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AARP Celebrates Its 40 Millionth Member, David Squires, on AARP 50th Anniversary

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today AARP recognizes its 40 millionth member, David Squires fromHampton, VA. This is a unique milestone that AARP proudly celebrates along with its 50th anniversary. Mr. Squires will receive numerous prizes from AARP, which he can use in various facets of his life -- from travel and fitness, to health and leisure. The wave of active boomers who are becoming AARP members makes the association the largest baby boomer organization in the world.

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"Each one of our members helps us connect our past, present and future in ways that are meaningful for all generations in the 21st century," said Shereen Remez, Executive Vice President of Member Value at AARP. "We are thrilled to reach this important landmark, which symbolizes the collective power of our 40 million members to drive positive social change and reshape the marketplace."

A native of Hortonville, NC, David Squires is now a columnist with the Daily Press inNewport News, VA. Over the course of his journalism career, 50-year old Squires has worked for more than 10 newspapers, some African-American publications. He was one of the first editors of AOL Black Voices. He is also a husband and father of two. Squires enjoys the various benefits of his AARP membership.

"I really appreciate what AARP does in making a difference in others' lives, as well as the great discounts AARP offers its members," said Squires. "I would certainly recommend AARP membership to my family and friends."

AARP's 40 millionth member will receive an extensive list of prizes, totaling over $7,000 in value. These gifts include:

-- Free Lifetime Membership to AARP, courtesy of AARP Membership

-- $5,000 Gift Check, courtesy of AARP Membership

-- Gift Basket and $500 Gift Card, courtesy of Walgreens, provider of the AARP Pharmacy Discount Program and the AARP Health Essentials Catalog

-- $200 Gas Card, courtesy of TheHartford, provider of AARP Automobile Insurance

-- Two Budget Free Rental Day Certificates, courtesy of Budget Rent-A-Car, provider to AARP Passport

-- Lifetime AARP Motoring Plan Membership

-- $100 Gas Card, courtesy of AARP Legal Services Network by GE

-- Five Complimentary Nights at the Hampton Hotel of the Winner's Choice, value of $500

-- Ray-Ban Sunglasses, courtesy of Eye-Med Vision Care, value $130, provider of AARP Discount Vision Discounts

-- Ultimate Travel Necessity Package; luggage tag, travel bag, passport holder, and medical kit, value $107, courtesy of MedjetAssist, provider of worldwide air ambulance and medical repatriation services for AARP members

-- $100 Visa Gift Card, courtesy of Delta Dental, provider of the AARP Dental Insurance Plan

-- $200 Amazon.com Gift Card, courtesy of Foremost Insurance Group, provider of AARP Mobile Home Insurance & AARP Motorcycle Insurance

-- Autographed Green Bay Packers NFL jersey by Bart Starr and four home game Redskins tickets, courtesy of United Health Group, provider of AARP MedicareComplete, AARP MedicareRx Plans, and AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance

"The collective power of our 40 million members, including millions of boomers, allows us to be a powerful voice and get things done," said Remez. "I congratulate Mr. Squires on becoming our 40 millionth member."

Boomers, 77 million of them in the U.S., are increasingly turning to AARP for information, resources and opportunities that impact important aspects of their lives. Boomers enjoy AARP's many membership benefits, from volunteer opportunities to the products and services offered through third-parties.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, theDistrict of Columbia,Puerto Rico, and theU.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information about AARP, please log on to www.aarp.org or call 1-800-our-AARP.

SOURCE AARP