At Navy Federal’s San Bernardino, CA, branch, former member service representative Sophia M. was helping Richard D. with his account when the conversation turned to an upcoming Vietnam Veteran “Welcome Home” pinning ceremony at a local chapter serving Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
When Sophia realized Richard, a Vietnam veteran, wasn’t on the list to be honored, she made the call to fix it. With support from her branch manager, Sophia extended the invitation and ensured Richard would receive a pin at the ceremony.
“It was a fine experience,” Richard says of the event, which was held last spring at a local museum and drew elected officials. “It was very nice to have been recognized for our time in the service.”
Sophia’s connection to DAV runs deep. While at Navy Federal, she used paid volunteer leave so she could spend time at the DAV gardening, maintaining the grounds, and building community alongside wounded veterans and their families. Her team even set aside garden plots and donated seeds to help keep the space welcoming.
For Sophia, the effort captured Navy Federal’s trademark service beyond the branch doors: opening doors with partners and making sure veterans are seen and valued. As a result, a Vietnam veteran didn’t miss his moment and was honored with the recognition he earned.
