GREENFIELD — When watering the flowers in downtown Greenfield, Paul Norton feels at peace.
The Cumberland man took the seasonal job with the parks department after retiring from career in the military that spanned nearly four decades.
“It’s peaceful, and I wanted something peaceful to balance out the stressful work I do with the military. It’s my (post traumatic stress) therapy,” he said.
Norton retired from the Air Force in June 2011 but has been volunteering in various capacities ever since.
Earlier this year, he was presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis.
The gold medal, presented by Americorps, goes to those who have devoted more than 2,500 hours of volunteer service, which Norton has accumulated since retiring 10 years ago. The award was created by President George W. Bush; the first awards were presented in 2003.
It didn’t take Norton long to transition from retiree to volunteer.
“The worst thing a retired military person can do is sit on the front porch and do nothing,” he said.
“Dealing with the stresses of that service, you’ve got to find something that’s bigger than yourself to keep your mind occupied.”
Norton found an outlet by applying for the Extension Master Gardener program, which certifies volunteers as master gardeners to help educate the public on horticultural issues.
Digging his hands in the dirt and nourishing plants gave Norton a sense of peace, which is what led him to apply for the job tending to the city’s flowers. He enjoys seeing the colorful blooms thrive from the spring into the fall, and enjoys chatting with passersby who ask how he keeps them looking so vibrant.
“When I get here, it gives me a little time away from the pressures of what I do helping veterans,” said Norton, who was humbled to receive recognition for his volunteer work.
A week after receiving his medal, Norton was among volunteers honored by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Veterans.
Norton said most of his volunteerism has been through helping veterans through the advisory council, and serving in the Indianapolis Metropolitan Military Honor Guard, which performs military rituals at veterans’ funerals.
Through Veterans Affairs, he helps provide meals and teaches veterans life skills, like how to handle job interviews.
Norton also serves on the Veterans Support Council, the fundraising arm of the Mayor’s Advisory Council, and serves on the armed security team at his church.
In the winter months, when his job tending to flowers is on hiatus, Norton spends most of his free time devoted to volunteerism.
It feels good to give back to those who have served their country proudly, he said.
The honor guard he serves played a role in 500 funerals last year, said Norton, who helps with everything from playing “Taps” to presenting flags to family members. He also provides eulogies and serves on the rifle team that provides gun salutes.
He gets choked up when asked what motivates him to devote so much time to volunteering at fellow veterans’ funerals.
“It’s the last time their family sees their loved one, so it has to be done right. It has to be dignified,” he said. “We follow a very strict protocol. It has to be done with the utmost respect, with no room for error.”
Norton said as long as he’s physically capable, he will always make time to volunteer and give back. “No question about it,” he said.
