It only took Mr. Downs 4 years after he retired to find a lot of time on his hands wasn't what gave him great satisfaction.
A retired Aeronautical Engineer, in his professional experience led him to explore volunteering at The Western Museum of Flight.
He felt that his experience would be a real asset to this nonprofit agency. At the Museum he helps preserve the history of flight for young and old alike.
He worked with a team of volunteers to restore an AT-6 North American Trainer plane built in 1940. He is proud to boast that this is the only replica built of that time period. If that were not enough he also spends his Tuesdays at The Sheriff Station in Lomita where he does data entry on stolen property.
He has volunteered there over 15 years. Mr. Downs says that "I get a lot out of my volunteering when I can use my head and hands instead of doing laundry and shopping".
He is offered challenges and has fun working with others to see things come together.

RSVP of South Bay congratulates Mr. Downs for making a difference in the community through his volunteerism.