Dorothy Aho loves to volunteer! She’s been a part of the fabric of Minnesota Veterans Homes - Minneapolis for almost 20 years, caring for and supporting Veteran Residents in countless ways. Since July 2006, she has volunteered over 5,000 hours of compassion, talent and energy serving those who have served.

Currently, Dorothy spends her time volunteering for a weekly shift escorting Residents to the fitness gym. She also volunteers regularly with the very full Recreation Therapy activity schedule including bingo, special meals, musical performances, Veterans Day and Memorial Day programs, the annual Fishing Opener, the State Fair on-site event, holiday parties, shopping trips and community outings. The Home’s team members appreciate that they can contact Dorothy at the last minute to assist with Resident needs.

Dorothy is not known for sitting still. She takes a particular interest in connecting with newly admitted Residents and their family members, seeking them out to make sure they know their way around campus and are comfortable. Dorothy has been diligent about personally delivering birthday cards—and other holiday/celebratory cards—to every Resident, ensuring they feel remembered and acknowledged throughout the year.

It’s not unusual for Dorothy to proactively suggest a Resident activity. You will find her watering plants and sharing facts about her Finnish culture to Veterans and staff alike. Dorothy’s involvement with foreign exchange students as part of her teaching career had her inviting them to the Minneapolis Veterans Home to volunteer on occasion. According to co-workers, she is the perfect volunteer to have on hand when the Home hosts a musical performance as she will dance with Residents without hesitation.

In the past, Dorothy brought her dog, Rudy, to visit with Residents, armed with handmade cards from the school where she taught and dressed up in appropriate holiday attire to make deliveries. Her other dog, Desi, rode on the laps of interested Residents while she pushed them to and from the community room for bingo.

When her twin granddaughters were several months old, Dorothy began bringing them to the Home’s Intergenerational Story Hour where Residents delighted in being able to hold a little baby; she continued to bring them on site for various events so Residents could enjoy watching them grow.

According to Erin Betlock, Volunteer Services Coordinator, the COVID outbreak—and the many resulting protections that were put in place regarding visitors, volunteers, etc.—hit Dorothy hard and she constantly asked what she could do to make a difference. “Of her own volition, she created a monthly newsletter,” says Erin. “It was called Paws with Desi, which highlighted the changing seasons, local history and generally uplifted spirits during a dark time. This was just one more example of Dorothy’s thoughtful nature and empathetic heart in showing up for our Veterans.”

As a reflection of Dorothy’s exemplary dedication to Veterans, she received the 2025 Outstanding (Hospital) Volunteer of the Year Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Dorothy was motivated to volunteer at the Minneapolis Veterans Home by her family’s legacy. “My dad, who was born in Finland, was a WWII Army Veteran who served in the South Pacific,” says Dorothy. “He was drafted after becoming an American citizen. My mother was a “Rosie the Riveter” in Flint, Michigan during WWII. They both taught me and my four sisters volunteerism and the importance of service to others.”

Dorothy notes that her 35 years as a 7th grade teacher, along with her involvement in church programs, 4-H and Boy Scouts (now known as Scouting America) prepared her well for her volunteer work at the Home. “My 1st job was working at a care facility in 9th grade. I like to dance and can be counted on to get the crowd going at the Home’s special events. And anyone here will tell you: I’m a talker!”

When all is said and done, Dorothy finds volunteering a thoroughly joyful experience. “I have so much fun here! Volunteering helps me stay active and gives me purpose. All the recreation therapists are amazing; they work so hard and give over and above the call of duty. I am so honored to be part of the team!”