Blankenship honored for service to older Americans

It’s not surprising that the Alliance for Retired Americans gave Elmer Blankenship its President’s Award for his lifetime of public service on behalf of older Americans.

Blankenship is not only widely respected for his personal accomplishments, but also for his work benefiting the UAW and its retirees.

“I’m honored,” says Blankenship, 81, who received the award at the group’s “Building for America’s Future” national legislative meeting in Washington on Sept. 6. “I’m especially gratified to receive an award from an organization that is so well respected among senior organizations and elected officials.

“The UAW has always been about representing members in the community,” said the Indianapolis resident.

“The union involves members in politics and makes people aware about being active in the community and giving back, and supporting those who help us.”

UAW President Walter Reuther appointed Blankenship to the Region 3 staff and assigned him to education in 1957. He was named the region’s assistant director in 1972 and retired in 1991.

A delegate to several Indiana Democratic conventions, Blankenship also served as president of the Indiana Alliance for Retired Americans.

He’s taken seniors to Canada to buy affordable prescription drugs, worked with UAW retiree councils and fought to protect Social Security and provide health care for all Americans.

“Get involved in something,” he says. “Get out of the house and do something that keeps you active – that’s what keeps you healthy.”

Joan Silvi