Air force veteran dedicates retirement to volunteering | va madison health care | veterans affairs

Air Force Veteran Byron Degenhardt has spent much of his retirement a bit different than most, accumulating over 5357 volunteer hours at the Madison VA hospital. Degenhardt grew up in

Boscobel, Wisconsin, before serving as a firefighter in the Air Force from 1963-1967. He transitioned into being an auto mechanic before finishing his career as a customer service

representative at Sears Auto Center. “I’ve changed thousands of tires," he said. "I turned a wrench until my body didn’t like it anymore, and then I went to the other side of the

counter.” When his career was over, Degenhardt had to figure out how to spend his time. “When I retired, I decided the first year I would do exactly what I wanted to do, which was nothing.

But then I got tired of that, so I started volunteering at the VA.” Degenhardt volunteers in the infusion clinic where he assists patients and staff. “The staff here is such a wonderful

group. They take great care of the patients, and they also take great care of me, too. Such a good group of people to be around all the time.” Degenhardt performs essential tasks such as

stocking medical supplies and blanket ovens and making sure there is plenty of food in the kitchen. But the rest of the time is spent with patients. “After I do my tasks, I just sit and talk

to the Veterans. We just chat. I mostly listen because that’s the most important part.” In between conversations, Degenhardt supplies Veterans with snacks and warm blankets, and sanitizes

areas between patients. But it’s the relationships that have kept him motivated the last 12 years. “These Vets are like family to me and some have been getting treatment as long as I’ve been

here. They’re just good people and I love to be around them.” When he’s not serving our Veteran’s, Degenhardt enjoys spending time with his wife, RuthAnn, their two children and their four

grandchildren. Thank you, Byron, for your service! The Madison VA is always looking for volunteers. Get involved by contacting Community Relations at 608-280-7030.  For more information

about the Madison VA Hospital, visit www.madison.va.gov, www.facebook.com/MadisonVAHospital and subscribe to our newsletters.