Posted on Jun 30, 2018 in
HOMETOWN HEROES
By Joan Frances –
Audrey Adams.
Founded on June 14th, 1775, the United States Armed Forces are committed to protecting America’s freedom at home and abroad. For many years, the military was taken for granted, returning veterans were ignored and not adequately compensated for the grueling memories of war. One resident of Fort Bend County who served in the military and has devoted her time to helping her fellow veterans is Audrey Adams.
Adams is a wife, mother and grandmother. She has been married for 36 years to Russell Adams, Jr. They have a combined family of one daughter, Leslie; three sons, Jacob, Joseph and Russell III; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The Adams have lived in Sugar Land for the past 12 years.
Adams earned a Practical Nurse License then enlisted in the Army at the age of 26 to enhance her finances and education. After enlistment, she was assigned to a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, the 159th MASH, as a medical non-commissioned officer (NCO). She met Russell there, then he transferred to another unit. Several years later, they wound up in the same Aviation Air Ambulance unit; he was the 1st Sergeant, and she was a Flight Medic/Training NCO. Just two years later in 1984, the two married.
Randi Jobert, Audrey Adams and Cameron Breaux sending care packages overseas to troops through the adopt a platoon program.
After 12 years, Adams left the service due to a knee and neck injury. With the help and support of her husband and the GI Bill, she was able to earn a Nursing degree and worked in Louisiana for 10 years. Russell retired after 28 years in the Army. After they moved to Sugar Land, Adams worked at Sugar Land Methodist Hospital in the Emergency Room, then later in day surgery and the recovery room.
Adams joined the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 233 of Fort Bend County eight years ago. “The DAV is a non-profit advocacy organization for veterans and their families,” said Adams. “For the past two and a half years, I have been a Chapter Service Officer (CSO), and I just became the Commander, which I’m very passionate about. As a CSO I really feel that I make a difference in people’s lives. These are our veterans, young and old, male and female. They are those who have bravely served our country from all branches of military service from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan and the Middle East. As a volunteer, I educate our veterans on their benefits and help them retrieve their records and documentation needed to file for their benefits. I sit with about four veterans each month helping them go through their files to find the evidence they need to file for their benefits. My goal is to help provide the best representation I can to all injured and ill veterans and their dependents.
Audrey Adams.
“As a member of the DAV, our mission is dedicated to empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. The goal is to help the veterans and their families accomplish this by assisting them to access the full range of available benefits they have earned through their military service. I help promote public awareness regarding the challenges veterans face when transitioning back into civilian life. I’m proud to be a woman veteran and honored to be a member of this great organization.”
In addition to her tireless devotion to the DAV, Adams is a sign language interpreter and also serves on the medical team at River Pointe Church in Richmond. Thank you Audrey Adams for your service in the past, today and tomorrow. Fort Bend County is so fortunate to have a resplendent angel like you helping to make life better for our veterans.
