What happens when a vet gives to others? Something special.

Tommy Briggs has a reputation for cheerfully putting others first. The U.S. Navy veteran and former Dallas teacher volunteers with the Ideal Neighborhood Association and with Dallas Leadership Foundation’s Treasures of Hope Christmas Store.

The 62-year-old widower – his wife passed away in 2009 – stays busy. His daughter either drives him to places he needs to be, or his South Dallas neighbors can glimpse him on the move in his wheelchair, headed for the bus stop. During the recent National Night Out, for example, he navigated the event by his wheelchair. 

“That’s how determined I am,” Briggs said. “Once I decide to do something, or do a program, then I’m going to be in charge of that program. Therefore, I’m going to be in charge of me getting there.”

In November 2015, the dedicated volunteer and leader experienced a situation he couldn’t handle by himself. His 80-year-old home – the same South Dallas house where he grew up – was badly damaged by heavy rains. The roof collapsed, damaging the kitchen, along with two of the four bedrooms, including one where he slept. Briggs also said he believes the rains damaged the electrical system.

When DLF learned in 2016 about the house conditions Briggs was facing, DLF tapped into its network of partners to help.  The interior repairs coordinated by DLF are another answer to prayer for the retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class, who served two tours, crossed the Equator twice, served on the aircraft carrier the USS Ranger, spent a year in Japan, and taught in the Dallas Independent School District for more than a decade.

The service and leadership gifts in Briggs that inspire people today are traits his mother modeled before him. “That’s what my mother did back when she was living. She gave back to the community, whether it was doing girls’ hair – she had a little beauty salon – and stuff like that. I kinda picked that up from my mother, and I’ve been giving back ever since I came out of the military. … She just always wanted us to do our best, no matter what.”

To learn more about DLF or to support its work in Dallas, visit dlftx.org.