INDIANA – Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith presented the 2026 Golden Hoosier Award to 23 Hoosiers at the annual ceremony held on Sept. 2 at the Indiana Statehouse.
Receiving the award from Lawrence County was John Flinn of Bedford.
Throughout his life, John has consistently poured his heart and soul into helping others. From his career as a firefighter and emergency medical technician to his years spent coaching youth sports and serving in his local church, his commitment to the region has touched countless lives.
However, local community leaders note that nowhere is that dedication more evident than at the Men’s Warming Shelter of Bedford, where John continues to make an extraordinary impact on a daily basis. Staff members at the shelter frequently look to John for his wisdom, deep experience, and practical advice. Volunteers also describe his presence as a major source of support, sharing that he consistently leaves them feeling encouraged and empowered in their work. The shelter’s guests find in John a steady, reliable source of guidance, encouragement, and hope as they work toward rebuilding their lives. Through his selflessness and quiet strength, John remains an extraordinary example of service in action within the Bedford community.
“This award recognizes the people who served when no one was watching, but whose impact shaped a community,” Lieutenant Governor Beckwith said. “These Hoosiers have given years of their time, experience, and talents to others. Sharing their stories ensures their work is not only honored today but also serves as an example for the next generation.”
The Golden Hoosier Award is the highest honor given by the lieutenant governor to Hoosiers 65 and older. Presented in partnership with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, AARP Indiana, and the Bureau of Better Aging, the award recognizes individuals for their years of commitment to their communities.
Recipients, friends, and family members gathered in the statehouse atrium where the honorees’ stories of service were shared as they accepted their plaques. The reception following the event allowed attendees and recipients to build connections and share fond memories of service in Indiana.
The 2026 Golden Hoosier Award recipients are:
• Richard Barker, Noblesville
• Susan Childs, Grovertown
• Winston Clark, Carmel
• Sharon Clouse, Montpelier
• Raymond Collins, Terre Haute
• Patty Cress, Clarksville
• Mary Joan Dickson, Cedar Lake
• Christopher Dodson, Marion
• Betty Eldridge, Francesville
• John Flinn, Bedford
• Junior Gray, Albion
• Michael Hemphill, Henryville
• Don Hodson, Avon
• Judy Hubbard, New Castle
• Marcia Lochner, Knox
• Dinah McClure, West Lafayette
• Carol Price, Frankfort
• Amy Reeves, Richmond
• Sue Riester, Lowell
• Susan Roberts, Brownsburg
• Jesse Rogers, Gary
• Timothy Stauffer, Fort Wayne
• Elaine Wade, Loogootee
Raymond Collins was honored posthumously. His daughter, Kristy McCullough, accepted the award on his behalf.
Established in 2008, the Golden Hoosier Award has recognized hundreds of Hoosiers for their years of service. Eligible nominees must be current Indiana residents, age 65 or older, and have completed at least three consecutive years of volunteer service.
