Volunteers Joanie and Paul Huff of Silex, who have served as Ombudsmen since 2001 for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program of Greater St. Louis and Northeast Missouri, were among 34 outstanding volunteers chosen to receive the Lt. Governor's Senior Service Award.

Lt. Gov. Peter D. Kinder presented the Huffs with their award May 9 at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City during a recognition ceremony for all of the award winners and their guests outside his office.

The Huffs were chosen from among 145 nominees statewide.  State Rep. Ed Schieffer of Troy and Susan Jotte of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program nominated the Huffs. 

"Every day the Huffs are making a difference in the lives of long-term care facility residents -- by ensuring aides notice when call lights are lit, solving mealtime scheduling issues so residents do not receive cold food and ensuring staff are properly trained in lifting and moving delicate residents," said Jotte.

The Huffs have devoted the past 10 years to advocating for the well-being of long-term care residents in northeast Missouri.  They volunteer as Ombudsmen, regularly visiting the most vulnerable members of the community -- the frail elderly who must rely on others to feed or dress them.

Paul Huff is an Ombudsman for a long-term care facility whose residents mostly are young people with mental illness or addictions.  Joanie Huff is an Ombudsman at two skilled nursing facilities where she advocates for seniors.

"The Huffs are tireless volunteers helping the residents in long-term care facilities in our area for the past decade," said Rep. Schieffer in his nomination. "They provide assistance to people who really need their help -- residents in nursing homes who often have no other outside visitors."

Lt. Gov. Kinder said, "Paul and Joanie Huff set an example for all Missourians with their kindness and willingness to serve their community tirelessly.  Their selfless service is an inspiration to all who know them."

The Huffs, who won the award for the 2nd District, received an official declaration and Senior Service Award lapel pins at the recent ceremony.