2024 TOFSA Awardee
MILA SHULL
A LIFE OF ADVENTURE AND SERVICE
Mila Shull is an adventurous and compassionate woman whose life journey has taken her across the globe. Starting her career as an Insurance and Claims Specialist at AAFES/VRE in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, she showed her dedication to others by volunteering to accompany Vietnamese orphans on a flight to Clark. Tragically, the C-130 she was supposed to be on crashed, claiming many lives, including her neighbor’s family. Mila narrowly missed this flight due to work commitments, a moment that would shape her perspective on life.
Her next chapter took her to Tehran, Iran, where she served as a System Analyst for Bell Helicopter International until she was evacuated to Germany after the Shah's exile. Later, in Manila, Philippines, she partnered with Buena Romualdez to establish the Betsy Pub & Restaurant, a 5-star operation that thrived until political upheaval forced its closure. This marked her third evacuation linked to the Marcos family.
Mila moved to Hershey, PA, where she founded ASI (Asian Services, Inc.) while working for the Milton Hershey Resort Corp. She became the first Asian/Filipino to hold an executive position in the Food & Beverage Department. Her journey continued in South Korea, where she embraced military life as an active volunteer and board member at Taegu American School, dedicating countless hours to community service.
Upon relocating to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, she immersed herself in volunteerism, serving as Vice President of the United Filipino Association. Mila successfully organized events like the first Santa Cruzan, raising significant funds for charitable causes. Through her business, Laguna Café, she provided free meals to military personnel and organized efforts to feed the homeless, especially during the pandemic.
Her philanthropic work extended to the Philippines, where she initiated projects like Jolibee dinners for children and provided essentials to the needy. Back in Texas, she contributed to the Institute of Texan Culture's Philippine Arts and Culture exhibition, a monumental success that showcased the richness of her heritage.
Mila's commitment to service continued at the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, ensuring that no child went to class hungry while overseeing cafeteria operations. Her diverse career also includes roles in hospitality and dietary management in medical and retirement facilities.
A highlight of her life was meeting world leaders, including Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, and Yitzhak Rabin, during her father-in-law's Nobel Prize award ceremony in 1994. These experiences have left an indelible mark on her journey, reflecting her belief in the power of connection and service.
Mila Shull's life is a testament to resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.