Veteran overcomes homelessness, becomes inspiration for others
Spend just two minutes with Air Force Veteran, E.J. Walton, and it becomes clear why a former coworker dubbed him “The Director of Happiness.”
Walton served from 1958 to 1962 in the U.S. Air Force, where he trained to intercept Morse code. His previous experience with the Civil Air Patrol led Walton to be put in charge of his squadron. African American and small in stature, Walton faced racism and other challenges, but his charm and unfailing positivity broke down barriers, typically turning enemies into friends.
Walton attributes his keen self-awareness to a purposeful upbringing with a strong mother, who instilled independence in her children.
“People try to tell you what to do, but I love doing me,” said Walton. “Self-love is the greatest gift you have been given.”
Currently 86 years old, Walton remains a man in motion. He fills his days with activities, often serving with any number of Denver Metro Veteran organizations.
Walton believes people should not ignore the good around them, believing there’s no reason for one to be consistently negative.
However, Walton experienced a medical emergency that left him extremely ill. During the recovery, he lost his job and, quite unexpectedly, found himself homeless. After sleeping in his car for two weeks, Walton briefly stayed at a shelter in the Denver area, and then in emergency housing.
“I got help from a VA social worker who helped me get my own apartment,” said Walton.
Deeply grateful for that assistance, he has been safely housed ever since.
“VA has always treated me like a king and part of the family,” said Walton. “When I volunteer there, I say come for free coffee and conversation. I like running my mouth.”
With his positives experiences with VA, Walton felt he needed to let other Veterans know how well VA treated him and how they can help other Veterans as well.
“I want Veterans to know what VA is doing for us,” said Walton. “My greatest education comes from people who take care of me; they deserve my respect. Doctors don't create war or what Veterans suffer. They make us better than what we were, and Veterans communicate in a way civilians don't.”
After becoming housed, Walton made a return visit to the Denver facility that once sheltered him. He shared, “When I walked in, the man at the desk jumped up and ran over to me,” said Walton. “He grabbed me and hugged me, saying, ‘You stopped me from committing suicide! When I needed to talk, you let me talk; whatever time of day.’”
Walton himself marvels at that encounter.
“I believe every human being wants to be acknowledged,” said Walton. “That's why I'm on this planet—to acknowledge people.”
In addition to bringing joy to others, Walton has amassed accolades that include the 2018 White House Volunteer of the Year Award and Denver 7’s Everyday Hero award in 2018. The director of happiness will soon show his smile. As part of VA’s Faces of Service campaign, Walton will appear, along with a diverse group of other Veterans, on full-color posters at the entrances of Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center in Aurora, PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom VA Clinic in Colorado Springs and PFC James Dunn VA Clinic in Pueblo.
Walton grinned proudly when thinking of this campaign.
“I’ve been involved with VA almost 20 years,” said Walton. “The VA, as far as I’m concerned, is the best on the planet.”
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April Love is a Writer-Editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force. She began working for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in 2016 and lives in Aurora, Colorado.