We had a great time in Kansas City taking in the local food, music, culture, and scenery. And, as it turns out, honoring a local volunteer. In a stroke of serendipity, this year’s National Veterans Service Volunteer of the Year is Kansas City native Darrell Quinley!
As the Missouri State Veterans Chair for the Elks organization, Darrell Quinley is tasked with guiding volunteers in his state and across the country in service to veterans in their communities. It’s just one of the many titles he’s held across Elkdom, including PER, Missouri Elk of the year, Missouri Veteran Volunteer of the Year, Lodge trustee, and more.
At right, Quinley poses with his wife Lois Cavanagh, who is also an impressive volunteer.
His strong focus on communication is key to his ability to connect and collaborate with volunteers and staff members at Voluntary Service facilities across Missouri. Darrell provides 16 Voluntary Service Representatives in 14 facilities with funding, guidance, and support to help them meet the needs of veterans wherever they are. Darrell himself is the lead volunteer at three of these facilities in the Kansas City area, where he visits veterans at VA Medical Centers, Veterans Housing Centers, and State Veterans Homes multiple times each week.
He goes the extra mile to help these volunteers apply for Boost Grants to increase their activities and handles many of the grants for his Lodge. Quinley leaves no stone unturned when it comes to finding resources to serve his fellow veterans.
And he leads by example. He stocks the food pantry at a veterans housing facility with fresh food and canned goods, he hosts summer barbecues for Veterans Home residents, he donates winter clothes and plans a Christmas dinner for veterans unable to be with their families. He helps provide art classes and provides holiday gifts to families staying at the Fisher House while their loved ones seek care at the VA. He provides gifts and supplies for new veteran mothers seeking care at the VA.
At left, Quinley drops off supplies at the Kansas City VAMC during the pandemic.
When Social Workers in the Kansas City area have a newly housed veteran in need of supplies, they call Darrell, who shows up with a Welcome Home Kit with dishes, pots, pans, bedding, and even a coffeemaker.
To help Elks across the state be more informed and cooperative, he co-created the Missouri Elks website, focused on local, district and state veterans activities and events. The website is a hit and has been successful in helping volunteers gain perspective, share new ideas, and build relationships with Elks across Missouri.
In addition to his work within the Elks, Darrell is a staunch advocate for veterans everywhere. He works with the Veterans Assistance League and is on the Board of Directors for the Missouri State Veterans Home. Through it all, he’s thoughtful, calm, and collected.
His commitment does not go unnoticed by those around him. “During my time as an Elk, some of my brightest moments have been my interactions with PER Darrell Quinley, a US Marine. His devotion to helping veterans has been inspiring and admirable and he works tirelessly to assist veterans at all levels of Elkdom,” shares Otto Sayles, fellow member of Grandview-Hickman Mills, MO Lodge No. 2088.
So much of Darrell’s time is given in service to others, and we’re thrilled to be able to honor him for all of his selfless work.
Congratulations, Darrell!
Below, Quinley and a crew of Kansas City Elks bring snacks to celebrate the annual National Salute to Veteran Patients week.
Back