Living a life of service
People live their lives in many different ways, and some choose to dedicate their lives to serving others. Barb Thaler, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System licensed practical nurse (LPN), is one of those people.
Thaler has been providing comprehensive healthcare to Veterans at the Sioux Falls VA for over 40 years and has served in various clinics and service lines to assist our Veterans.
“We need to help our Veterans, and it doesn’t matter what position you’re in,” said Thaler. “We have to put Veterans first, and that’s what Sioux Falls VA is about.”
During her 40 years serving and helping Veterans, Thaler has also served her community and others around the country as a volunteer.
She has volunteered for her local fire department for as long as she has worked for the VA. Thaler has held numerous positions at her local fire department, including the rescue chief and assistant chief. She also volunteers as a CPR and first aid instructor, as well as teaching EMS/EMT across the state of South Dakota
Thaler has impacted the lives of countless people through her time in her local fire department and in other organizations she volunteers for.
“Whether you’re volunteering after prom, a city-wide clean up, the fire department, or the Legion and VFW Auxiliary, you make memories while sharing the experience with other volunteers,” said Thaler.
Thaler volunteering doesn’t stop in her local community; she also regularly volunteers for the Veteran Health Administration’s Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) Deployment. A DEMPS deployment is used for the internal Veterans Health Administration (VHA) mission, made up of voluntary staff to deploy for clinical and non-clinical staff to an emergency or disaster.
Thaler has volunteered for a DEMPS deployment numerous times. She has deployed and helped communities in Florida, Puerto Rico, Louisiana, and Omaha.
“It’s my favorite volunteering opportunity,” said Thaler. “I continue to volunteer for the VHA DEMPS deployment because I get to help people and communities at their lowest.”
A life of service isn’t for everyone, but it’s a life that Barb Thaler chooses to live by. It brings her joy knowing she’s able to help Veterans, people, and communities when they are in need.