Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 16, 1994 TAG: 9406160094
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
When Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4522 needs help building or staffing its annual haunted house, Sowers, 15, is there with hammer and nails, or wearing a scary costume. And, at Christmas, he helps deliver food and toys to the needy. He also teaches Sunday school.
Because of the number of hours he sacrifices to help others, Sowers is being honored in Richmond today as the state VFW Volunteer of the Year.
The freshman at Patrick Henry High School began volunteering at the Veterans' Affairs Medical Center when he was 13. Since then, he has witnessed many quiet victories.
Last summer, he watched as a disabled veteran learned to walk again.
"It showed me you can do anything if you try hard enough. I have helped people who really didn't want the help, and it's always turned out good," said the Vinton teen-ager.
Sowers, a volunteer in the VA's kinesis therapy unit, works weights with patients and provides friendly chatter while pushing them in wheelchairs. During the summer, he accompanies them on fishing trips and other outings.
"It has been a real learning experience - one that I will never forget," said Sowers.
Although he said he never thought he'd enjoy a career in the medical field, Sowers now has decided to be a paramedic. When he's old enough, he plans to become a rescue squad volunteer.
"I work more volunteer hours than a lot of people work on a regular jobs," he said. "I don't like it when people make money an issue. I work for nothing, and they complain about the pay they receive."
Still too young to drive, Sowers rides to his volunteer commitments with his parents, Bill and Vanessa Sowers of Vinton, or his grandfather, Jack Lipscomb.
Lipscomb, a well-known volunteer in Vinton, is his grandson's mentor.
"He's almost like my Dad. We race with each other to see who volunteers more, but we work together, too," Sowers said.
He admits his grades suffer somewhat because of the time he puts in as a volunteer.
"I could be an A student if I had more time, I think. The volunteer stuff is important to me," he said. "There are a lot of things I'd still like to try, but there's only so much time."
After a volunteer recognition ceremony in Richmond, Sowers is eligible for a $1,000 prize.
"I really enjoy all my volunteer work and plan to continue through the rest of my life," he said.
by CNB