Daniel Norris
St. Mary’s County, MD
Marine Corps Combat Veteran
Door Dash Driver, working to become an EMS Dispatcher
Mission 22, Co-Leader and Volunteer
Foundation 4 Heroes, Volunteer
A Marine Corps veteran, Daniel Norris is also a veteran volunteer — dedicating his post-service time to advocating for mental health, driving ambulances, supporting children in need, and engaging with his church community.
Daniel currently serves as the Maryland co-leader of Mission 22, which is an organization dedicated to preventing veteran suicide by providing comprehensive wellness programs to veterans and their families.
Personally touched by mental health issues, Daniel feels compelled to champion the work of Mission 22. Daniel was also a longtime EMS volunteer and is now retired. He is currently working to become an EMS dispatcher.
Additionally, Daniel volunteers for Foundation 4 Heroes, which is a nonprofit that visits hospitalized children as costumed superheroes and teaches children about being a hero and supports veterans.
Daniel is also active as an AWANA game leader at his church.
What drew you to this kind of work? What do you enjoy most about your work or volunteer service?
I’ve always had a lot of respect for first responders and veterans, ever since I was a little kid. To be a veteran now and see what veterans go through behind closed doors, and to be [volunteering] with Mission 22 and Foundation for Heroes — I don’t even know if there are words to describe how it makes me feel to be a part of it all.
[With Awana], I coordinate group meetups and game nights for kids — I love every second of it because I’ve noticed at times there are kiddos who won’t want to participate in certain games, but the second they see me get involved in the game, they’re in it in a heartbeat. I melt every time I get to see that and hear all the laughter, hear the kids telling their parents [about the meetup]. I love every second of it.
Can you share a moment or experience that made you especially proud?
When I was a [volunteer] ambulance driver, we were responding to an overdose call, and we come to find out it’s someone I pretty much grew up with — and I’m immediately like, ‘Look you’re in great hands, I’m your driver tonight and we’re getting you there in a hurry and safely — I’ve got that under control, don’t you worry, these people are great EMTs, I would trust them with my life.’ Later, I encountered [the patient]— and [the patient] came up to me and was like, ‘Thank you for that night, you did everything you could to keep me calm, and I’m now sober.’
What and/or who has influenced or inspired the way you serve others?
It’s not always easy — I’ve struggled with suicidal thoughts and severe depression. Getting out there, sharing the word, whether it be my religion or Mission 22 or Foundation for Heroes — all of those things help me get through, every single day. I love to tell people these things are my ‘why’.
[Additionally], every veteran I’ve ever encountered in my lifetime has inspired me.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the work you do or the people you serve?
It’s not always easy to volunteer — it’s not always enjoyable. But in my opinion, volunteers are what make this country great. We wouldn’t have these organizations without volunteers. I don’t think a lot of people understand that a lot of these organizations only have money because of donations, which barely cover the equipment, travel, lodging, and so forth. A lot of people don’t want to volunteer in our society anymore — and that’s putting a big time burden on everyone.
If you could give one message of encouragement to your community, what would it be?
I love to tell people to carry on, because it’s short and sweet. For me, that means to keep fighting whatever I’m facing daily. I fight my demons every single day — whether it’s PTSD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, what have you — I have to fight them every single day.
Do you have any “core furniture memories”?
My parents had a recliner, and when I was growing up, I loved to come barreling out of my bedroom down the hallway and dive head-first into the recliner.
