Honoring Sacrifice Through Dedication to Fort Donelson National Cemetery

Richard Hill, Fort Donelson National Cemetery Cemetery Maintenance Team

US Army veteran Richard Hill is one of three that comprise a team dedicated to preservation and improvement projects of the Fort Donelson National Cemetery.

Having served in the US Army, what does it mean to you to service in your present service at Fort Donelson National battlefield and Fort Donelson National Cemetery?

Preserving and protecting the final resting place of America’s finest is simply an honor for me. These service men and women answered the call to defend our freedom, the least we can do is maintain, restore, and hone their sacrifice.

Many veterans bring a diverse set of skills to their work. Can you highlight a particular skill or experience from your military service that you find especially valuable in your current role?

The core values I learned during my 21 years of service help to guide my current role at Fort Donelson. I take pride in service before self. Knowing what to prioritize, when to work as a team, and when to delegate tasks tog et the job done correctly and timely to preserve and protect these special places.

What cemetery improvements have you been involved in at the national cemetery, and how do you feel your work contributes to the broader mission?

The landscaping and maintenance will allow for future restoration projects to get the cemetery back to its original pre-1940s era.

Can you share a particularly proud or rewarding moment you’ve experienced while working at the Fort Donelson National Battlefield and Fort Donelson National Cemetery?

Routinely we encountered and interact with visitors. I noticed a gentleman walking back and forth. I approached the man to inquire if I could be of any help. He stated he had not been there in many years and was having a hard time remembering where his dad was laid to rest. I helped him in finding his father’s grave. Moments like these are memorable.

As we approach Veterans Day, what would you like the public to know or understand about the contributions of veterans working at Fort Donelson National Battlefield and Fort Donelson National Cemetery?

Maintaining the resting place preserves the history.

What else would you like to share with us?

In the words of one of my favorite President’s, Ronald Reagan “Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom for they have suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.”