How the Gift of Giving Became a Life-Changing Experience for our Volunteer of the Month, Rick Skrivanie
By Don Checots, Minneapolis VA Volunteer, Air Force Veteran
Two life-changing decisions: joining AA and becoming a VA volunteer. These choices have not only helped him regain control of his life, but they've also allowed him to touch the lives of countless others.
In the bustling halls of the Minneapolis VA Hospital, you’ll often find a familiar face, clad in a blue volunteer’s vest, bringing warmth and comfort to patients and staff alike. That smiling face belongs to Richard "Rick" Skrivanie, a member of our VA community, recognized as our Volunteer of the Month.
Rick, an Air Force Veteran who served from 1971-75, is no stranger to the Minneapolis VA Hospital. During his long and successful career in the HVAC industry, Rick spent many of those years servicing HVAC needs at the very hospital where he now donates his time and energy.
However, Rick's journey back to VA wasn't straightforward.
It was upon his retirement in 2019, just before the onset of COVID, that he found himself confronting twin challenges of transitioning into retirement and enduring the isolation of a global pandemic. As life threw him these curveballs, Rick admits he turned to alcohol to cope.
It was during this difficult time that Rick made two life-changing decisions: joining Alcoholics Anonymous and becoming a VA volunteer. These choices have not only helped him regain control of his life, but they've also allowed him to touch the lives of countless others.
As Rick proudly celebrates three years of sobriety, he fondly refers to his volunteering role as a "lifesaver".
Patient Escort duties have become a means for him to give back and make a difference to those in need. A shining example of dedication, Rick is always the first to show up for his shift and never hesitates to go the extra mile to help others. Whether it's assisting patients with their wheelchairs, delivering supplies, or filling in for absent escorts, Rick embraces every task with a smile and a positive attitude.
In his two years as a VA volunteer, Rick has amassed nearly 500 hours of service, leaving an indelible mark on the hospital and everyone he encounters. The empathy and compassion he brings to his role are a testament to his character, proving that a willingness to give back can have an immense impact on the lives of others.
So, as we honor Rick as our Volunteer of the Month, we also celebrate the transformative power of volunteerism and the incredible journeys it can take us on. Thank you, Rick, for your dedication and selflessness – you are an inspiration to us all!