John McDonough, 77
On a crusade since: 1995
Day job: Retired engineering manager, volunteer
Achievement: Assisting thousands of other retirees in saving money on Medicare.
Why he's a hero: An aerospace engineer for 40 years, McDonough signed up in 1995 to help out at SHIIP, where he guides seniors through the Medicare benefits maze and advocates in billing disputes. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native, a standout volunteer, aided 574 clients last year. His biggest victory: retrieving one woman's $10,000 overpayment.
Quote: "About 80% of people can save on Medicare Part D if they change plans every year."
NEXT: Fighting on behalf of the chronically ill