In 1980, Autumn Rush enlisted in the United States Army as a medic.

“I grew up in a town where there weren’t a lot of jobs available, and I didn’t go to college right out of high school,” Autumn said. “So I decided to join the military.”

For four years, Autumn served in Germany– where she supported tankers and was out in the field a lot.

After getting out of the military, Autumn went to school and received degrees in accounting and surgical tech. Years later, she moved to Indianapolis.

Last February, Autumn started volunteering at HVAF. She comes in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to help HVAF staff, as well as her fellow veterans. Some of her duties include helping in the pantry, answering the phone at the front desk, sending out thank you letters, and working in the Community Center.

“I came HVAF because I wanted to help fellow veterans and assist them in things that they need,” Autumn said.

As of recent, Autumn spends most of her volunteer time in the Community Center– where she makes coffee for the veterans who hang out there, as well as listen to their stories.

“Working in the community center, I helped a veteran that was homeless and didn’t have anything to eat. I filled his pockets with food, fed him a sandwich, and sat there and talked with him. He was lonely as well,” Autumn said. “There are a lot of veterans who come in here and each one has a different story. And listening to their stories is encouraging and I like helping them.”

Autumn said she thinks others should volunteer at HVAF because of all of the resources and help they give out to veterans in need.

“It’s nice to know that there are opportunities out there for the veterans,” Autumn said. “It’s a rewarding experience to help veterans at HVAF.”

Interested in volunteering? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Audrey Hopkins Long, today! [AHopkins@hvaf.org]