Taking A New Path | VA Minneapolis Health Care | Veterans Affairs

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Lisa Haake, a retired special education teacher, is originally from Texas. It was her children that originally got her involved with the Minneapolis VA, where she has been selected as

Volunteer of the Month.

Haake, a retired special education teacher, is originally from Texas. It was her children that originally got her involved with the Minneapolis VA, where she has been selected as Volunteer

of the Month. 

“Both of my kids were interested in medicine when they were in high school, so we talked with some doctors and they suggested that volunteer work at a hospital would be a good route,” said

Haake. “Since my father and husband were Veterans, the VA hospital was a natural.” 

In 2002, her children began volunteering at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and continued until their high school graduation. Haake picked up where they left off and began volunteering in

2006. 

Haake typically is at the VA three days a week, serving as an escort, but can be counted on to take additional shifts if needed. She has logged nearly 6,000 volunteer hours. 

Haake’s favorite part of volunteering is getting to know the Veterans and other volunteers. She  enjoys talking with the Veterans and hearing their stories. She is very patient and

compassionate and will take the more difficult escort runs with a smile on her face. She treats everyone equally and goes above and beyond to make sure every Veteran she interacts with has

the best possible experience.  

Haake is also a talented baker and brings in homemade treats every shift, a bonus for her volunteer peers.