From Iconic Images to Rippling Community Impact

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree David Valdez. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

David Valdez, former White House photographer for President George H.W. Bush, has spent a lifetime capturing moments through the lens… but his most inspiring work is done off camera. After years of documenting the daily life of a presidency, Valdez transitioned his focus to community service, dedicating his time, talent and treasure to a multitude of causes. From serving as the vice president of the Williamson Museum board to championing the arts as chair of Georgetown Arts & Culture Board, his impact is broad, empowering youth, honoring military families and preserving history across Texas. His diverse commitments, which often consume over 20 hours a week, are driven by a powerful inspiration: the spirit of service he witnessed working alongside President Bush for nine years.

A true believer in the power of art for connection and healing, Valdez founded the Texas Photography Festival, which last year inspired over 1,200 photographers. He currently mentors and educates aspiring artists through the festival and his work with the Williamson Museum. Additionally, he volunteers his photography and sponsorship for ROCK Ride On Center for Kids, an organization that provides therapeutic horse training for children and veterans with disabilities. His commitment to the arts has not only opened the Georgetown Art Center but also launched the South Main Arts Festival, providing a showcase for local creatives. Valdez’s dedication to service stretches back over four decades with Habitat for Humanity, and every Monday, he can be found washing dishes at Crestview Baptist Church, helping to feed 650 Southwestern University students for free.

More than just a photographer known for his iconic images of President George H.W. Bush, David Valdez is a mentor, public servant, educator, and advocate for beauty and healing through art. Whether preserving history at the museum, feeding students or using the lens to inspire the next generation, Valdez continues to capture and create moments of hope and connection in every community he touches.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

I’m kind of a lifelong volunteer and my work is wide-ranging. Currently, one of my most active roles is at my church, where four other guys and I serve as dishwashers for over 600 students from Southwest University every Monday morning for an event we call “chunch” (church and lunch). I often utilize my photography skills with volunteer roles, which I’ve had since I was 18. My photography has been 90% of my volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity Williamson County, a commitment that has taken me to Africa and Canada. My past work includes eight years with my photo office at the Walt Disney Company partnering with Give Kids the World, where I served meals, bused tables and worked the ice cream truck for children visiting from all over the world.

More recently, I finished a term as chairman of the Georgetown Arts and Culture Board, a volunteer position where we created the Georgetown Art Center, started an art festival and brought muralists and sculptures to the town. I’m also the vice president of the Williamson Museum.

Currently, a very exciting role is with ROCK (Ride On Center for Kids), a therapeutic horseback riding facility for children with disabilities and soldiers with PTSD. I mentor their marketing person in photography, and they use my photos for everything from murals to mailing lists. I’ve even “adopted” a horse named Sneakers. Finally, I founded the Texas Photography Festival, where I mentor younger and older photographers. I don’t do just one thing; I juggle multiple organizations, inspired by my years with President Bush.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I’m inspired by the people with disabilities I work with, and by watching the positive effect I have on the lives of the people I’ve mentored.

Why are these issues so important to you?

It’s fun for me to be able to get involved and pay it forward to people. My desire to help is heavily influenced by my time working with President Bush. I was with him the very first time he publicly talked about Points of Light, and I saw firsthand how he treated other people and always gave credit to someone else. This example helped build my approach to service. I like to get involved however I can; sometimes, juggling all my commitments feels like a full-time job, but I enjoy being a part of it.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

What truly motivates me is seeing the success of other people. I don’t personally need recognition; I prefer to see others get credit for the things I may have helped them accomplish. For instance, when the state of Texas recognized me as trustee of the year recently, I was totally surprised, because I don’t do what I do for awards. I do it simply to help people with their careers or their lives in general.

I believe in giving credit to the other guy and saying thank you. It’s the simple things, like engaging with someone or dropping them a little note, that go a long way. Throughout my career, including my time as the President’s photographer—I was the fifth of only 13 in that role in U.S. history—I’ve been fortunate enough to help a lot of people move forward, and seeing their success is my greatest reward.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I’ve learned that when you volunteer, you’re often interacting with people you don’t know, so it’s essential to treat everybody with respect and to be kind. It’s the simple principle of “do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.” I believe in being an example without being boastful, bullying or seeking attention, like saying, “Look at me and how great I am.” I’ve always preferred to give credit to the other guy, especially since I’ve been so blessed in my life and career. For example, regarding a book currently being written about my life, and a film adaptation that has been discussed, I plan to donate any profits that come from those projects. I don’t need the money, but I know a lot of organizations that could greatly benefit from that financial gain.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

It’s important for people to get involved because they can literally witness lives being changed, which is incredibly inspiring. When you see the work at ROCK, you understand the impact. I recall a young girl born with Down syndrome who started riding horses there when she was only two years old. Due to her condition, she lacked muscle control and doctors doubted she would live more than a few months. However, 15 years later, she’s still riding at ROCK, and her doctors noted she developed unusually good muscle control. She is a true inspiration.

This kind of progress is deeply important to me because I believe in helping people with disadvantages move forward. This stems from my time at the White House, where I saw President George H.W. Bush sign the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law. Seeing him sign that bill, knowing it would change lives by mandating handicapped-accessible buildings, curb cutouts and parking spots, gave me a soft spot in my heart for this cause.

When you get involved, you are directly contributing to that kind of life-altering change. We can see the results in people like a woman at ROCK—now in her 40s—who, having started there as a child, has been recognized by the state as a top advocate for people with disabilities in Texas. Witnessing these individuals overcome obstacles and thrive makes it clear why giving your time and effort is so necessary.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

My advice is simple: Go for it! Don’t let fear or the thought that you don’t have enough to offer stop you. The truth is, all of us have something to give, and we can all help others. You’ll find that you get far more rewards coming back your way than you ever put in. It’s an incredibly fulfilling experience. You might think it’s too difficult or too exhausting, but those feelings quickly pass once you see the impact of your actions. For example, when I finish washing dishes for 600 students—carrying around those big, hot pots and pans—I’m often exhausted, but the feeling of accomplishment and connection is always really rewarding. I’m blessed that, even at my advanced age, I can still get out there and contribute.

In some cases, your actions can speak louder than any words. Regarding my service at the church, for instance, there is zero religious aspect to the lunch program, yet many students have been so moved by the community and the kindness they experienced that they’ve chosen to get baptized later on, without anyone ever pressuring them. They simply saw the positive example and were inspired. Just by showing up and doing the work, you’re offering a meaningful contribution.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like David? Find local volunteer opportunities.