Veteran’s journey from hardship to hope
Discover how a veteran’s resilience inspires community support and change through Boeing’s partnerships.
(Above left, center) Frank Lucas, a U.S. Air Force veteran, holds the U.S. flag during the national anthem at Lumen Field on Nov. 9. (Top right) Boeing and the Seattle Seahawks honored Compass Housing Alliance with the "Honoring Our Heroes" award, celebrating Lucas’s service and his work supporting fellow veterans. (©Seahawks photos)
Frank Lucas, a former jet engine mechanic who served in Iraq, now holds the U.S. flag at Lumen Field during a Seattle Seahawks game. Boeing and the Seattle Seahawks honored him and Compass Housing Alliance with the “Honoring Our Heroes” award on Nov. 9.
Why it matters: Lucas’s story is one of resilience and community support. Enlisting in the Air Force in 2004 at 21, he faced silent struggles after his honorable discharge in 2010, including homelessness. Twice, he found himself without a home, a stark contrast to his days in a war zone.
“I penalized myself by keeping it in,” Lucas reflects, highlighting the silent struggles many veterans face and the vital role of support networks for veterans.
Full circle: Today, Lucas works the night shift at Compass Housing Alliance’s Blaine Veterans Center, aiding veterans experiencing homelessness.
“Don’t be ashamed of who you are,” he advises. “Acknowledge, cope, and move forward.” He adds, “By working here and working with these veterans, I am helping myself as much as I am helping them.”
Community impact: Compass Housing Alliance serves thousands each year, providing shelter and support to veterans and others facing homelessness. Boeing, a longtime partner, recently awarded a $100,000 grant to expand programs for veterans like Lucas. The Seahawks also contribute through their Spirit of 12 nonprofit and Team of Champions initiatives.
Together, Boeing and the Seahawks strengthen Compass’s work, raising awareness and funding for lasting community impact.
Lucas’s journey is a powerful example of resilience. “I lost a lot during my transition, including most of my photos,” he said. “But I keep one picture of my Air Force team in my wallet. It reminds me of where I come from.”