World War I-era Veteran Robley Rex was honored on April 10, during a dedication ceremony renaming the Louisville VA Medical Center to the Robley Rex VA Medical Center.
Rex was remembered as a man who dedicated his life to helping fellow Veterans, both through his work with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and through his activities as a VA Medical Center (VAMC) volunteer.
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, U.S. Rep. John A. Yarmuth, representatives from local VSOs, local and state government, family members, friends and VA employees were among the many members of the community in attendance at this historic event.
A life well-remembered
During the program, guest speakers shared personal stories of Rex, fondly remembering his bright smile, engaging personality, zest for life and dedication to service.
Rex was born in Hopkinsville, Ky. He enlisted in the 5th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in 1919, soon after his 18th birthday.
Rex went on to serve in the 28th Infantry Division and was deployed to Europe, where he worked in the Intelligence Unit. He returned to Kentucky after being discharged from the Army in May 1922.
After farming for many years in Davies County and working for the U.S. Postal Service, Rex made his home in Louisville, Ky.
A lifetime of service
Before his death in 2009, Rex had accumulated more than 14,600 hours of service during his 23 years as a VA volunteer. He was a popular and vital member of the VAMC Voluntary Service team. For more than 80 years, Rex was also a member of and an active spokesperson for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He served in many elected and appointed positions in these organizations. He also served as a Veterans Service Officer for the DAV and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Rex was honored in 2005 by the VFW as National Volunteer of the Year. On his 107th birthday, Rex was presented the Kentucky Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.
Rex was truly an example of what it means to have a sense of duty in serving others. His kindness, generosity and selfless acts of service will be remembered by Veterans, VA employees, VSOs and his community for many years to come.
Share in the joy!
Follow in the footsteps of Robley Rex and become a VA volunteer. To learn more, visit www.volunteer.va.gov or contact your local VA Voluntary Service at the telephone numbers listed below.
- VAMC Huntington: (304) 429-6741, ext. 2952
- VAMC Lexington: (859) 281-4930
- VAMC Robley Rex (Louisville): (502) 287-6221
- VAMC Memphis: (901) 523-8990, ext. 7248
- VAMC Mountain Home: (423) 979-2891
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Nashville Campus: (615) 873-6978
- Alvin C. York Campus: (615) 225-6940
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