By Kathie Rowell

After a 28-year military career encompassing both active and reserve duty and civilian careers that ranged from schoolteacher to recruiter/trainer for a market research company, Col. Glen “Rusty” Armstrong, USA (Ret), found a new outlet for his time and energy: volunteer work.

“It’s give-back time. I came home. Not everybody did,” said Armstrong, who served a 1969-70 tour in Vietnam and participated in the 1969 incursion into Cambodia. “You have to find a new passion. People say, ‘Well, I'm getting ready to retire.’ And I say, ‘Well, don't go home and sit in front of the TV and fall over with a heart attack. You just have to find a new passion. You have to find something else to spend your time on and make an effort, make a change.’”

Armstrong’s commitment to giving back to veterans and the community has not gone unnoticed. Nominated by MOAA’s Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter because of his fierce advocacy for veterans and their families, he was named Veteran of the Year for 2026 by the Milwaukee County Veterans Association.

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The criteria for the award include active duty service, service to the veteran community, and community work.

“Rusty ticked all three of those boxes,” said chapter President Capt. Tim Wendt, USCG (Ret), who has known Armstrong for about eight years.

One of Armstrong’s primary volunteer commitments is Fisher House, a nonprofit that builds homes where the families of hospitalized veterans can stay free of charge, saving out-of-pocket expenses for accommodations and transportation.

“I got started with the Fisher House effort from the ground up to build one in Milwaukee,” Armstrong said. “I helped with fundraising and organizing and that type of thing, so I’m pretty proud of that. I volunteer there about once a week.”

With the Milwaukee location celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, he’s involved in the beginning efforts to build an additional site in Madison.

In addition to Fisher House and MOAA, Armstrong has volunteered with Disabled American Veterans and the Eras Senior Network, doing everything from scheduling to providing rides to those who need transportation to medical appointments or the grocery store. He also is involved with Camp Hometown Heroes, which offers free one-week overnight summer camps to the children and siblings of fallen U.S. servicemembers.

Additionally, Armstrong has volunteered with American Red Cross, Vietnam Veterans of America, and American Legion; served as a mentor to middle and high school students; and is involved in the life of his church.

When he’s not volunteering, Armstrong enjoys traveling with his wife, and he will be on board Milwaukee’s next Honor Flight.

“He is committed to everything that he touches,” Wendt said. “He’s just present in everything that he does. He doesn’t smile much, but he’s a fierce advocate for the Milwaukee County Veterans Association.”

Kathie Rowell is a writer based in Louisiana.