Dave Williams protecting an ammunition site in Korea in 1975

Created almost 100 years ago, Veterans Day (then called Armistice Day) celebrated the end of World War I. With about 23.4 million veterans in the United States today, odds are you’re related to a veteran, are buddies with a veteran, or are a veteran. And for that, we thank you.

Here at Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, we are especially honored to recognize four of our wonderful volunteers who have also served.

• Kenneth Boehnlein has contributed his handyman skills in the Maintenance Department for the past three years. He served in the Navy.
• Dave Williams, who recently received recognition with a Volunteer of Merit award, has greeted guests at our front desk for almost two years. He served in the Air Force and the Army National Guard.
• Gary Richter, a 15-year front desk and driver volunteer at the House, received the Volunteer of Merit  in 2010 and our highest award for volunteerism, the Willa Jones Award, in 2012. He is veteran of the Air Force.
• Bob (who has modestly asked us to not include his last name) served in the Air Force and for the last 8 months volunteers his time and talents fixing and replacing things at the House.

Four veterans from different branches of the military who now share the same mission: to help and serve others.

From all of us at the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland to our veteran volunteers and all veterans across the country, a deeply heartfelt thank you.

Text by Sandy Williams. Photo courtesy of U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs