Celebrating Mike Murphy as our Volunteer of the Month
By Don Checots, Minneapolis VA Volunteer, Air Force Veteran
"Those to whom much has been given, much is expected" - and Edward “Mike” Murphy lives by these words.
A Vietnam Veteran and former JAG Officer, Mike served in the Marines from 1967-1970, serving in the Third Marine Division in 1969.
He returned to Minnesota and when he retired from Honeywell, began volunteering at the Minneapolis VA in 2006.
Mike is a lifelong Minnesotan, born and raised in St. Paul. Mike's kindness and dedication shine as a volunteer in the Inpatient Pharmacy. When a team member went on extended leave, he stepped up—doubling his volunteer hours without hesitation.
He has dedicated 20 years of service and 3,448.95 volunteer hours to the Minneapolis VA, continuing his commitment to fellow Veterans. His support for our team ensures we are delivering excellent patient care.
But his impact goes beyond routine support.
In November, Mike was checking out a Native American Hero display at the VA. The display shared several stories, but Mike noticed an important one was missing, Ira Hayes. He shared his concerns with the public affairs team, and together they came up with a plan.
Feb. 19, 2026, marks 81 years since the U.S. invaded Iwo Jima, and Cpl. Ira Hayes was one of the six Marines who raised the flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Mike spent weeks researching the Battle of Iwo Jima, Ira Hayes and the VA connection. He collected photos and facts, ultimately designing a whole storyboard. He even reached out to a local print shop to print an impressive display that was hung up on a bulletin board on the first floor in February.
Mike’s initiative, humility, and unwavering service truly highlight the spirit of volunteerism. His efforts to honor heroes like Ira Hayes show his deep respect for fellow Veterans and his commitment to preserving their stories. Celebrating Mike as our Volunteer of the Month, we recognize that his contributions go beyond just hours; they create lasting impacts. Mike Murphy stands as an excellent example of dedication to making our community better and inspiring others.