By Mary Schmelzer
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

Idleness is not in Tom Glassel’s vocabulary. Glassel drives for two Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) transportation programs: Vets Helping Vets and Driver Escort. During his five years of service, he has logged 21,186 miles and nearly 1,200 hours helping seniors and veterans get to medical and other important appointments.

Volunteer drivers like Glassel serve as a lifeline to the people they drive, who have no other form of transportation and often have limited income.

The seeds of compassion are often planted and nurtured in one’s family life. Glassel must have paid close attention to lessons shared by his parents and teachers at St. Mary’s Springs Academy in Fond du Lac and St. Norbert’s College, where he graduated with a degree in psychology.

In 1962 Glassel began a 10-year commitment to the U.S. Army, serving at the 5th Army Recruitment Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1965 Glassel was assigned to NATO Headquarters in Paris, and later the U.S. Embassy in Paris. He served a year with the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters near Pleiku, South Vietnam, and finished his military service at the Army Transportation School in Newport News, Virginia.

In 1963 Glassel and high-school sweetheart Barbara exchanged vows and began their life together in Indianapolis. After leaving the Army, he began a career in executive recruiting, which he continued until his retirement in 2001, when the couple moved to Madison. Along the way, the Glassels raised three children, renovated their 1850-built home, became involved in genealogy, and renewed collectible automobiles.

Glassel’s life echoes a theme of service — to country, family, business and fellow veterans and seniors. Connecting with people is one of Glassel’s strong suits, so driving for seniors and veterans was a good fit. “I’m involved because I see the need and have the time,” said Glassel. “It was especially appealing to work with veterans.”

Driving combines some of Glassel’s life long pursuits — concern for veterans, love of cars and respect for those who came before him — so when he says, “driving was love at first sight,” it makes perfect sense. Whatever the reasons, Glassel’s volunteer service impacts hundreds of people each year in a personal and tangible way.

If you are interested in driving for RSVP, contact Mary Schmelzer, driver services co-manager, at 441-796 or mschmelzer@rsvpdane.org.