Deb Martinez-Garibay is an Army Reservist with a passion for helping Veterans.
Deb shares additional information and background on just a few of the projects with which she is involved. She emphasized that no matter the program, they all need volunteers and support in the form or monetary or in-kind contributions.
Team RWB seeks to enrich the lives of America’s Veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. They have chapters in 87 communities around the globe. Activities range from team sports to marathons or cultural events. This program is a great way for civilians to get to engage in helping Veterans and also getting to know their stories and challenges.
PGA Hope (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere)
Sponsored by the Professional Golfers Association, the HOPE program provides Veterans with FREE golf instruction taught by local PGA Professionals. The year round program is designed to enhance rehabilitation and assimilation back into civilian society. The local group even has a special wheel chair built for a disabled Veteran that allows him to golf!
Arizona Veterans Stand Down Alliance
A Stand Down is community-based event where organizations come together to provide annual, one to three day events that bring together the State’s homeless and at-risk military veterans, connecting them with services ranging from: VA HealthCare, Mental Health Services, Clothing, Meals, Emergency Shelter, Transitional and Permanent Housing, ID/ Drivers License’s, Court Services and Legal Aide, Showers and Haircuts and myriad other services and resources.
We wrap the show with Deb sharing some of the personal challenges she has faced after becoming disabled during here military service. Her experiences have inspired her to become even more active in programs that are helping Veterans who may not have the kind of family support network that she has.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:26 — 7.9MB)