DALLAS -- A procession of veterans entered the Eagle Atrium at the Dallas VA Medical Center on Tuesday morning, carrying flags and signs. Red, white and blue balloons decorated their wheelchairs as staff members assisted many of them into the room. Marine Corps Junior ROTC cadets from W.T. White High School waved small American flags.

The gathering was part of a Veterans Day ceremony, but another celebration awaited Evelyn Lopez, a longtime volunteer affectionately known as “Mama Lopez.”

Lopez sat in the front row, flowers in her lap and family members nearby. When veterans, employees and volunteers rose to applaud her, the attention turned to a woman who had spent 27 years helping those who served.

She was celebrating her 100th birthday.

For nearly three decades, Lopez has been a familiar presence at the medical center, helping veterans find their way, offering assistance and building relationships that extend beyond her volunteer duties.

On Tuesday, it was her turn to be recognized.

A familiar face at the VA

Lopez's connection to military service is personal. Her husband, I.C. Lopez, served in the Army and Navy before his death in 1997.

After losing her husband, Lopez said she felt lonely at home and found companionship through volunteering at the Dallas VA.

“I was too lonely at home,” Lopez said. “I really enjoyed being around the veterans that served like my husband.”

Over the years, Lopez has staffed information desks, delivered supplies and baked cookies for hospice patients.

At 100, she continues volunteering near the medical center's front desk, helping sell merchandise, particularly hats, to raise money for events supporting veterans.

Glendon Bentley, an Air Force and Army veteran who has known Lopez for at least 20 years, recalled how she responded when veterans asked for directions. Rather than simply point them down a hallway, she walked them to their appointments.

“I never see her sitting down. She is always busy trying to help,” Bentley said.

Bentley traveled 27 miles from Rowlett to attend Tuesday's celebration. He remains impressed by her energy.

“She could probably run circles around me,” he said.

More than a volunteer

Bentley said Lopez's commitment to veterans extends beyond the medical center.

He recalled seeing her at an American Legion motorcycle rodeo involving veterans from the VA's Community Living Center, where she even took a ride on a motorcycle.

For Bentley, the memory illustrates how Lopez shows up for veterans, whether they're receiving care at the hospital or gathering for an event.

Bentley described her as a gem.

Bobbie Scoggins, chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement at the Dallas VA, said Lopez dislikes missing her volunteer days, even when bad weather keeps her from driving to the medical center.

She misses the veterans who regularly stop to see her.

And they notice when she isn't there.

“They adore her,” Scoggins said.

Veterans know Lopez's volunteer schedule and sometimes check with staff when she is absent. Those receiving treatment stop to share updates about their health, including how their treatments are progressing.

National Veterans and Military Families Month

During National Veterans and Military Families Month, Lopez's story also highlights the important role spouses, children and other loved ones play in supporting those who serve. That support often continues long after military service ends, through the families and volunteers who help veterans navigate life after the uniform comes off.

As a military widow, Lopez has spent nearly three decades extending that support beyond her own family to the veterans who visit the Dallas VA.

On Tuesday, those relationships were reflected in a celebration that brought together veterans, employees, volunteers and Lopez's family.

The Veterans Day program included a presentation of the colors by the W.T. White High School ROTC cadets. Members of the Dallas USA Cheerleaders, a volunteer group supporting military families, also participated.

The ceremony's keynote speaker, Gary Steele, a retired Air Force veteran and president of the Texas Veterans Hall of Fame in Denton, shared stories from World War II and the Vietnam War to emphasize the importance of remembering those who served.

Steele encouraged attendees to volunteer in their communities and preserve veterans' stories.

“Get involved and share your story,” Steele said.

'Please follow my steps'

On a blue tablecloth scattered with confetti sat a white-frosted cake decorated with red and blue flowers and the words “Happy 100th Birthday Evelyn.” Beside it stood a framed display with photographs of a younger Lopez and her late husband in his Navy uniform.

Lopez smiled as she held a bouquet of yellow lilies, chrysanthemums and orange carnations. She also received a commemorative coin and a certificate recognizing her service. Her daughters and other family members joined the celebration.

Scoggins said more than 800 regular and occasional volunteers support the medical center throughout the year. Lopez is among its longest-serving volunteers, and Scoggins described her as an inspiration to others.

For Lopez, the celebration marked a century of life and nearly three decades of volunteer service.

When she addressed the gathering, her message was about the veterans.

“Please follow my steps and volunteer your time because these veterans deserve the best care possible,” Lopez said.