POY nominee: Galen Stafford

A straight-shooting volunteer
 

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KateLynn Slaamot
NLJ Correspondent
 
Person of the Year nominee Galen Stafford has been a part of the community for 23 years, since he moved to Newcastle in 1995, and because he is retired, Stafford said, he has had more time to get to know people. He’s also involved in various activities. 
“I’m currently involved with the Friends of the NRA committee,” Stafford said. 
He is also heavily involved in Cambria Community Church as a trustee, in 4-H shooting sports as a leader and in the Sportsman’s Club. He also enjoys participating in other social activities. Other areas where he has lent his time in 4-H include leather craft, rocketry, helping at 4-H camp and more. Stafford also helps take the 4-H shooting gallery trailer to various events. 
“I keep reminding myself I’m only 75,” said Stafford, noting his motorcycle hobby, which he doesn’t intend on quitting until he “can’t ride anymore.” He and his wife, Eva, also enjoy showing an old Dodge car at car shows. 
“He’d give you his shirt off his back,” said Dan Keierleber, who has known Stafford for 18 years. Keierleber and many others who know him, said that Stafford is always willing to jump in and offer a lending hand, whenever he is needed. Those who know him say he has a servant’s heart – being willing to get things done. 
Jerry Dickey knows Stafford through church and the Sportsman’s club, and he said that one of the ways in which Stafford is helpful is in his willingness to help with the church, doing anything that is needed. Stafford has helped clean the church and has taught Sunday School. Kami Lopez, who also knows Stafford through the church, said that Stafford has a genuinely kind heart and has helped with vacation Bible school in the past.
Brittany Hamilton, the 4-H and youth development educator, spoke highly of Stafford and his impact on the community’s youth. She noted that he is passionate about the Second Amendment and wants to pass on the knowledge of firearms to the younger members of the community. 
“He (Stafford) puts a smile on their faces,” Hamilton said, noting that Stafford is good-natured and encourages the children involved in shooting sports, helping them to be confident. 
Beyond Stafford’s involvement in the community, Dickey said, both Stafford and his wife are great role models for what a good marriage should be. The couple has been married for over 50 years and have two daughters and five grandchildren. Dickey also noted that Stafford is a kind gentleman. 
But Stafford says people in this community are easy to get to know, he said, even without trying very hard. 
“People here are pretty close-knit,” Stafford said. 
Others also noted Stafford’s love of community, and Keierleber said Stafford has a great influence on the youth – who are the future leaders. Stafford tries to do his part to “make things better,” according to Keierleber, and others who have seen Galen in action agree.
“He really embodies a contributing citizen,” Hamilton said.  
“I just try to blend in most of the time,” Stafford said, admitting that he was surprised when he found out he was a nominee for Person of the Year. His friends think the recognition has been a long time coming.
“I think he’d be a good man for it,” Dickey said.