Richard Slowey

Note: Richard passed away January 2015

Richard Slowey was “all in” for the National Home, and we couldn’t be happier about that.

Not only did Richard declare us to be his favorite charity on a personal level, he also led his VFW Post to achieve 100 percent Life Membership in the National Home. After investigating the matter, he convinced his fellow leaders at Whitman, MA Post 697 to subsidize new Life Members in both the Post and the Ladies Auxiliary until the full 100 percent goal was achieved. By the following year, it was done.

Why make such a commitment to our work? Richard said, quite simply, “I believe your organization is better than any other to assist veteran families who are in desperate need for help.”

As the youngest child among eight growing up in the Great Depression, he understood how overwhelming that kind of need can be.

And as a veteran, he appreciated – and honored – the specific challenges of military families.

Richard enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school, serving four years, including two years in the Pacific during the Korean War with a B29 Squadron. He had three brothers who served in the Army and a brother-in-law in the Army Air Force during WWII. His oldest son also served, following his dad’s footsteps into the USAF.

Richard and his late wife enjoyed 56 years of wedded bliss, building a large family of six children and seven grandchildren.

He was justifiably proud of those children – but not only of them. Richard was also proud of his extended family: the children of the National Home that he had met at National Conventions. As Richard said, he “was most impressed with their demeanor and ability to represent themselves for the Home.”

Feeling the nourishment of that extended family, Richard encouraged others to also go “all in” for the National Home.

“Give until it hurts a little bit,” he said. “You’ll feel better if you do.”