Heroes Awards honored Yulia Samoilo, Lynne Johnson and Rosanna Goulart with Caregiver of the Year recognitions. Other awards included Christyna Hengstler for Senior Champion, Terry Walters with the Community Hero Award, American Medical Response for Senior Focused Organization - For Profit, A Caring Closet with the non-profit Senior Focused Organization honor and the Pat Jollota Leadership Award was given to Georg Welsh.
Reaching the decade milestone, Halvorson said, is less about personal accomplishment than celebrating the volunteers and supporters who have sustained the program.
“As one of the founders and the dream maker, I really am proud of the team,” Halvorson said. “I learned a long time ago, I keep praise off myself and praise on everybody else. That’s really, really important.”
Halvorson concluded the interview with a message to future generations.
“Go out of your way to help people, because it’s paying forward,” he said. “Because someday you live long enough, you’re going to need somebody to help you. That’s the way it works.”
