For many veterans, the call to serve doesn’t end with military retirement. David Derr, a 79-year-old Navy submarine veteran, exemplifies that spirit of lifelong service. After relocating from Allentown, Pennsylvania to Fort Myers, Florida in 2015, David dedicated his retirement to volunteering in his community. Yet, when persistent knee pain began to interfere with his ability to help others, he faced a difficult decision: continue pushing through the pain or undergo a total knee replacement. His story is a testament to resilience, recovery, and the power of purpose-driven living.

David’s knee problems began decades ago, rooted in a car accident during his Navy service at age 22. The crash left him with a broken femur and a damaged knee. At the time, doctors repaired the femur but left the knee untreated, warning him that issues might arise later in life. For years, the discomfort was manageable. It wasn’t until recently that the pain escalated, threatening the volunteer work that had become central to his identity.

Volunteering has been more than a pastime for David; it’s been a source of deep fulfillment. Four days a week, he worked at the Harry Chapin Food Bank, assisting in the warehouse and at both walk-up and drive-through pantries. He also participated in a heartwarming initiative with fellow submarine veterans, visiting young cancer patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The group would present the children with certificates and hats, inducting them as honorary submariners. “We talk to the patients, the kids,” David shared. “We give them a certificate with their name on it, signed by us. We give them a hat similar to what I have with the dolphin’s emblem.”

These visits brought joy not just to the children, but also to their families. David noted that parents were often just as engaged as the kids. “They see that the kids really enjoy it,” he said. For someone who describes himself as an introvert, volunteering offered meaningful connections and a sense of purpose. “Volunteer work to me is probably the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” he reflected.

As his knee pain worsened, David found himself increasingly limited. Tasks that once came easily—lifting boxes, bending down—became painful and difficult. “It really got to the point where it stopped me from doing some things. And I knew I had to do something,” he said. Initial attempts at relief, including a cortisone injection, proved ineffective. Imaging revealed bone-on-bone contact, and doctors recommended a total knee replacement. David agreed, undergoing surgery on May 6 and returning home the same day.

His experience at Lee Memorial Hospital left a lasting impression. From the pre-surgical consultations to the day of the procedure, David found the process to be smooth and well-organized. “Everywhere I went, everyone who worked at Lee Memorial Hospital made me feel so comfortable,” he said. Small gestures, like a veteran hospital staffer ensuring David’s timely pickup, added a personal touch that made a big difference.

Recovery began with two weeks of in-home physical therapy, followed by ongoing sessions at the Lee Health Outpatient Center at Sanctuary. The rehabilitation team emphasized patient-centered care, encouraging David to communicate his pain thresholds. “They don’t push – I mean, they push you, but they told me, ‘We don’t know your pain. You’re going to have to let us know when we’re pushing or doing something, when to stop,’” he explained. After about a month of therapy, he saw significant improvement. He no longer needed post-operative pain medication and was able to complete full rotations on an exercise bicycle—an encouraging milestone in his recovery.

David’s ultimate goal was clear: to return to the volunteer work that gave his retirement meaning. Just two months after surgery, he resumed visits to Golisano Children’s Hospital. He also expressed hope to return to the food bank around the same time, though he acknowledged that he might need to ease back into the more physically demanding tasks. “I just wanted to be able to do the things that I wanted to do,” he said.

When asked why volunteering matters so much to him, David struggled to articulate the depth of its impact. “It gives me such personal satisfaction to be able to volunteer,” he said. Despite his introverted nature, he finds that helping others draws him out and connects him to his community. “I was very fortunate. I had a good job when I was working, I was able to retire early, and I just like to give back to the community.”

David Derr’s journey highlights the intersection of healthcare, aging, and civic engagement. His experience underscores the importance of accessible, compassionate medical care in enabling older adults to remain active contributors to their communities. I found this detail striking: even after a major surgery at nearly 80 years old, David’s primary concern was not his own comfort but his ability to continue serving others. It’s a powerful reminder that purpose can be a driving force in recovery.

As David continues to heal and return to his volunteer duties, his story serves as an inspiring example of resilience and dedication. For those considering similar procedures or contemplating volunteer work in retirement, his experience offers both reassurance and motivation. And for communities like Fort Myers, individuals like David are invaluable—bridging generations, offering support, and showing that service truly has no expiration date.

If volunteering at Lee Health appeals to you, we invite you to join us! You can learn more about volunteer opportunities by clicking here.