Army Veteran and VA Housekeeping Lead Named SoCal Hospital Hero

Let the music lead you to Anthony “Tony” Wafer, Housekeeping Lead and Army Veteran, who’ll greet you with a friendly hello. 

With a belt-hung speaker playing his signature jazz, Wafer cleans his unit with meticulous care, bringing positive energy and an unwavering work ethic to his daily duties. 

Wafer, a former Supply Clerk with the 509th Infantry Regiment, was recently named a My SoCal Hospital Hero by the Hospital Association of Southern California. The prestigious award recognizes inspiring staff members from hospitals across Southern California. Wafer was one of only 16 people who received the award this year. 

For Wafer, who spent 23 years in prison before coming to work for VA, the job is a way to give back – and to make a difference for other Veterans who are trying to turn their lives around. “Listening to people and sharing my story, that’s the most rewarding thing,” he said. “I love it. I really truly love it.”

“Noticed and Appreciated”

Carol Van Leer, a Medical Support Assistant who used to work on the same floor as Wafer, nominated him for the award. She’s known him for several years and seen firsthand how much the quality of his work impacts others.   

“The bathrooms in Anthony’s unit are widely known as the cleanest in the whole hospital,” said Van Leer. “I knew that people had often remarked on his work and work ethic, but I just didn’t think that he was getting recognized for it. A housekeeper’s work is usually only noticed when it’s not done ... I wanted to say his work is noticed and it is appreciated.”

In addition to his work at the hospital, Wafer recently completed training to become a Peer Specialist and is determined to use his past experiences to help other Veterans overcome their struggles.

“I tell the Veterans I meet that this is who I used to be, and this is who I am today – and you too can have this same journey,” he said. “God puts people on my pathway so I can help.”

Paying It Forward

After leaving the military, Wafer fell in with a bad crowd and started using drugs. That led him to make some unfortunate decisions. “I harmed some people, sowed some bad seeds, and it led me to prison,” he said.

But Wafer used his time there to better himself, and to share his knowledge with others. He got connected to different Veteran groups, studied, hosted trainings, and facilitated classes. 

“My portfolio from prison is an inch thick of classes and trainings I facilitated, and since I’ve been out I’ve been doing the same thing,” he said. Because he learned so much about the different resources and how to access them, he’s constantly sharing that information with other Veterans. 

“It’s pretty much my dream to help people,” he said. “You just have to pay it forward. Especially when you have the knowledge, you want to share it with your brothers and sisters in arms.”

Wafer has since graduated from Loyola Marymount University’s Peer Support program, and plans to become a Peer Specialist with VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. 

Peer Specialists are Veterans who have lived experience with substance use or mental health issues. They play a pivotal role in helping other Veterans through their recovery journeys. 

“Now I try to make sure that when people walk away from me, they walk away with something better than what they came in with,” he said. 

An Unsung Hero

Wafer always has a positive attitude, said Van Leer, which makes such a big difference in a hospital setting.

“He is a Veteran himself, and working for the Veterans here gives Anthony’s work a deeper meaning,” she said. “He understands that healing happens not just through medicine, but through the comfort and respect shown in every interaction and every space he maintains.”

On October 25, Wafer attended a special gala for recipients of the award. “I met so many wonderful people and had a great time,” he said. “I'll remember this one for the rest of my life.”

Van Leer said that it means a lot seeing Wafer get the recognition he deserves. 

“He has been quietly making a difference at the hospital for a long time,” she said. “It’s gratifying for everyone who cares about doing excellent work, at every level, to see the consistency and heart of a co-worker acknowledged publicly.”

Wafer remains humble, grateful, and motivated to keep making a difference. He’s also grateful to be spending more time with his children and family, and to have a fresh start in life. 

“What I do, I do unto the Lord to the best of my ability,” he said. “It’s in my heart and spirit to give.”