Volunteer Continues to Impact Veteran Welfare after Decades Long Career in the Military and VA

Her time in the military had both an enlisted and officer period.

She said she started as an active-duty nurse with an associate’s degree in the Navy while she worked on her bachelor’s degree. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree and finding out that the Navy didn’t have female pilots at the time, she went active duty in the Air Force before joining the Air Force reserves and then transitioning to the Army reserves once she found out the Army had a base closer to where she lived, to complete her military service.

During her time in VA, she said prior to becoming the Women Veterans Program Manager, she served as the Nurse Manager for the substance abuse ward, and also had some time in the personnel office.

As the Women Veterans Program Manager, she oversaw a number of changes, including the addition of feminine products in the hospital canteen (store), and more privacy measures in areas like the mammogram unit.

Jackson-Kelley said that she saw her volunteer status as just a formalization of work she was already doing in her role as the Women Veterans Program Manager, so it was a natural extension of her efforts that continued after she retired from VA. 

“Patricia has been so supportive since I’ve come here; she always shows up and never shows up empty handed,” said Pamela Keith, Service Chief, Community Development and Civil Engagement. “She’s always willing to do what you ask; it’s nice to have a loyal volunteer who always has a smile on her face. Veteran volunteers are great as they understand the needs of Veterans and the mission.”

Due to Jackson-Kelly’s time in VA she was able to serve a multitude of functions, so alongside serving coffee and refreshments once a week as an auxiliary for the American Legion Jackie Robinson Post 252, she said she was still receiving phone calls from Veterans who needed assistance with various things such as burials and homelessness. She also continued to assist women Veterans with the Patient Experience Office.

She said her favorite volunteer opportunities were meeting with women Veterans and Veterans in the domiciliary, as a lot of women Veterans leaving the military have issues and she could connect them with other women Veterans to help build a support network. 

“Just connecting with them and seeing their graciousness for the assistance that they were given, the things you feel like you can do as a volunteer that you weren't able to do as an employee,” said Jackson-Kelly.

She also appreciates the opportunity to advocate for women Veterans.

Outside of volunteering for VA, she also served as president of National Association of Black Military Women. She is currently awaiting to receive the medal she was awarded during her time there for testifying in front of Congress twice on the Women Veterans Health Programs Act of 1992. 

Jackson-Kelly has recently taken on more responsibility as a volunteer at VA.

“I was recently appointed the representative for West Los Angeles, so I've been trying to recruit people,” she said. “I will tell them it's a wonderful opportunity to get to know the Veterans and be able to assist them and you see how grateful they are, to just give them a cup of coffee, and I appreciate it.”

To learn more about how you can volunteer with VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and work with other outstanding volunteers like Jackson-Kelly, please visit www.va.gov/greater-los-angeles-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/A Greater Los Angeles Health Care | Veterans Affairs