Bill Crump has worked hard, and now he’s playing hard. This career pilot flew for the United States Navy. While stationed in San Diego, he volunteered with the Wounded Warrior Project at the local hospital where he was moved by the resilience of children in recovery, seeing “these kids push themselves out of their comfort zone and overcome these challenges in life.” He also talked with a friend who happened to work with Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. Together, they created a magical annual event for the children where the Navy provided aircraft to explore and flight gear to wear.
After the military, Bill flew for United Airlines. Eventually a health issue revealed itself, and it forced him to retire. Now in this next chapter of life, this young retiree happily keeps a busy schedule volunteering for two very different nonprofits – Operation Stand Down Tennessee and Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms – both in Nashville, Tennessee.
Operation Stand Down Tennessee is a natural place for any veteran to meet and serve other veterans. With its variety of options of programs to choose from, Bill has been able to develop relationships with his military brothers and sisters. No matter what branch they served in or where on the globe they were stationed, they inevitably find a connection which few others can understand.
Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms is just that – friends of a park who keep it safe, beautiful, and usable. In 2023, over 1,700 volunteers gave this nonprofit over 4,100 hours of time. They offer several ways to volunteer, and Bill particularly enjoys two – the Trash Pick Up and Ambassador programs. His sense of responsibility has kept him volunteering there since he considers the park his backyard.
Bill lives his life of giving through volunteerism. “Living is giving,” he says. He has served others for decades without looking for anything in return. Yet, his experiences have provided him with joy, fun, and new relationships.
Listen to Bill’s podcast to hear stories of recovery, resilience, and joy of children, camaraderie with veterans, and befriending his local park. This blog is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. Listen to all the Doing Good podcast episodes at www.doinggood.tv/podcast.
