VA Eastern Colorado volunteer, Diane Erickson, named Female Volunteer of the Year
Diane Erickson has been named VA’s National Advisory Committee’s (NAC) Female Volunteer of the Year. She will be recognized at the NAC’s annual conference in St. Louis, Missouri, in May.
The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes VA volunteers who have given extraordinary service to our nation’s Veterans. Two award recipients, one male and one female, are selected each year by the Executive Committee of the VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) NAC.
Erickson is being recognized for her unwavering commitment to enhance Veterans’ lives through her volunteer efforts at Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (VAMC) and her broader community involvement.
“Mrs. Erickson is a dedicated and passionate volunteer who always goes above and beyond to help others,” said VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Center for Development and Civic Engagement Chief Eva Gergely. “She is a true inspiration to everyone around her and has had a lasting impact on our Veteran community, including our active-duty families at the local base. We are so grateful to have her in the VA Eastern Colorado family.”
Providing support and comfort
Erickson is a familiar and comforting presence at Rocky Mountain Regional VAMC, where she has volunteered for nearly a decade.
“The last, I’d say, about four years have been at the infusion center,” shared Erickson. “Twice a week, for four hours.”
Infusion therapy is a treatment option for severe and chronic illnesses such as cancer, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, dehydration because of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and other conditions such as Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, immune deficiencies and congenital diseases.
Erickson engages with Veterans by providing snacks, warm blankets and sparking conversations, turning routine treatment visits into opportunities for connection.
Helping Veterans experiencing loneliness
Erickson also assists as a Compassionate Contact Corps volunteer.
The Compassionate Contact Corps program provides virtual social support to Veterans experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
Trained volunteers are matched with Veterans and make weekly phone or video calls lasting 15 minutes to an hour. During these calls, volunteers offer companionship and socialization.
“I have become closest with my Compassionate Contact Corps Veteran,” shared Erickson. “We text and talk a few times a month when they want to talk about the things going on in their life. Veterans who are isolated or experiencing loneliness need someone to talk to and verbalize their thoughts and plans, especially if they have little or no family.”
Long-time community involvement
For 15 years, she helped her late husband, Brandt, in organizing a summer barbecue at the Veteran’s Community Living Center at Fitzsimmons in Aurora, Colorado. Erickson continues this tradition by helping with and attending the yearly event.
In her past role as Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary, she spearheaded efforts to secure resources such as food cards, transportation passes and even vehicles for Veterans experiencing homelessness.
Encouraging others to volunteer
“This award reflects all volunteers,” said Erickson. “There are so many volunteers who do so much; they all deserve an award like this.”
Highlighting the positive impact of volunteering, Erickson encourages others to consider giving their time to support Veterans.
“You don’t have to devote days,” said Erickson. “Even a few hours a day has value. It means so much to the Veteran that you’re there to help.”
Getting involved
Erickson has been on the National Creative Arts Festival Committee for the Department of Colorado for the past three years. She will volunteer during the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Denver, Colorado, in May 2024.
“When you volunteer, you’re improving the Veteran community,” Erickson said. “You are supporting somebody; you grow yourself by learning about other people’s experiences. You feel better.”
You can make a difference by volunteering at or donating to VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.
Jesus Flores is a writer & editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force and a Marine Corps Veteran