When you think about volunteering, you might picture helping at a food pantry or cleaning up a park. For Findlay District Line Coordinator Elijah Cunningham, it looks and sounds a little different.
“I started singing around age 8 in musicals,” Elijah said. “By 14, I started taking it more seriously.” He’s turned that passion into a way of giving back, one that brings people to their feet.
Making A Difference
Elijah’s volunteering helps honor veterans in a moment they will never forget. That kind of impact sticks.
For the past four years, he’s sung the national anthem for Flag City Honor Flight. The program sends veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor.
For many of those veterans, it’s an emotional, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Elijah gets to be part of that moment.
Busy, But Giving Back Anyway
Elijah’s schedule doesn’t slow down there.
He also serves as president of Gleaner Arbor No. 461, part of Gleaner Life, a nonprofit that helps members give back to their communities. Through local “arbors,” members plan volunteer projects and support causes close to home.
On top of that, Elijah coaches Upward Basketball and volunteers as a youth group leader at his church, mentoring young people and helping them grow.
Elijah’s story is a reminder that giving back doesn’t have to look one way. Whether it’s lending a hand, coaching a team or singing from the heart, it all comes down to showing up. Sometimes, the loudest “thank you” is a song.
“Giving my time creates a strong sense of meaning and identity. I get to support local resources that my loved ones use,” Elijah said.
Want to See It for Yourself?
If you’re in northwest Ohio, you can catch Elijah in action. He’s been invited to sing the national anthem at Grand Aire in Swanton on Sept. 15. Take a listen to his powerful voice at a recent honor flight:
God bless America! God bless you, Elijah!
GREAT JOB!! nice to hear someone being PROUD of his COUNTRY!!
Way to go Eli! You are a special man of God to share so many talents with so many! God bless you in all of your volunteer work! So glad to know you and your wife!
Thank you Elijah ….. WELL DONE …… beautiful voice!!!!! God Bless you!!!
God Bless America! And God Bless you Elijah for being so dedicated to your community and singing the National Anthem so beautifully. I know those Veterans appreciated your support and your beautiful voice. That song you sang for the Veterans will forever be remembered.
Elijah, Great job! You sang it just the way it should be sung, with great respect. Hats off to you and keep the singing going.
A talented lineman🤗!
AMAZING voice, AMAZING young man. Thank you for your service to our veterans and community.
Our son-in-law. We could not be prouder. As a veteran I will be going on the September Honor Flight. Looking forward to the return reception and hearing Eli sing. Thanks for all you do.
Edd & Suzie Van Horn
Thank you for the comment and thank you for your service, Edd! Eli’s voice is absolutely beautiful, and we’re honored to be able to share just a small part of his story. We hope your Honor Flight coming up is safe and memorable.
Tried to “listen” and get “sign in to confirm you’re not a bot”. Well, that’s stupid. Can’t sign into a sight with no “sign in button”.
Next time you decide to share, at least do so correctly so all of us “NON-BOTS” can view the event.
Hi Julie. We’re sorry to hear you had issues trying to view the video. It sounds like YouTube was asking you to sign in and that’s not something AEP Ohio has any control over. The video is set to be viewable by anyone. We hope you’re able to figure it out so you can listen. His voice is truly beautiful!
I love you Eli great job!!!