Selfless Service: The Inspiring Story of Linda Cheeks, Army Veteran and Compassionate Caregiver

Linda Cheeks, an Army veteran from Henderson, Texas, has dedicated over four decades of her life to serving others. From honing critical competencies like structure and discipline during her military service to becoming a foster parent and providing free cosmetology services to nursing home residents, Cheeks' unwavering commitment to making a difference in her community has earned her recognition and admiration.

Transforming Lives Through Selfless Service

A Lifetime of Dedication to the Military and Beyond

Joining the Army in the early 1970s, Linda Cheeks quickly developed a strong sense of discipline and structure that would shape the rest of her life. Her military service not only instilled these vital traits but also ignited a deep passion for serving others. After leaving the Army, Cheeks continued to apply these principles to various facets of her life, including her role as a foster parent.Over the course of 15 years, Cheeks opened her heart and home to 20 teenagers, providing them with a stable and nurturing environment. Her unwavering commitment to these young individuals did not go unnoticed, as she was awarded the prestigious Prince Williams County's Foster Parent of the Year award earlier this year.

Bringing Joy and Dignity to Nursing Home Residents

Cheeks' dedication to service extends far beyond her role as a foster parent. For over two decades, she has been the proud owner of a hair salon, and she has used this platform to make a profound impact on the lives of nursing home residents and other individuals in need.Recognizing the importance of self-care and the transformative power of a fresh hairstyle, Cheeks generously offers her hairdressing services to nursing home residents and other community members who may not have the means to access such services. Her compassionate approach and genuine care for her clients have earned her the admiration of both the staff and residents at the facilities she serves.One such facility is August Healthcare at Leewood in Annandale, Virginia, where Cheeks has been providing free and discounted cosmetology services for the past two years. The 157-bed facility, which is home to both elderly and short-term disability residents, has been the recipient of Cheeks' unwavering dedication and kindness.

Honoring a True Hero: Linda Cheeks' National Recognition

Cheeks' selfless acts of service have not gone unnoticed, as she was recently featured in a spotlight segment on NBC's "Today" show. The segment, titled "Honoring Heroes Among Us," shone a well-deserved light on Cheeks' remarkable journey and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.During the segment, Cheeks shared her belief that the true reward for her service is the ability to change lives. "It's not all about money, but it's about helping people. I have a love for people," she said, encapsulating the essence of her compassionate spirit.In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Cheeks was presented with a brand-new mini-van at the end of the "Today" show segment, courtesy of sponsor Progressive's veteran vehicle giveaway program, Keys to Progress. This gesture was a testament to the profound impact Cheeks has had on her community and the lives she has touched.As the staff and residents of August Healthcare at Leewood can attest, Cheeks' presence at the facility has been a true blessing. "The staff and residents were thrilled and had a watch party for the segment," said Ann Quinnan, the facility's business development manager. "It was well deserved due to her compassion, hard work and dedication."Echoing these sentiments, August Healthcare's CEO, Ben Cohen, praised Cheeks' unwavering commitment to providing "Distinguished Care" to the residents. "Linda's love and care for her residents and family are a true testament to the remarkable person that she is. We look forward to many more years of her incredible presence at August Healthcare."Through her selfless service, Linda Cheeks has not only transformed the lives of those she has touched but has also inspired others to follow in her footsteps. Her story is a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and the profound impact one individual can have on their community.