Medical Student Goes Above and Beyond to Help Veterans

Through the past seven years, as she’s pursued her medical degree, Johns Hopkins University student Elle Kim has logged more than 1,600 volunteer hours helping veterans. 

But one veteran in particular changed Kim’s life. 

At the time she met James, Kim was at a local VA hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, dropping off handmade care packages. James, a patient at the VA, appeared lonely and disengaged as he watched a Veteran’s Day Parade on a small TV in his room. Kim figured he could use some company to cheer him up. She knocked on his door, and while Kim startled the veteran at first, he quickly smiled and invited her in. 

James was not used to visitors. 

“Talking to James, I discovered that I was his first visitor in months; his family moved away a year ago. And, hearing his voice quiver, I sensed his hurt from the isolation,” Kim told hopkinsmedicine.org. “Opening up his care package, I pulled out handwritten thank-you letters and read them aloud. To James, these cards reminded him that he mattered. I could tell he felt overwhelmed, his eyes watery with faint tears of joy. Over the next few months, we played bingo, took walks around the park and even celebrated his birthday together.”

Then COVID-19 hit. The virus prevented Kim from seeing James in person, but she didn’t want to let go of the bond they had formed. She continued sending cards, telling the veteran he wasn’t alone, despite the isolation. 

Kim’s small gesture made a big impact. She was inspired to create eCards for Heroes, a project to lift veterans out of loneliness from the pandemic. 

Cards to Fight Loneliness 

Since June 2018, when she joined the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces as an undergrad at Johns Hopkins, Kim has surpassed 1,600 volunteer hours. 

During the pandemic, Kim crafted cards for veterans with simple messages like “Get Well” or “I hope you have a good day,” including them with their meals at the hospital. She’s still providing uplifting messages almost six years later. 

“Beyond the cards, my primary role is to identify local veterans’ needs and organize quarterly deliveries of essentials — personal hygiene kits, jackets, socks and coffee — to support their daily lives,” she said. “Each delivery begins with listening to veterans, their caregivers and staff members about what would make daily life a little easier.”

More than a blood bank or disaster relief organization, the American Red Cross provides personal support through multiple divisions, Kim said. After more than seven years of helping veterans, Kim has seen the multitude of ways the Red Cross can help a large, highly diverse veteran population in the Baltimore area. Along with the Baltimore VA Medical Center, the region houses the Loch Raven VA Community Living & Rehabilitation Center, along with Harford County’s Perry Point VA Medical Center. 

Personal Ties to Veterans 

For Kim, giving back to veterans has a deep personal connection. 

As a South Korean immigrant, Kim recalls her grandparents’ stories of living through the Korean War, and watching American troops help protect and rebuild their homeland following the devastation. The soldiers were friendly and shared food with villagers. 

Kim was raised in the city of Daegu, which became the site of a military base. Kim became familiar with U.S. soldiers who helped teach her English, shared snakes and played video games with the young Korean. 

“I still remember their kindness,” she said. “My grandfather always reminded me, ‘If you ever meet a veteran who served in the Korean War, thank them for me.’ He often spoke about the sacrifices U.S. soldiers made. As I live my life, I will be forever grateful.”

Upon moving to Baltimore for college, Kim discovered a Korean War veteran population there and had the urge to help. 

“I am honoring the same generation of Americans who once stood by my family’s country,” Kim says. “Supporting veterans through the American Red Cross has been my way of expressing that gratitude.”

Along with establishing eCards for Heroes, Kim has organized wellness workshops, thank you card deliveries, and uplifting events like bingo night and birthday parties. These little moments of happiness boost Kim’s mood as well. 

Service with a Smile 

Chris Duffley has seen the positive effect of Kim’s work up close for the past five years. Duffley is the director of Service to Armed Forces and International Services with the Red Cross. 

“Her willingness to continue volunteering and serving through this new chapter in her life is greatly appreciated,” Duffley said. “She is so kind and positive. She’s a great person to work with and to be around.”

Red Cross Senior Program Specialist Christiana Ilufoye has seen Kim’s innovative and creative side come through, looking at challenges as mere steppingstones to success. 

“Elle came up with a great idea to digitize the cards. She teaches other volunteers the standard operating procedures,” Ilufoye said. “This project helps us meet the mission and supports us despite the changes. She won the Volunteer of the Year award because of the impact she made in the region.”

Laura Heck, who serves as youth engagement lead for the Red Cross, marvels at the way Kim can connect with veterans. 

“She always has a smile on her face,” Heck said. “She helped us make connections during COVID. She helped us pivot so veterans wouldn’t feel lonely. Receiving these cards is something that picks them up. We’re very thankful.”

More recently, Kim organized a winter outreach and education event to share tips and free kits with vulnerable groups about cold-weather skin care, including veterans and the local homeless population. 

For Kim, it’s all about a commitment to service. 

“Just as people speak of lifelong learning as a physician, I see service as a lifelong calling — rooted in gratitude for the family and community that have shaped, and will continue to shape, who I am,” Kim said.