32,000 hours of service: inside the impact of TVHS volunteers

“Volunteering at TVHS is one of the most meaningful ways to give back, not just to our Veterans, but to yourself,” Danielle Hester, acting chief of TVHS Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) said. “It’s a simple act of service that creates connection, purpose, and lasting impact for everyone involved.”

More than 157,000 Veterans receive care at TVHS each year, and many are welcomed not only by clinical staff, but by familiar and comforting presence: volunteers. These volunteers play a vital role in creating a positive experience for Veterans, offering assistance, guidance, and a friendly face throughout the medical centers and clinics.

CDCE oversees volunteer services and donation programs across VA and has been connecting community members with opportunities to serve since its founding in 1946. From helping Veterans navigate hospital systems to simply lending a hand when it’s needed most, volunteers are an essential part of the care experience.

This is true for new volunteer, Brandon Lunday.

Lunday began working at the Nashville VA Medical Center in 1991, shortly after graduating college. After 35 years of service, he retired on March 25, 2026, but his commitment to Veterans did not end there.

“Straight out of college, I had no thought where I was going,” Lunday said. “But I was determined to come here, I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I wasn’t a Veteran, but my father was, and this was my way of helping the Veterans.”

Lunday did not stay home long. After two days of peaceful retirement, Lunday returned. This time as a volunteer.

“I knew I was coming back that quick. I still wanted to give back, and this has been my second home,” he said.

The impact of volunteers at TVHS is both measurable and meaningful. In fiscal year 2025, 1,613 volunteers dedicated 32,864 hours of service. In addition, CDCE collects all donations, and in 2025, reported $26,196.52 in monetary donations and $423,321.41 in non-monetary contributions.

“Our numbers ... speak to the incredible impact volunteers have at TVHS. Volunteers are vital because they extend our ability to care for Veterans that go beyond clinical services. Operationally, they enhance efficiency by supporting staff and helping services run smoothly.  Just as importantly, they bring a human touch, time, attention, and kindness that elevates the overall patient experience,” Hester said.

Beyond traditional roles, CDCE help enhance the patient experience through programs like live entertainment, partnerships with organizations such as Musicians on Call, and pet therapy visits and more.

As National Volunteer Week highlights the power of service, TVHS continues to welcome those who want to make a difference in the lives of Veterans. For many, volunteering is more than giving time, it becomes a way to give back.
​
“During National Volunteer Week, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible volunteers at TVHS. Your time, compassion, and dedication make a lasting difference in the lives of our Veterans across TVHS. You are truly the heart of our mission, and we are deeply grateful for all you do,” Hester said.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit here.