Bruce Duncan of Tyler: Addiction Counselor, Friend to Many, and Good Listener is the 2025 AARP Texas Andrus Award Recipient

TYLER, Texas -- Bright smiles and laughter filled the Fellowship Hall at the Salvation Army Center of Hope in Tyler as Bruce Duncan nervously bounced from person to person, embracing each one with words of gratitude, handshakes, hugs and close eye contact.

For more than 20 years, 76-year-old Duncan has been putting in heavy hours as a volunteer counselor at this facility and in chapels, homes, shops, and street corners throughout this quiet but steadily growing Northeast Texas city.

Duncan, a former psychologist for the Tyler school system and a longtime local therapist and Arkansas native, is at the heart of a small cadre of counselors who volunteer daily at this Salvation Army. They address a variety of individual and family needs, including help for those who are recovering from alcohol and substance abuse.

On this early afternoon of Dec. 10, Duncan was the center of attention during a luncheon in his honor. Current and former clients, fellow counselors, local Salvation Army leaders, family members and others came to pay tribute to Duncan.

AARP Texas sponsored the occasion as part of its recognition of Duncan as the 2025 recipient of the AARP Texas Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s highest honor for volunteerism in the Lone Star State. The award celebrates those age 50-plus who embody a spirit of service and who make a lasting impact in their communities.

“I’m just so touched, so honored,” said Duncan in receiving the award for his work in the Salvation Army’s substance abuse program. “It’s not about me. It’s about all of you and all of God’s children.”

Among those at the luncheon was Salvation Army Captain Robert Coriston, a former addict who now leads the local facility that serves all of Smith County and some surrounding parts of Upper East Texas. He also provides counseling advice, and he spoke about how he frequently hears of the positive impact Duncan is making in others’ lives.

“All they have to talk about is, ‘Mister Bruce, Mister Bruce.’ I ask them what’s the best part of their week, and all of them say, ‘Oh, it’s Mr. Bruce,’ said Cariston. “They can tell…anyone can see…he’s the real deal. He is the epitome of the Christian values he teaches.”

Renee McAllister is a program case manager at the Salvation Army in Tyler where she’s worked for four years. She nominated Duncan for the Andrus Award, and at the luncheon, she explained that it’s Duncan’s “servant’s heart” that’s so unique. “The humbleness of his nature is what really stands out,” she said.

AARP Texas Director Lisa A. Rodriguez presented Duncan with the Andrus Award, noting that he exemplifies what it means to give selflessly.

“You’ve shown that one person’s dedication can ripple outward, strengthening families, uplifting communities, and inspiring others to serve,” Rodriguez said.

The Andrus Award is named after Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the visionary educator and advocate who founded AARP in 1958. Each year, AARP State Offices present the awards, with nominations coming from AARP members, volunteers, and the general public. To qualify, volunteers must be at least 50 years old, have made significant contributions through unpaid volunteer work that aligns with AARP’s vision and purpose, and who reside in the state where the award is granted.

As the luncheon was finishing, Duncan sat for a short interview in which he explained his Christian faith, his approach to counseling and therapy, work history, and his purposeful connections to nature and humankind.

“When I meet people, I have an attitude of being attentive to them,” Duncan said. “I say, `God, give me ears to hear the people, keep my tongue silent, and let me understand them. And sure, I’m as ADHD as all of that. But let me tell you, I’m a good listener.”