DOWNRIVER, Mich. – The determined heart behind the Downriver For Veterans Go 4 It award recipient is founder Ann Walsh.
For the 69-year-old, the holiday season is the busiest time of the year.
But Ann, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is deeply committed to ensuring those who served their country have everything they need, from food to clothing to basic shelter, every day of the year.
Ann’s journey in the military began when she was just 17 years old. Born in England and raised in California, she faced an ultimatum.
“You gotta go in the military or go to jail,” said Ann, laughing about her rebellious teenage self. “So I said, ‘I’m going in the military!’”
That decision would define a life dedicated to service for Ann.
Decades later, Ann found herself working in a veterans court in Downriver and mentoring other veterans.
What she saw in her work was troubling.
“Veterans with no food, veterans with no clothes, veterans with no roof over their head,” Ann said. “I thought, ‘This is America? I am proud to be an American. Who dropped the ball on this?’”
At the age of 62, she decided to take action, leaving her job and founding Downriver for Veterans in 2017.
Since then, Ann and her small team have worked tirelessly, providing veterans and their families with whatever support they need: groceries, vehicles, funds for utilities, resources, and even home repairs like wheelchair ramps.
Despite the challenges, Ann continues her mission.
“They call me Mom,” Ann said. “And it’s so frustrating sometimes. They’ll say, ‘Mom, we’re gonna get our utility shut off in a couple of weeks.’ And I ask, ‘Why did you wait?’ They’ll say, ‘I didn’t want to ask. I thought we could find a way.’”
The demand for food, in particular, is constant. While Downriver for Veterans focuses on those who have served, Ann won’t turn away others in need.
“I would pray to God that if I were hungry, someone wouldn’t let me starve,” she said. “We’re gonna feed them. I’ll feed them forever. I will.”
Ann is there for veterans or families who need support.
“Just call Mom,” Ann said.
Click here for more information, or call Mom at 734-934-0532.
