Bringing Out Aisles of Smiles

As Anthony Richardson helps a veteran find his way to an appointment at the Houston VA Medical Center, he is smiling. Smiling because he is doing what he loves to do – help other veterans.

Medically retired from the Army in 1996, “Tony” as his friends call him, has been a volunteer at the hospital since 1998. During this time, he has worked more than 3,800 hours serving hospitalized veterans.

Tony, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain growth in 1992, suffered a life-threatening injury while on active duty. Even though he has undergone several major surgeries, two strokes, and kidney failure, these setbacks have not stopped him from volunteering to help other veterans almost every day. As Tony struggled to relearn how to walk, talk, and do everyday things that most people take for granted, he knew he also needed to stay busy, both physically and mentally. One day after talking with a Houston VA Medical Center volunteer, Tony realized volunteering would not only keep him busy, but give back to other veterans like himself.

Occasionally Tony suffers from painful headaches, but he still comes to work.

“If I sit at home with a headache, I’m going to have a headache all day long. If I come out here and keep busy, my mind is focused on something else besides my headache. To me, it’s a tension reliever, and my headache goes away.”

Currently, Tony volunteers in the external affairs office several hours a week, but most of his time is spent in the volunteer office assisting Bryan Dyck, voluntary service program manager.

“Anthony has always, and continues to be one of my most dependable volunteers. Exemplifying the true spirit of volunteering and overcoming his physical discomfort, Tony volunteers for many tasks outside his assigned duties,” Dyck said.

For these reasons and for his dedication to fellow veterans, Tony has been chosen as the 2002 Houston VA Medical Center Service Volunteer of the Year. The hospital will honor Tony during National Volunteer Week, April 27 through May 3.

Tony encourages others to find out more about being a VA volunteer by calling Bryan Dyck at (713) 794-7347.

“I get a big blessing from the VA. I meet new people daily, and try to relieve some of their stress and make their experience at the hospital more pleasant. I would rather see people leave here with a smile than with a frown. Just helping people – period – puts a smile on my face.”

Tony has put a smile on quite a few patient faces, too.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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