Patricia Powell

As a Vietnam veteran, Patricia Powell sets no boundaries in giving to the community and asks nothing in return. Her commitment to service has continued unabated throughout the years.
Powell began volunteering with the Lawton Volunteer Program in September 2003 with a personal goal of donating 1000 hours per year. In 2010, Powell gave 899.5 hours of her service to the program.
Powell is one of many volunteers that spend time working at a National Cemetery. As a volunteer, her contributions range from janitorial duties and contributing to the beautification of the site, to updating the Grave Locator Book. When funeral processions enter the grounds, volunteers throughout the National Cemetery step outside or stop their work, with hats in hand, to pay respect as the processions pass by. As a veteran, Powell says it is her privilege to assist family members in finding support and comfort as they venture through a traumatic event.
In addition to her service at the cemetery, Powell also volunteers her time to numerous other organizations, which include Habitat for Humanity, her local church, Mobile Meals, Hearts That Care Free Clinic, and St. John’s Missionary Church “Soup Kitchen.”
Powell’s commitment to public service is a testament to her extraordinary character. Serving in the unique capacity of a veteran herself gives her the insight to better reach out to and comfort military families in difficult times.