Over decades, Dave Dittman has devoted his spare time to helping war refugees resettle, as well as build and repair housing for the needy, in Howard County and around the country. His tireless work on behalf of others has earned him the 2016 Howard County Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors exemplary volunteers. Photo by Christopher Myers

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In the 1970s and ‘80s, Dave Dittman helped settle refugees from the Vietnam War and the Cambodia genocide into new lives in Howard County and around the U.S.

In the 1990s, he started repairing houses in Baltimore’s inner city. And since 2005, he has made numerous trips to Mississippi to help rebuild Hurricane Katrina-ravaged homes. 

That volunteer work — and more — over the years has earned the Ellicott City resident the 2016 Howard County Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dittman said that his volunteer work was spurred by his childhood empathy for the underdog.

“When I was growing up, I had histoplasmosis, a debilitating lung disease. I was the low man on the totem pole in high school. I got knocked around pretty good.

Dittman, along with other Howard County volunteers recently honored by the county for their work, will have a brick engraved with his name and award in the “Pathway to Excellence” at Troy Park in Elkridge.  

Among the other awardees this year is Richard Ellestad, honored as Volunteer of the Year for his work with county seniors, helping them effectively use computers and assisting them and low-income residents of the county in preparing their tax forms.

Martin Wang, a junior at Glenelg High School, was honored as Youth Volunteer of the Year. He also helps low-income families prepare tax returns as a volunteer.

Ellicott City’s Sunrise Rotary Club was honored for its work with businesses, social services organizations and government entities that provide programs for children in Howard County.