Serving military veterans and their families

“We do what needs to be done,” she said about volunteering. “We label envelopes, help with the newsletter and with things around the office. Occasionally, I will answer the phone.”

She retired when her grandson was born and he is now 20 years old. Haines, a chaplain, goes to Houser’s church.

“I love it. I’ve been doing it for about 10 years. I enjoy getting out of the house,” Houser said.

Houser and a group of others show up every week between 9:30-10 a.m. They go to lunch together, then end their volunteer shifts about 2 p.m. But if they occasionally need to stay longer to finish something, they do.

“I was hesitant because I didn’t know if I wanted to commit to a day. It’s rewarding because I know who I’m helping — the veterans. They need help. What we do helps them,” Houser said.

One unanticipated reward is the relationships she has built with the other volunteers.

“We became friends. Actually, we text and email when we’re not there. We’re all good friends,” Houser noted.

Through volunteering, she has been made aware of many of the activities the organization is involved in. There is a “Battle Rattle” run annually and it helps to raise funds.

At Christmastime, there is a special appeal for donations and those who do so receive a handmade Christmas ornament and acknowledgement on the organization’s Facebook page. There’s a program called Dine to Donate, too.

One of Houser’s hobbies is making quilts and she has made a quilt for Haines, who first encouraged her to get involved.

“I just feel like it’s a wonderful ministry. We don’t accept any government help. It’s all through donations,” Houser said.

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