This week, the Jefferson Award honors Robert Mason, an Army veteran whose commitment to service continues into his 80s. At 85 years old, Mason plays a pivotal role in providing sustenance to the local community, serving hundreds of families each week in San Francisco.

A Well-Organized Operation

At Temple United Methodist Church, where Mason serves, a dedicated team of volunteers efficiently divides cases of fresh produce to distribute to around 350 families. Mason supervises this operation, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

“Everybody, if they think about it, they have something to give to others,” Mason shared with CBS News Bay Area, emphasizing the importance of community service.

From Military Service to Community Support

Mason’s history is steeped in service, having spent 33 years in the Army. His military experience included assignments in Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines, where he excelled as a Morse code interceptor monitoring North Korean communications.

“I ended up being a Morse code interceptor,” he recalled with a smile, highlighting his surprising yet impactful military role.

Daily Dedication to Combat Hunger

Today, Mason dedicates much of his time to combating hunger through his work at the food pantry. He meticulously tracks distributions to ensure that no one goes without essentials, attributing his organizational skills to his military training. “When you get these skills, whatever you’re doing, it all comes natural,” he explained.

Over the years, Mason has contributed to distributing over a million pounds of food but estimates that the actual amount is likely “a gazillion” based on demand and constant need.

Impact on the Community

The effects of Mason’s efforts are palpable in the community. Many families, such as Crystal’s family of three, benefit greatly from the program. “Every time we go grocery shopping, we pay a lot, so it really helps the family,” she expressed to CBS News Bay Area, emphasizing the struggle many face.

Ruth Rogers, a long-time volunteer, regards Mason as integral to the church’s operations, saying, “He’s one of those people – he knows where to find the furnaces if they don’t kick on. He knows where to find the light switches so we can change the timing on the outdoor lighting.”

A Call to Action

As he continues to serve, Mason encourages others to reflect on how they can contribute to their communities. “They have to look at what they have versus what other people don’t have, and what they could do to help someone else have a better life,” he asserted.