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In case you missed it in our previous newsletters, Soldiers' Angels is honored to announce that not one but two Angel Volunteers have been named VA Volunteer of the Year by the VA's National Advisory Council.
Today we highlight the 2021 Male VA Volunteer of the Year, Roger Hull.
Meet Male VA Volunteer of the Year, Roger Hull
“It’s nice to be appreciated and I feel very honored just to be nominated. But really, it’s our team. I couldn’t do it without my wife or the team at the VA and Soldiers’ Angels.” - Male VA Volunteer of the Year, Roger Hull
Roger Hull is a Marine Corp Veteran who has been a volunteer at the Mountain Home VA Healthcare System near Johnson City, Tennessee for about five years and has worked with Soldiers’ Angels for three years.
“I started off at the information desk and then was asked by the VAVS (Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service) chief, Mike Kromoff, to take over Soldiers’ Angels. I didn’t know a lot about them but I have learned a lot since then. They are such a quality organization. They are one of the most efficient organizations I’ve ever worked for and everyone I work with is caring and really dedicated,” Roger says.
Nowadays, Roger runs the craft room for veterans where he spends time talking to the veterans and has lots of activities for them to do since they can’t leave the VA. The craft room is currently for homeless veterans who have nowhere else to go. His wife, Lucy, opens the clothing room, which serves homeless veterans as well, and is right next to his room. She sees about 25-30 patients a day.
“My wife is a big part of my life and we both share our love of veterans. We both go in and open our rooms right next to each other. She does a marvelous job. She has to go through the clothing donations and really goes above and beyond by washing and drying the clothes before putting them out,” Roger says.
“I’ve seen vets come in with nothing but socks on in February. It’s heart-wrenching sometimes,” he adds.
Roger and his wife have been deemed essential volunteers and so are allowed to continue their work volunteering, however, their duties are a little different due to Covid safety measures. Before Covid, Roger would do patient visits to take hygiene kits, candy, popcorn, and other items to veteran patients and also distributed things in the hallways to vets as well. He was also a “Red Coat Ambassador,” which was suspended due to COVID. Now, he runs the craft room and, sits in volunteer services to do whatever they need (working the phones, sitting at the information desk, escorting patients to appointments, etc.), and hand distributes items in hallways.
“He comes in fairly regularly 2-3 times a week with his wife. When we get the popcorn or cookies he’s in here 4 or 5 times a week distributing those items. Super to work with! The warehouse even works directly with him, which is great for us. When something comes in and they know it’s his, they’ll call him direct. He connects with our local VAV, VFWs to distribute those to those organizations as well,” says Mike Kromoff, Chief, Voluntary Service at Department of Veterans Affairs.
Roger and Lucy did contract the virus in December 2020 and had to quarantine over Christmas. They are both back at it volunteering while still dealing with the side effects.
“We still continue to open up the clothing room and the craft room and give out that popcorn!” exclaims Roger
“We chose Roger for his dedication and devotion. His spouse comes with him and they work hand in hand. He is just super to work with and we can call him anytime. He calls us… It’s just a great working relationship. The things he does to help not only us but the veterans – he’s pretty standout-ish.”
Mike Kromoff, Chief, Voluntary Service at Department of Veterans Affairs
Why he volunteers with Soldiers’ Angels and veterans
“I was a Marine Corp veteran and have always had a love for our country and our veterans. They’ve contributed so much.”
What’s one memory that sticks out to you?
“Almost 3 years ago after I took over the craft room, I met this guy who was working the info desk. His name was Mark Hamlin. He was a veteran from the Air Force and was volunteering. His wife was one of the chiefs in audiology. We turned out to be best friends. He was diagnosed with a second round of cancer last year. I take him to his appointments. My son and I built him a wheelchair ramp to get in and out of his house. I take him lunch 2 or 3 days a week while his wife is working. We watch Netflix together at lunch and really enjoy each other. His cancer is in remission and is doing well. He can’t get out because of his immune system so our families get together often.”
Watch Roger as he learns she has been selected for the award
Soldiers’ Angels leadership team and VA Voluntary Services Staff at Mountain Home VA surprised Roger with the announcement.
Thank you Roger and all Soldiers' Angels volunteers for your incredible support of the military and veteran community!
How You Can Volunteer to Support Veterans
Volunteer at a Food Distribution
Soldiers' Angels hosts monthly Veteran Food Distributions in six cities across the country. Volunteers are always needed to continue this much-needed service!
Volunteer at a VA Hospital
Soldiers' Angels volunteers work within over 35 VA's across the country. With VA's beginning to lift COVID restrictions, we need more VA Volunteers!
Volunteer for a Virtual Team
Many of the Soldiers' Angels virtual volunteer opportunities support veterans and their families. Find out how you can volunteer without leaving home.
Sponsor a Veteran Food Distribution
If you know a business, organization, or individual that may be interested in sponsoring a future food distribution event, we are always in need of monetary support to continue this invaluable service.
Soldiers' Angels • 2895 NE Loop 410, Suite 107, San Antonio, TX 78218 • www.SoldiersAngels.org
Soldiers' Angels is a 501(c)(3) charity, gifts to which are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Our Tax ID# is 20-0583415.
