Hometown Heroes

Blue is a music therapist who brings joy to nursing home residents, hospital patients, and hospice patients through music. She puts these patients at ease by focusing on her audience’s favorite music or genre. She is proud that her work brings comfort and healing to patients in their time of need. When she meets her patients, many of them are facing one of the most difficult times of their lives. She’s proud that she can make a difference by letting them know they aren’t alone through her music. Blue acknowledges that it is an honor to be able to serve someone in their 11th hour by bringing them comfort, hope, peace and healing; it’s what keeps her going. Blue hopes that others will see her story and be able to find a way to do what they love by helping others.

Bobby has been decorating for Christmas for 51 years. He first began decorating with his father when he was around six-years-old until he was ten-years-old. As he grew older, the motivation to decorate for Christmas that was originally encouragedby his father, was nurtured by his mother. His mother loved the decorations, so he kept adding more and more which grew into the grand display he puts on each year. He is still inspired by her to this day, and she is his inspiration to keep going. When they first started the display his mother would sit at the end of the driveway and hand out candy canes, and although they now hand out hot chocolate instead he hopes she would love what the display has grown into. He has seen firsthand the way that his display has brought people of all walks of life together to get along while they see the lights, and he hopes others can learn from that. Bobby estimates that between the two houses that display his outside decorations that there are close to 1.5 million lights. Bobby shared that it felt odd for him to be honored for what he considers his hobby, but he knows that people in the community appreciate it and he is often told just that.

Chris Baker serves as the community engagement coordinator of Boys to Men Mentoring Network of Virginia, INC, an organization that partners mentors with boys during their critical teenage years. Chris is inspired not only by his son, but also by the youth that he works with on a daily basis. He notes that some of them come from difficult backgrounds, and it inspires him to see the way that they open up and communicate after working with their mentors.

Chris is motivated each day by uplifting the boys and their communities while working to create safer spaces for them. He hopes his work shows the importance of open, respectful communication. “The boys remind me of this every day when they open up. It shows the power of safe communication.” Chris shared that it was difficult to absorb being nameed a 2026 Hometown Hero because he doesn't generally "look for a lot of credit or accolades," and while "it's hard to acknowledge the credit myself, but I'm grateful."

Daniel is a paramedic dedicated to strengthening support and expanding resources for Emergency Medical Services through NAEMT. One of his proudest accomplishments includes his annual trips to Washington, D.C. with NAEMT to advocate for EMS professionals. He feels honored to appear before members of Congress and the Senate on their behalf. Inspired by his coworkers, Daniel remains motivated by the knowledge that his work makes his community stronger through helping others. He is honored to be named a 2026 Hometown Hero and hopes others recognize that frontline workers can drive meaningful change on a national level as well as in the lives they touch every day.

Darryl is the Tech for Troops Operations Manager. Darryl is a U.S. Air Force Veteran himself, and he enjoys connecting with fellow veterans. He is most proud of helping veterans by providing them with free laptops and giving back to his community. There are a few people who inspire Darryl including the owner of Tech for Troops, Mark Casper, as well as the mental health specialist at Tech for Troops, Jason Parker, and Tech for Troops board member Jeff Zalinski. Darryl wants people to learn that regardless of where you are in life, there can be a silver lining through dark clouds. He is honored to be selected as a Hometown Hero this year.

If you’re local to Richmond, you’ve likely heard of Francine, the cat who lives in the Broad St. Lowe’s. When Francine accidentally boarded a shipping truck, Chas and Elise helped organize volunteers to bring Francine home. They are most proud of the community and the way they quickly and passionately banded together to find Francine. Their mothers inspire them to continue to pursue work in the community, making it a little more “feel good” wherever they can. It surprised them both how far-reaching the story turned out to be, and it motivated them to see how much it meant to the local community. They hope that others will continue to advocate for what they are passionate about to make a change. They’re both excited to be named 2026 Hometown Heroes!

Jim is a Charter Member of the Greater Falls Run Lions Club and has been an active member for more than 20 years. He is a past President and has been a great mentor and role model who is truly dedicated to Lionism. He founded the chapter after his wife encouraged him to get involved. The two always loved animals, they even raised puppies to become service animals.

When Jim and his wife moved to their retirement community, they had a neighbor in the community who used a service animal. Once they met and began to talk about their work raising companion animals, they knew they wanted to begin a local chapter for the Lions. Jim is inspired by his late wife as well as his father, who was a WWII Veteran. Continuing the work that he and his wife started together all those years ago is what keeps him going. Jim wants others to learn that helping those in need makes life more meaningful.

Jorg is most proud of the positive impact that the White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue has on the lives of the horses and owners who pass through its doors. She draws inspiration from those working in animal welfare and advocacy — people who are hardworking, selfless, and deeply committed to dedicating their lives to helping animals. Witnessing the extreme need that the community has for her efforts motivates her to continue his work.

Both economic and health challenges among seniors have led to an increasing number of horses without capable caregivers. Many of these horses still have years of life ahead of them, but hold little to no market value. When rescues are full, the need becomes even more urgent.

Jorg is deeply honored to be named a 2026 Hometown Hero. Through her work, she hopes others come to understand the uniquely special role horses play in our lives. Historically, working horses supported transportation and labor, but today’s domestic horses are far more fragile and dependent on human care. Jorg hopes to raise awareness about how we can better help horses, and how, in turn, horses can help us.

Kezia is the president of the Mocha Moms Richmond chapter, an organization that serves as an organization for sisterhood, support and service for mothers of color. Since becoming president of the Richmond chapter, she is most proud of the chapter’s growth and expanding impact. Although Mocha Moms is non-denominational, Kezia draws inspiration from her faith, which motivates her to continue serving her community.

With a background in social work, Kezia understands the importance of creating strong support networks for women and mothers of color. After experiencing a personal tragedy, the support she received from Mocha Moms made a profound difference in her life, reminding her that she was not alone. That experience ultimately inspired her to step into the role of chapter president. Through her leadership, Kezia hopes others will feel the same sense of support and know that they are not alone, while also helping to break the stigma surrounding postpartum depression and mental health. She is surprised to be named a 2026 Hometown Hero.

Patricia Holland has dedicated 33 years to Healthy Generations Agency on Aging, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for all older citizens. Pat embodies this mission in every aspect of her work. As both a family caregiver to her parents prior to their passing and a long-time advocate for older adults, Pat’s passion is genuinely driven by a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of others and serving an age group she believes is often overlooked. Knowing that her work makes a meaningful impact motivates her every day and fuels her passion to continue. She takes great pride in helping improve the quality of life for seniors.

Carol Davis, the director who hired Patricia, has been a lasting source of inspiration. Though Carol has since passed away, her encouragement continues to guide Patricia in her work. Through her dedication, Patricia hopes others recognize that every person is important, regardless of age. She is both proud and humbled to be honored as one of our 2026 Hometown Heroes.

T is the Central Region Independent Living Consultant for Project LIFE. Project LIFE is a program that helps young adults from ages 12- 23 who were previously in been in foster care as they transition into adulthood. She is especially proud of the meaningful relationships she has built with the youth in her community. T values meeting each young person where they are and walking alongside them as they navigate their individual journeys. She finds joy in watching them build trust and form supportive, family-like connections that extend beyond bloodlines.

T draws inspiration from three important influences in her life. Caroline Neal inspires her to be her authentic self through her genuine spirit, passion, and energy. T is also deeply inspired by God and her mother. She credits her mother for introducing her to a strong spiritual foundation and believes it is through God that she is able to give the love and care she offers to others. Serving others with purpose is what truly drives her.