Youth volunteer considers VA his second home

He is one of many youth volunteers who prove the gap is not that vast between generations of youth and America’s Veterans. Born into service, it is not new to summer youth volunteer Kirk Chaplin to give back his most valuable gift—time.

Like many Veterans and their loved ones, West Palm Beach VA is this young man’s second home.

Military service runs deep in the roots of his family tree. His stepfather served over twenty-six years in the Army and his brothers-in-law are also Veterans.

Over the years, alongside his mother, VA Decedent Affairs Coordinator Nancy Rufino, he has bridged the gap between young hearts and the brave souls who served.

His mother says, “Because our youth is a little different than our older Veterans, there is a generation gap. When we can unite that gap by having young volunteers bringing some youth to the lives of our Veterans, it is a great thing to see, especially when it is your son.”

“I get to hear from Veterans who have fought for our country.”

For Chaplin (pictured above assisting a Veteran), West Palm Beach VA was an easy pick to spend his summer of volunteering. “It is always good to be there for our Veterans and to give them the opportunity to speak if they are struggling or assist them with the technology of MyHealtheVet. It is a reward factor for me. I could not get the experience I get here at another workplace. I get to hear from Veterans who have been across the world to fight for our country. That is why VA was just an easy choice.”

His mother’s workdays are even more memorable as she is not only nurturing Veterans and their loves ones, but so is her son.

“I am proud of him for choosing to volunteer here. It is so special to see him interacting with Veterans and them in return enjoying his warm company. In our home, we have raised our family to care for one another and to make sure that we keep that spirit going throughout our community,” she said.

Not only in the spirit of his family is Chaplin giving back, but he is also volunteering for a greater cause much bigger than high school credit hours: serving those who served.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact the Center for Development and Civic Engagement.