Getting to know our Sites: Soldiers’ Angels, Dallas, Texas
February 10, 2026
Featuring Area Director, Thomas Straley
Dallas–Fort Worth is home to one of the largest veteran populations in Texas, and Soldiers’ Angels Dallas is meeting that community with connection, compassion, and hands-on support. In this edition of Getting to Know Our Sites, we sat down with Thom Straley, Area Director for Soldiers’ Angels Dallas, to learn what makes this site unique, how volunteers can get involved, and why in-person service remains at the heart of the mission.
Meet the Leader: Thom Straley
Thom Straley has served as the Area Director for Soldiers’ Angels Dallas for two years, but his commitment to Veterans spans more than 15 years of nonprofit service. After ten years in the U.S. Army, serving in artillery, and time spent in the corporate world, Thom felt drawn back to purpose-driven work that allowed him to continue serving the military-connected community.
“What I missed most from the military was meaning,” Thom shared. “Soldiers’ Angels supports the entire veteran community, not just one group, and that’s what drew me in.”
Today, Thom serves as the only paid staff member supporting Soldiers’ Angels across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. He works alongside a dedicated volunteer force to bring comfort, community, and care to Veterans and their families.
What Makes Soldiers’ Angels Dallas Unique
Unlike many Soldiers’ Angels sites, Dallas does not have a large active-duty military presence. The majority of individuals served are Veterans who have chosen to settle in North Texas after completing their service.
“That camaraderie doesn’t just disappear when someone takes off the uniform,” Thom explained. “Our Veterans want community, connection, and a way to give back.”
Dallas programming focuses on creating spaces where Veterans can reconnect with one another. These consistent, in-person events also strengthen ties to the broader community.
Programs Making the Biggest Impact
Monthly Food Distribution
The largest point of impact for Soldiers’ Angels Dallas is its monthly food distribution, held on the second Friday of each month near the Dallas VA campus. Each distribution serves approximately 200 Veterans with the support of nearly 50 volunteers, providing nutritious food, stability, and dignity.
Fisher House Support
In addition, Soldiers’ Angels Dallas supports families staying at the Fisher House while their loved ones receive medical care at the VA. Volunteers provide hot meals and, just as importantly, offer conversation and companionship after long, emotionally exhausting days.
“What they really need isn’t just food,” Thom shared. “They need someone to talk to who isn’t using medical terminology.”
VA Coffee Cart
Through the VA Coffee Cart program, volunteers meet Veterans where they are—offering coffee, pastries, and space for conversation. These informal moments often open the door to powerful storytelling and peer connection, with Veterans sharing experiences that span generations, from World War II to more recent conflicts.
Community Living Center Events
For Veterans living in the VA’s Community Living Center—many of whom are far from family—Soldiers’ Angels Dallas hosts monthly events focused on joy, creativity, and human connection. Activities have included barbecues, garden parties, Easter egg projects for local children, and upcoming Super Bowl tailgates.
“Loneliness can be one of the hardest parts,” Thom said. “Showing up matters.”
How to Get Involved as a Volunteer
Getting started is simple:
- Visit soldiersangels.org
- Sign up as an Angel
- Select in-person volunteering and choose Dallas as your site
Once signed up, volunteers receive updates on upcoming opportunities—often one to two months in advance—via SignUpGenius. Activities are designed to be welcoming, flexible, and meaningful for individuals, families, and groups.
“We’ve had college organizations, families, and even volunteers who plan their vacations around our events,” Thom shared. “Once you come out once, you usually come back.”
Ongoing Needs & Challenges
Volunteer support is needed year-round, not just during Military Appreciation Month or the holidays. Because Soldiers’ Angels Dallas relies heavily on volunteers, last-minute cancellations and inconsistent attendance can create real operational challenges for a small team.
Despite these challenges, Thom remains optimistic and energized by the community’s commitment and the visible impact at the end of every event.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dallas
One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the expansion of Dallas’s food program. In addition to monthly food distributions, Soldiers’ Angels Dallas is preparing to establish a food pantry at its office, allowing Veterans to access additional support throughout the month.
“This will allow us to serve more Veterans, more often,” Thom explained. “And it creates even more opportunities for volunteers to connect directly with those we serve.”
Final Thoughts from Thom
“If you’re on the fence about volunteering, just try one event,” Thom shared. “It will absolutely make your day. The work is meaningful, enjoyable, and you’ll walk away knowing you made a real difference.”
Thom believes what truly sets Soldiers’ Angels apart is the organization’s ability to provide direct, in-person engagement inside VA facilities—allowing volunteers to see firsthand where their time, energy, and support are making an impact.
Ready to get involved with Soldiers’ Angels Dallas? Click here and take the first step toward making a difference—one conversation, one meal, and one moment at a time.
About the Author
Cody Mackall is a U.S. Army Veteran with experience in leadership and community outreach, focused on supporting Service Members and Veterans. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree at Texas A&M University.
