“Start each day with a grateful heart.” That is what Deb Waltz lives by each and every day. Deb worked for 30 years with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, serving Ohio’s farmers and veterinarians, and retired from public service in 2000. Deb now spends a lot of her time volunteering for Blue Star Mothers (aka Buckeye Military Moms), Central Ohio Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, and with the Grandview Civic Welfare Club.
Buckeye Military Moms is an organization with volunteers who are mothers that have sons and/or daughters who are currently serving, or have served in any branch of the U.S. Military. Deb has been with Buckeye Military Moms since 2009 and they’ve sent countless care packages to troops overseas. In addition to sending care packages to deployed service members, they send letters to members of the Armed Forces and sponsor events supporting veterans and honoring Gold Star Mothers and families. “It is a simple gesture – ‘Thank you for your service.’ I encourage everyone when encountering a service member to say it. I found this group of mothers eight years ago and am inspired by the strength of its members every day. As long as there are troops serving overseas, our mission remains to support them with ‘We Care’ packages. Sending care packages to our troops continues to be our mission. From thank you messages we receive, it is evident they are appreciative of our efforts.”
Deb is also a committee chairperson for Operation Stand Down, which is an annual Columbus event to help homeless veterans in Central Ohio have boots, clothes, food and access to all programs and benefits available to them. The event had been held at Veteran’s Memorial in the past but has now moved to the Convention Center. Deb, along with Buckeye Military Moms, reached out to Rocky Boots four years ago and have partnered with them to provide new boots for the veterans. Just last year Rocky Boots donated 600 pairs of boots and Operation Stand Down provided support to over 500 homeless veterans.
Deb says that she has a lot of support from her husband Sam and could not do all of this without him. She also has a strong support system in the members of Buckeye Military Moms who work tirelessly. “I am always inspired by volunteers when they do what moves them. Follow your bliss.”
Deb would like to tell others to “be kind, work hard, stay humble, smile often, keep honest, stay loyal, travel when possible, never stop learning, and be thankful always.”
To find out more about Buckeye Military Moms and Operation Stand Down, please visit: www.buckeyemilitarymoms.org and www.centralohiostanddown.org