During Volunteer Month, Veterans tell us why they volunteer at the VA

Just listen to Timothy Mallonee, a Vietnam era Army Veteran who has been volunteering at the Baltimore VA Medical Center for four years. He said   he had been diagnosed with PTSD, often uncomfortable around large crowds and unfamiliar people. But as a volunteer at the VA, he has a better opportunity to interact comfortably with other Veterans and provide assistance to those in need.

Timothy is not alone. Harold Crawly, an Army Veteran who served as a Buffalo Soldier during the Vietnam War, has been volunteering at the VA Maryland Health Care System since 2007. Currently, he is serving as a volunteer with the inpatient pharmacy at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and began volunteering because it is therapeutic for him. He said that he was “distraught” after returning from Vietnam and that being with other Veterans and being able to help them played an important part in his own wellbeing.

If you have never considered it---volunteering at the VA Maryland Health Care System offers a range of possibilities. We depend on the goodwill of donors and volunteers who want to give something back to America's heroes. Volunteers provide much-needed help throughout the health care system and make patients' experiences more enjoyable. Many different volunteer opportunities are available, and each volunteer's talents are closely matched with one of our assignments. Volunteers can choose to serve at either the Baltimore, Loch Raven or Perry Point VA Medical Centers.

Timothy and Harold comprise two of hundreds of Veterans and community members who find purpose as volunteers throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System, which also oversees a robust youth volunteer program.

During April, we will highlight Veterans who are volunteers on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Click here to learn how you can make a difference as a volunteer with the VA Maryland Health Care System.