For Sarah Lamascus, service isn’t something you turn on and off; it’s a thread that has quietly woven through every chapter of her life.
Today, Sarah serves as an Executive Assistant at Navy Federal Credit Union, supporting the Executive Vice President of Real Estate Lending from the organization’s Northern Virginia headquarters. But her connection to Hope For The Warriors runs much deeper than a volunteer sign-up sheet. It’s personal, professional, and deeply rooted in lived experience.
A Full-Circle Connection to HOPE
Sarah’s journey with Hope began in 2019, when she joined the organization as Executive Assistant to HOPE’s CEO and Founder, Robin Kelleher. Like so many who find their way to HOPE, she quickly fell in love with the mission, the people, and the impact being made every day for service members, veterans, and military families.
Then came COVID.
As uncertainty swept across the nonprofit sector, Sarah, like many, faced impossible decisions. With the full support of HOPE’s leadership, she made the difficult choice to step away and begin a new chapter at Navy Federal Credit Union.
But HOPE never left her heart.
Becoming a Champion at Navy Federal Credit Union
In 2024, Sarah spotted a familiar name during a Navy Federal volunteer activity: Hope For The Warriors. What started as a simple rock-painting project sparked something bigger. She stepped forward as Navy Federal’s Hope For The Warriors Champion, bringing teams together to deepen the partnership in meaningful ways.
The results have been remarkable:
“These events weren’t just about numbers,” Sarah shared. “They were about creating meaningful connections, spreading hope, and letting our service members know they are supported and appreciated.”
When Impact Becomes Personal
At recent volunteer activations, Navy Federal employees heard directly from veteran and HOPE Ambassador John Rose, who shared his deeply personal journey from loss and hardship to healing and hope.
“There were tears,” Sarah shared. “People weren’t just volunteering; they were feeling the impact. That’s when you know it matters.”
Employees began asking when the next HOPE event would be. Some stayed through multiple volunteer sessions just to hear the story again. Even Brittani Ivey, the EVP of Real Estate Lending/Executive Sponsor of HOPE volunteer activities at NFCU stayed for the entire event after planning to just stop by briefly. She was so moved by the experience, she didn’t want to leave.
A Pebble That Creates Ripples
When Sarah learned she was named Hope For The Warriors’ Volunteer of the Month, her reaction was pure humility.
“I don’t do this for recognition,” she said.
“When you give back, you’re bringing people together. You’re dropping a pebble into still water, and the ripples go farther than you’ll ever see.”
Through her leadership, advocacy, and heart for service, Sarah Lamascus has done exactly that. Creating ripples of hope that extend from corporate campuses to airport lounges, and ultimately, to the service members and families who need it most.
And those ripples? They’re still spreading.
Get Involved
You can help continue the ripple effect! Volunteer, donate, or partner with Hope For The Warriors to make a difference in the lives of service members, veterans, and military families. Every act of support, big or small, creates a lasting impact.
