National Volunteer Week: Pat Bradford
When Pat Bradford decided to try volunteering she thought she would show up a few times a month. Turns out she was wrong.
Volunteering quickly turned into a daily passion for her. Bradford started volunteering once a week at the Chattanooga VA Clinic but she fell in love with the patients and staff. From there, she would show up to volunteer three, four and sometimes five times a week.
After the loss of her beloved husband and the COVID-19 lockdowns, one of Bradford's friends suggested she inquire about volunteering at the local TVHS clinic.
Now, Bradford spends her time working in the lab, making phone calls, scheduling van riders, and, most importantly, sharing smiles and enriching the lives of all those she meets. The quickest way staff and Veterans know Bradford is volunteering that day is when they see her fancy, yellow Mustang in the parking lot.
Bradford was born and raised in Chattanooga, graduating from Hixson High School in 1966. She worked for Bell South phone services for nearly 38 years.
TVHS is looking for volunteers to serve America's heroes. Contact the TVHS Center for Development and Civic Engagement at 615-873-8567 or visit www.volunteer.va.gov to get started.