Vietnam Veteran Serving Again at Brownsburg VA Clinic as a Volunteer
Fossil Bates, 77, is a Vietnam Veteran, who served in-country with the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 with the C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 35th Artillery.
Bates had been retired from his civilian job for 27 years when he first decided to try volunteering at the new Brownsburg VA Clinic. He had never volunteered before.
Last year, Bates was taking one of his 14 grandchildren to a volleyball game when he tripped and broke his ankle. His significant other was concerned with the change in his mobility and said, “you’re going to the VA, why don’t you volunteer?”
Bates asked at his next appointment and got connected with Voluntary Services.
“The VA has been good to me, and I would like to pay it forward by giving back,” Bates explained. He volunteers three days a week for a few hours each day. His schedule is flexible. Bates helps with incoming and outgoing mail, referring to himself as the mailman. He helps with the phones and directs incoming patients to their appointments.
Bates enjoys spreading cheer and brightening up the day for the Veterans and the staff. “Talking to some of the older guys who have been home alone with one family member, it’s a treat for them to get out of the house . . . being able to cheer them up a little bit makes me happy.”
When he is not busy volunteering, Bates enjoys mentoring young people, spending time with his grandchildren and detailing cars.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Voluntary Services at 317-988-2734, or 317-988-2736.