12/31/2025
Congratulations to Patty on this honor! I had a wonderful conversation with her and site director Jan about the AMAZING work they are doing at the Dunlap Senior Center! Whether you stop in for lunch or just to visit, check them out - great things are happening here!
Join us in congratulating this quarter's recipient of the "That's How It's Dun" award!
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Patricia “Patty” Mumm is this quarter’s recipient of DCDC’s That’s How It’s Dun Award, a community service recognition created to honor individuals who go above and beyond in their volunteer contributions to the Dunlap community.
Patty is president of the Dunlap Senior Center and a member of the Dunlap American Legion Post 224. Throughout her life—both during her military career and after returning home—Patty has continuously found ways to volunteer, serve others, and strengthen the communities around her. Reflecting on what makes Dunlap special to her, Patty says, “I love the small community and how people help each other.” That sense of connection has guided her service for decades.
To understand how Patricia “Patty” Mumm returned to Dunlap and continues to devote her retirement to serving others, it’s important to understand her history in the United States Navy. Patty began her career in the United States Navy in October 1979, attending boot camp in Orlando, Florida. Early on, her abilities were noticed. Because of her excellent handwriting, she was selected to write the daily routine on the board for her company. During her fifth week of boot camp, it was discovered she was a certified water safety instructor, and she spent long days—often from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. —teaching swim lessons. She also assisted with remedial physical training, helping female recruits achieve the required mile time (under 13 minutes).
Following boot camp, Patty attended Hospital Corpsman School at Great Lakes Naval Base, graduating in February 1980. With prior surgical technology training before joining the Navy, she completed the interview process to earn her designation as a surgical technician. She was then assigned to Bethesda, Maryland, serving as an 8483 surgical tech.
In February 1981, Patty transferred to Subic Bay, Philippines, where she worked as a surgical technician for 18 months. Even while stationed overseas, she continued to volunteer in her free time, teaching swim lessons and helping coach the swim team.
In May 1982, Patty moved to Millington, Tennessee, working in the surgical suite. She later received orders to San Diego, California, in 1984, where she worked at Balboa Naval Hospital. There, she served in the surgical suite and became the Leading Petty Officer (LPO) of the orthopedic department. Her duties included assigning personnel to operating rooms and teaching surgical tech students rotating through the department.
In 1987, Patty volunteered for a six-month temporary assignment to Antarctica. During that time, she was responsible for the operating room, sterilization of instruments, and pharmacy operations—ensuring everything remained fully functional even though no surgeries were performed. She returned to Balboa in February 1988.
Later in 1988, Patty received orders to Adak, Alaska, an island in the Aleutian chain. There, she served as LPO in the operating room, stood duty as Officer of the Quarterdeck, and was responsible for dispatching the ambulance. True to form, she also shared her time and talents by teaching swim lessons and offering crochet classes.
In February 1990, Patty transferred to Pensacola, Florida, working in the operating room. After a duty swap, she moved to Oakland, California, in August 1991, where she led the orthopedic department in the OR. While stationed in Oakland, Patty completed her first of three triathlons and later undertook a six-month temporary assignment in Zagreb, Croatia. In March 1994, she served as LPO of the operating room and played a major role in organizing the Hospital Corpsman Birthday celebration, overseeing food, decorations, setup, and cleanup. She was also active in the First-Class Association, helping operate the designated Navy bar and manage the ship’s store.
Patty returned to Oakland in August 1994 and worked in the Medevac office until 1996. Before her next assignment, she attended instructor school and career counseling school in San Diego. She checked into 29 Palms, California, in September 1994, where she helped sailors enroll in schools and served as LPO of the surgical department.
After 20 years of service, Patty retired from the U.S. Navy in October 1998 and returned home to Dunlap. She later worked for Ortho Nebraska for 17 years before fully retiring.
Back in Dunlap, Patty’s commitment to service continued through volunteer work and leadership in the community. She remains actively involved with the Dunlap American Legion Post 224, where she helps present the colors at community events and assists with the Legion’s annual Santa visit to the Dunlap Public Library.
Much of Patty’s dedication to volunteering—especially at the Dunlap Senior Center—was inspired by her father, Joseph Lipichok, who was very involved with the Senior Center. Following in his footsteps, Patty became deeply engaged with the organization and now serves as its president. She helps with remodel projects, secures donations and grant funding, works to grow attendance, supports the director and assistant director, fills in as needed, sets up for holiday events, and promotes the Senior Center throughout the community.
For Patty, volunteering is both meaningful and joyful. “I love the way [volunteering] makes me feel and making people smile,” she says—a sentiment echoed by the many people whose lives she has touched.
“Patty’s commitment to Dunlap is truly extraordinary,” said Jill Schaben, DCDC Executive Director. “She has dedicated countless hours to serving others—both during her military career and throughout her life back home. Her leadership at the Senior Center and her willingness to step in wherever help is needed have made a lasting impact on our community. Patty embodies the spirit of service that That’s How It’s Dun was created to honor.”
Through decades of military service and a lifetime of volunteerism rooted in family and community, Patty Mumm exemplifies leadership, generosity, and heart. Her ongoing commitment to Dunlap truly shows That’s How It’s Dun.
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Know someone who deserves recognition for their service to Dunlap? Visit dunlapia.com and click the Resources tab to access the “That’s How It’s Dun” nomination form. Four Dunlap area residents will be recognized annually. Contact Jill Schaben with questions at [email protected]
