Volunteer spotlight

On April 23, 1967, an 18-and-a-half-year-old Eva Yackey came to America from Communist Hungary. She joined her father, a WWII veteran, who had become a Hungarian Freedom Fighter in 1956. He was sentenced to death for his resistance to the Communists in 1957, and that’s when he knew he had to flee the country. Eva says “I have our United States military veterans to thank for keeping this country safe, and providing me with the opportunities I have as a citizen.” With her strong feelings toward U.S. veterans, she decided to take action and give back to those who helped improve her life.

Yackey first approached HVAF in January of 2016 on behalf of American Legion Post 145 whose previous representative had passed away. She was given a tour of the facility and immediately knew she had to replace the carpet to laminate flooring. She wanted to give back to HVAF and started raising money for the organization. Eva discovered that the local hospital was throwing away trucks filled with linens. She wanted the linens to be repurposed and to be meaningful in a new way. She delivered the linens to HVAF and started to further understand the needs of veterans. When Eva found out HVAF was in need of bicycles for veterans, she took immediate action. Eva and her husband, a Vietnam veteran, have collected and donated over 20 bicycles to HVAF.

By marrying a veteran, Eva learned how terribly some are treated after they return from service. “I have everything I need, but they [veterans] don’t,” said Yackey. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t enjoy the freedom and the wealth I have.” This is why she volunteers. Eva Yackey is an incredible woman who continuously improves veterans’ lives. We at HVAF of Indiana are blessed to have her as a member of our team. Without people like Eva, HVAF would not be able to assist as many veterans as it does. Thank you, Eva!

Watch this video to learn the impact volunteers have on HVAF.