Debi Rankin

Thanks to husband Bob’s stories, Debi Rankin knows exactly how bad a childhood without parents can be. And that’s why she has been such a committed supporter for the past 20 years.

Bob was raised in “welfare” homes in upstate New York – at a time when orphaned and abandoned children were frequently abused. He himself was used as slave labor on numerous farms before joining the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

When Debi visited the VFW National Home for Children, she was amazed at the contrast between Bob’s experience and that of our kids. “Listening to his stories, and then seeing what a caring place the Home is, just warms my heart,” Debi says, continuing, “The Home is such a loving, stable environment for the families. Mental health services are provided to the families that are in need. The moms or dads are given the opportunity to regain their footing and stability. They can attend school to better care for their families.”

Best of all, she says, is “that no matter where you are in our country – you can get to the home and find solace and a time to heal.”

Debi is a natural leader who devotes all her free time and resources to veteran’s causes. A native of Apache Junction, AZ, she is very active in VFW Auxiliary #9399. In fact, Debi is a past Grand President of the MOCA (spell out), and a past Department President in Arizona. This year, she is running for the National 15th Council representing AZ and New Mexico.

Fortunately for us, Debi is just as committed to the National Home, which she calls “the best kept secret of the

VFW!” A donor for 20 years, she has been a monthly recurring donor since 2006, and is a member of our 5 Points Family. And she hopes to become even more active, by running for National Home Board Membership, “if I can ever retire.”

Good luck with that quest, Debi! And thanks for choosing to support the VFW National Home for Children!