Volunteer David Shaw

David Shaw began volunteering for the Ombudsman Program in 2015 and is currently assigned to two nursing homes: Country Meadows and Maplebrook, both in St. Francois County. He was chosen as our star award recipient because of the amazing work he does as an advocate for the resident’s in Nursing Homes. Being an Ombudsman sometimes requires a “little bit more” than your typical volunteer position and with all of the changes the program has recently undergone, David has been a trooper and stuck with it.

David has been married to his wife, Trish, for 11 years and they currently reside in Desloge, only about 6 blocks from where David grew up.

David retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Air Force in 1996 after proudly serving 25+ years as an Air Craft Maintenance/Logistics Officer. He states, “Aside from the extensive travel requirements and opportunities, I was fortunate to have worked with some of the most honest and patriotic young people in the world.” After retiring from the Air Force, David began working with the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). In this position, David represented electrical contractors and negotiated collective bargaining agreements and grievances with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Jefferson City and Hannibal, MO. He retired from NECA in 2012.

While visiting a friend in a local nursing home, David was approached by the Administrator and asked if he would assist the resident, also a Veteran, with his dealings with the Veteran’s Administration. Through that, David learned about the Ombudsman Program and the level of responsibility it requires in dealing with nursing home residents. He states, “The training was excellent, but all of the Missouri Statutes were intimidating! Never the less, I gave it a shot and turns out, I really enjoy what I do for my residents.”

David looks forward to his weekly visits with the resident and believes the residents look forward to seeing him as well. He states, “The satisfaction of being there for someone who may not have anyone is extremely rewarding.”