April 16-22, 2023, is National Volunteer Week. Every volunteer makes a difference in our Veterans’ lives and enhances the Veteran experience. One of those volunteers is Albert El, a gallery curator volunteer at the Philadelphia VA museum.
It’s not unusual for El to show up in Civil War-era military uniform, as he did recently in February 2023 in honor of Black History Month. El has been a mainstay at the Philadelphia VA since 1998. As its volunteer museum curator for the last 25 years, he paints a vivid picture of military and Veteran history for employees, volunteers and Veterans who visit.
Veterans he meets experience a rejuvenated sense of pride. El has fostered deep connections among Veterans and staff at the medical center through his storytelling skills and magnetic presence.
Paratrooper with 82nd Airborne
El joined the military when he was 17 and served in the Air Force, Army and Army National Guard. From 1959 to 1964, he served in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper in Special Operations.
El’s service spans other organizations, including the Civil Air Patrol for forty-five years. He was the Deputy Commander and Lieutenant Colonel at the West Philadelphia Composite Squadron 1006.
Dedicated to preserving stories
El has a striking presence wherever he goes, with his suits, imposing height and charisma. If anyone has a question about military heritage or local history, El is eager to answer, and he takes great pride in educating whenever possible. He is still active in Civil War re-enactments and often presents history talks and lectures for various organizations throughout Pennsylvania.
El has been married to his wife Irene for 58 years and they have one son, Ahmed. His patriotism and dedication to preserving stories ensures that Veterans have another champion at VA and that their service is brought to life.
We thank him for his continued service and encourage others to visit the VA volunteer website to learn more about volunteering opportunities in your area.
