Doers Profiles – Meet Some of our Dedicated Volunteers

Our volunteer profiles are written by Leon Rubis (pictured at right), a retired journalist and editor who started volunteering with us in 2021. A long-time DIYer, Leon says, “I thought I knew a lot, but I’ve learned so much more from working alongside our experienced teams. Every project feels like an episode of This Old House.”

In addition to making repairs and modifications with us as part of the RT Express program, Leon is now using his writing skills to spotlight the amazing people who make our work possible.

Leon coined the name “Doers Profiles” as a playful nod to the iconic Dewar’s Profiles ads of the 1980’s. We’ll be highlighting our volunteers by sharing their answers to a curated list of 14 questions—ranging from favorite learning moments to biggest blunder on a personal project as well as their hobbies or other volunteer work. Leon gathers these insights to help us get to know the dedicated individuals who make our mission possible.

 

 

 

Scott Campbell

Career: Retired Army officer and diplomat. Field artillery for 10 years, then development and testing of cannon systems for 18 years. Lots of fun to blow stuff up!

How I learned about home repair: As a teenager I helped my dad convert row homes into apartments, so I learned basic carpentry, electrical and plumbing from him.

Most significant home project: I added a 2,000-square-foot deck at the back of my house.

Biggest blunder on my own project: Not securing a ladder. I once fell one floor when my ladder slipped. Got knocked out and a concussion.

Other volunteer work: Volunteer ski patroller and instructor 1991-2019. I still teach avalanche rescue training for the Ski Patrol, and serve on boards of autism non-profits.

 

 

Patricia Hupalo

Career: College administrator at George Mason University.

Other volunteer work: Services for senior citizens at Arlington Neighborhood Village and garden maintenance and harvesting for Arlington Food Assistance Center.

Tips for do-it-yourselfers: Have the right tool. Be patient as jobs always take longer than you expect. Use online tutorials.

Advice for would-be RT-AFF volunteers: Volunteering can be whenever your schedule permits. It’s a great way to pick up new skills and work with some great people.

 

 

 

 

Chris Loda

Career: Retired union electrician with master’s license. Was part owner of a small electrical contracting business.

Personal highlights: Raising a family and putting all four children through college debt-free.

Most significant home project: I put a second story on my house. The most challenging part was installing stair railings.

Most impactful RT-AFF job: Enlarging a bathroom for two children using wheelchairs. We made a great impact on their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin Bruestle

Career: Satellite communications engineer.

Personal highlights: I biked across America and earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Most significant home project: Building a screened-in porch with skylights, ceiling fan and music speakers.

Other volunteer work: I volunteer at the National Air and Space Museum’s Astronomy Department.

 

 

 

 

 

Dan Feighery

Career: U.S. Air Force officer 1961-88. As a B-52 bomber pilot, completed about 400 combat missions over Vietnam. I was also a flight instructor and director for Strategic Air Command’s flight training.

Favorite tool: I’m a volunteer photographer for RT-AFF. My only tool is my Canon 1Dx camera.

Other volunteer work: I taught photography at the Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University. In September 2025, I’ll be the official photographer for some events in the Senior Olympics.

 

 

 

John Maher

Career: U.S. Foreign Service Officer for 32 years. I served in Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Armenia and Washington, D.C. I learned Chinese and Japanese, as well as some Korean and Armenian.

Repair skill most proud of learning: Installing grab bars on tiled showers so I could do it for my parents.

Biggest blunder on a personal project: Almost cutting off an index finger with an electric hedge trimmer. A hand surgeon was able to save the finger.

Most impactful RT-AFF job: Installing air conditioners for low-income residents in metal trailers during a heat wave.