Joseph Greco, Jr., of Manassas Receives Marymount University Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award

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Joe Greco

ARLINGTON, VA (01/11/2010)(readMedia)-- Marymount University recently presented the 2009 Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award to Joseph Greco, Jr. of Manassas, VA. Upon retiring from the US Coast Guard in 1980, after 28 years of service, Joe Greco, Jr., entered Marymount (then Marymount College of Virginia) on the GI Bill. He earned his B.A. in Communications in 1983 and his M.A. in Liberal Studies in 1985.

As a student, Greco began "giving back" by assisting an elderly couple with such everyday tasks as grocery shopping, transportation, and property maintenance. Eventually, his service to the couple included nursing home visits. It was during this time that Joe realized that his life goals were not about making money, but serving his community and its citizens.

So, after graduation, Joe Greco, decided to become a full-time volunteer. For the past 23 years, he has been a reliable and much-valued helper at Prince William Hospital (PWH) and Prince William County Senior Services. His jobs have ranged from "friendly visitor" at the Annaburg Manor Nursing Home (owned by PWH); shopper for an assisted-living facility (also owned by PWH); and lifeline volunteer, installing equipment for homebound patients with disabilities. Greco spent 10 years volunteering at the hospital's information desk, 18 years working Wednesday nights in the ER, and 12 years serving as a screener at the Prince William Free Medical Clinic on Thursday evenings.

His activities have slowed some, but he still helps out every day – providing elderly and disabled individuals with transportation to doctor appointments and visiting with homebound friends. Greco also maintains a wonderful marriage with his wife, Lois. He notes with a laugh that she "has never complained that I retired too early and should be out there making money instead of running people around and putting thousands of miles on our cars."