Greenville Veteran Honored for Lifelong Commitment to Service
By Wyatt Anthony, Public Affairs Specialist
COLUMBIA, SC – For U.S. Army Veteran Donald Arthur, service didn’t stop when he took off the uniform. It was passed down through generations—born into a family with deep military and spiritual roots.
His mother was the daughter of a deacon, his father the son of a preacher, and his lineage traces back to family members who served at D-Day and Pearl Harbor.
Now, Arthur’s legacy of selfless service continues through his work as a longtime volunteer at the Greenville VA Outpatient Clinic, where he has donated his time for nearly 10 years. That dedication is being recognized this August as he receives the WSPA “Caring for the Carolinas” Community Service Award.
“I come from a family that believed in helping others,” Arthur said. “My daddy was a preacher’s son, my mama a deacon’s child. They taught me that you help people—just like Jesus Christ did.”
Arthur enlisted in the Army in 1976, just three months after graduating high school. His mother, hesitant but ultimately supportive, signed the enlistment papers. He served as a 36K, tactical wire operations specialist, in Germany with a cavalry unit, where he trained on Sherman tanks and embraced the opportunity to travel and grow.
After completing his military service, Arthur’s life took a challenging turn. He experienced homelessness and struggled with undiagnosed issues related to PTSD.
“I didn’t even realize I was going through it,” he said. “I wasn’t on drugs or drinking, but I had a problem. And it took a while to understand that.”
Arthur credits Upstate Warrior Solution and fellow Veterans at the clinic for helping him get back on his feet. He began volunteering at Greenville VA, where he found healing through connection.
“This is my home away from home,” Arthur said. “It gives me a purpose to get up every morning. I talk with other Veterans, and because we’ve walked the same road, they open up in ways they wouldn’t with anyone else.”
Arthur’s impact is felt not only by Veterans but also by the entire Greenville VA staff.
“Don’s presence at the clinic is noted by not just the Veterans,” said Robert Kappel, Columbia VA Health Care System’s Upstate voluntary service specialist. “He knows the nursing staff, the MSA, environmental staff, logistics, security, etc., and greets people by name. He engages in friendly conversation and is always available to talk if needed. His personal attention to Veterans is unique to his personality and his experience.”
Outside the clinic, Arthur’s dedication stretches even further. He cuts grass for neighbors with disabilities, trims hair for Veterans in nursing homes, and volunteers at a local food bank and community garden.
“Donald goes out of his way to give personal attention and assistance to Veterans,” Kappel said. “He greets them at the door—or even at their vehicle—and patiently helps them check in for their appointments. I’ve seen Don often sit down in the waiting area just to talk or listen. He’s patient, kind, and genuinely empathetic.”
Arthur’s inspiration to serve stems from his grandfather, a World War II Veteran who was never made aware of the benefits he had earned. Arthur vowed to prevent other Veterans from being left behind. Today, he makes a point to guide anyone he meets—particularly those struggling—toward the right resources, like the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Upstate Warrior Solution.
“As the CDCE/Voluntary Service representative in the Upstate, I’ve had the privilege of working with Don for the last seven of his nine years as a volunteer,” Kappel added. “He has volunteered over 2,500 hours and shows no sign of stopping. I am so proud and thankful that a fellow Veteran nominated Don for this award and recognition, and I am thankful to WSPA for highlighting his track record of dedication to Veterans and the community.”
As for what’s next, Arthur remains focused on teaching others how to serve, especially fellow Veterans who may be struggling with invisible wounds.
“I want to show people that helping others can help you too,” he said. “Especially for those with PTSD, like me—it’s healing.”
Before the interview ended, Arthur offered a heartfelt message to a group he believes still deserves a proper welcome: Vietnam Veterans.
“I just want to say, ‘Welcome home,’” he said. “A lot of them never heard that. And now, it’s time they did.”