Paul Ward (call sign: “Chappie”) was named Daily Point of Light Award No. 7570  by Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Ward received this recognition for his ongoing commitment to the USS Midway Museum. 

 When Paul “Chappie” Ward retired and relocated to San Diego in 2018, he knew his call to serve was not over. Ever since he visited the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier formerly of the U.S. Navy, he’s been passionate about sharing the stories of the men who served on the vessel. Ward has volunteered 7,300 hours aboard the ship, with the focus of teaching visitors to “connect the story with the steel.”  

Ward said that his love for history, paired with his appreciation for those who serve our nation is what drives him to repay back what service men and women have done for him. One of the most powerful parts of the job is sitting on the USS Midway while looking across the San Diego Bay and seeing the ships that are currently serving our country.  

“I’m sitting on history and I’m looking at history being made,” Ward said.  

The Daily Point of Light Award uplifts individuals who lead, lend support and take action for causes they care about on their path to leading a fully engaged civic life. The award is given five days a week as Points of Light honors individuals creating meaningful change to meet community needs, efforts that often lead to long-term solutions and impact social problems in their local communities.  

President George H.W. Bush was the first president in American history to institute a daily presidential recognition program from the White House, conferring 1,020 Daily Point of Light Awards on citizens and organizations making a difference in other people’s lives and solving community problems. Points of Light continues this recognition and now has more than 7,000 honorees to date. 

“The Daily Point of Light Award recognizes those who saw something they wanted to improve in the world, then through their time, talent and efforts, began making those improvements,” said Beth Pann, Senior Vice President, External Affairs at Points of Light. “We’re pleased to honor Paul (“Chappie”) Ward for their amazing work.” 

Ward continues to inspire others with his work and hopes to show others they can make a difference in their communities too. Regarding volunteering he said, “Find something to do or an organization to join with which your personal interests and values align. The more you learn about that activity or organization and its purpose, the more you are involved, and the greater the personal fulfillment and reward.”

To learn more about Ward’s work, visit https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/retired-california-chaplain-volunteers-on-board-historical-aircraft-carrier/.