Still Serving

When Andrew Jilcott joined the Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, he did so to continue his lifelong commitment to service.

“My military service instilled in me a deep sense of duty and a commitment to community,” said Jilcott, a member of VFW Post 2632 in St. Mary’s County. “I view my continued volunteer work not as a separate endeavor, but as a natural extension of the service I began in the military; I was committed to ensuring that my impact on the community would not cease upon my military retirement.”

Since 2022, Jilcott has volunteered as a delivery manager for the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children who have been sleeping on floors, couches, blankets or shared mattresses.

For many of these children, it’s the first time they have ever had a bed.

“The minute these kids see their very own bed for the first time is nothing short of amazing,” Jilcott said.

Jilcott says growing up in a tight-knit rural community taught him the importance of showing up for neighbors in need. He channels that same spirit into ensuring every child in his county has a warm, safe place to sleep.

“Honestly the whole process is rewarding from meeting people in the community that want to help, getting dusty using our hands, seeing a useful product built and then finally giving a child in our community their own bed to sleep in,” Jilcott said. “It’s just a great experience.”

For his continued service, Jilcott was recognized this year by VFW’s Still Serving campaign, an initiative that honors veterans who continue strengthening their communities after their military service ends.