The Mission Continues: Angel’s Service Through Connection
Army veteran and Veterans Home Care Assistant Controller Angel Russell likes to joke that her military service was all but inevitable. “My mom was serving in the Army and just finished a deployment of her own when I enlisted, and my stepfather was my recruiter… I was a young mother still trying to figure out who I was and where I was going, and the military gave me the structure I needed at exactly the right time. Looking back now, I truly believe the military was exactly what I needed in that season of my life.”
Serving from 2007-2011, Angel’s primary roles during her deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, were with the Military Police and Motor Transport. Discharged as an E-4 Specialist, this four-year period of her life was intensely formative. While she sees the experience as solidifying characteristics she already possessed—such as her empathy and curiosity about others—she grew in resilience, accountability, and discipline. Military service taught her that quitting is not an option simply because of discomfort, as well as how to adapt to unfamiliar challenges.
She also credits the Army with teaching her how to address injustices proactively, a posture she has taken into her civilian work. “You don’t leave people behind. That mentality has stayed with me throughout my life and career. When I see someone struggling or something that isn’t right, it’s difficult for me to simply walk past it. I’m willing to speak up, advocate for people, and help find a solution.”
Angel reflects that one of the greatest things about military service is the chance to build lifelong bonds with fellow servicemembers. “The people I served with became another kind of family. We looked out for one another, pushed one another through difficult days, and found ways to laugh and enjoy life even when things were hard… You experience a sense of camaraderie and purpose that can be difficult to put into words.” Because of the unique experience of military service, she feels a shared understanding with the Veterans she serves—and works alongside—at VHC.
A self-described “very personal person,” Angel connects deeply with others and becomes invested in their wellbeing. “I actually started at VHC in Enrollment, speaking directly with Veterans and their families about their needs and qualifications… I learned about their families, their vacations, the grandkids who were coming to visit, what they were excited about and sometimes what they were struggling with. Eventually, I realized I hated the unknown that came after enrollment. I wanted to know: How did the vacation go? Did the grandkids surprise you? How are you doing now?” This drive led Angel to become a Case Manager instead, allowing her to maintain long term relationships with Veteran clients and their families. As Assistant Controller, her work is now more behind-the-scenes, but she continues to find ways to stay involved with the families we serve as the meaning behind her work.
An important aspect of military service that Angel is quick to share are the “sacrifices, trials, and tribulations” experienced not only by servicemembers, but also by their families. “My youngest son was only six months old when I was deployed, and being away from my boys was easily one of the hardest parts of military service… Families serve and sacrifice alongside us… [It] gives me a special appreciation for the fact that VHC also serves surviving spouses.”
Through her various roles over eight years at VHC, Angel has aimed her determination, discipline, and passion at helping Veterans and their families get the care they need and the benefits to which they are entitled. The central theme to her efforts is connecting with people, understanding their needs, and consistently doing her best on their behalf. “People matter. Service isn’t always one grand gesture. Sometimes it’s showing up, listening, remembering the little things, and making sure the person on the other end knows they aren’t just another name or number.”
We share Angel’s focused commitment to our Veteran clients and their families, and we are proud to highlight her as a shining example of our mission.
