Paul Bollman

From the moment he promised himself that he would be a soldier in blue as a 9-year-old, Paul Bollman’s primary mission, as a Marine and civilian, was clear: to take care of those around him.

Now retired, he maintains his membership in three different local organizations, the Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion, so he can fulfill his obligation to the men and women who have served their country.

“We’re all family,” he says of his comrades-in-arms. “I always have time for them. All they have to do is call.”

An ordained minister, Paul responds to those calls with visits, cards and shows of support. He relies heavily on word-of-mouth to spread the word about the services he provides to military personnel and their families.

“Taking care of people is a calling you have to answer,” he says.

One Saturday morning, Paul answered a call at his cabin up north. One of his fellow veterans, who he visited previously, was very ill and wanted to see him. Paul left immediately. He prayed with the man and his family, and offered whatever comfort he could. An hour after he left the hospital, Paul received another call from the family. The veteran had passed away, in peace.

Paul preached at the funeral service for the veteran, just as he does for any veteran or family that requests it. On happier occasions, he marries couples and performs other services. As a member and chaplain at Washington County veteran organizations, he also fundraises for members of the armed forces. He enjoys everything he does for his military family, and is not involved for the accolades.

“I get uncomfortable with the ‘atta boys,’” he says. “That’s the truth. I am here to help. We need to be there for each other.”