AARP Nebraska Names Michelle O’Dea Recipient of the 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service

Photographic Images in North Platte, Nebraska

Longtime volunteer Michelle O’Dea of Hershey, Nebraska, has been selected to receive the 2024 AARP Nebraska Andrus Award for Community Service. Named after AARP’s founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the award honors outstanding volunteers from each state who dedicate their time and talent to enrich their communities.

AARP Nebraska selected O’Dea for her decades of service which has greatly benefitted communities across the state, inspired other volunteers, and supported AARP’s mission and vision. From training service and therapy dogs, to advocating for affordable housing, supporting our veteran and military families, and providing AARP tax-aide services, Michelle’s vital contributions have made a significant difference in people’s lives.

“Michelle’s dedication toward making community improvements statewide through diverse and impactful efforts is inspiring,” stated Suzan DeCamp, AARP Nebraska Volunteer State President.

Michelle attributes her heart for service to her upbringing. As a child, she accompanied her mother to volunteer at the local nursing home, participated in 4-H, and paid tribute to our nation’s service members and military families alongside her father who served in the United States Air Force.

Her efforts are felt far beyond the North Platte area, as she founded Domesti-PUPS in 2000 while living in Lincoln and would serve as the organization’s volunteer executive director for 22 years. The nonprofit works with over 125 volunteers, including incarcerated individuals in four prisons, to train service and therapy dogs—at one point having 40 dogs in schools across five states. She also volunteers with the Hershey Planning and Zoning Commission and AARP Tax Aide, among others.

“We’re thrilled to highlight Nebraskans aged 50 and above who are leveraging their life experiences to positively impact those around them. Michelle O’Dea truly exemplifies this spirit and is highly deserving of this recognition,” said Todd Stubbendieck, AARP Nebraska’s State Director.

O’Dea will be awarded the 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service, along with a $2,500 check presentation to her selected nonprofit, North Platte’s American Legion PR Halligan Post #163, in a ceremony on Friday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Legion.