Change, Growth, and the Power of Community Partnership

Change is a funny thing. It’s generally inevitable, but not always well-received. Change can appear to be negative or positive, depending upon how you view, want to view, or react to the change. Change can also be initiated, and with a positive effort and outlook, those changes can be inspiring. They can initiate growth and foster new relationships. For me, that is the beauty behind the evolution of this organization and my journey as a member.

In 2022, the founding members of Ohio Western Reserve Ladies embarked on their journey to make positive changes for Veterans, their families, and their communities, and what an amazing journey it has been. For many of the founding members, their change started with loss, but despite their grief, they saw an opportunity to find ways to positively impact Veterans and their families. Starting with the initiative to ensure that no Veteran is buried alone, their mission advanced into Veteran support, education, community support, and partnerships. They reached out to the community and found volunteers who shared their vision, and in 2025, my retirement trajectory was changed by a chance meeting with members of this wonderful organization.

One year ago, I attended the flag placement for Memorial Day at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery and met three wonderful members of Ohio Western Reserve Ladies. With their encouragement, I decided to become a member. From that point on, I have personally experienced change and growth and participated in the change and growth of the organization. Without previous involvement in a volunteer organization, I have learned so much from the leaders and members of this organization. The strength, dedication, and commitment of these women have been enormously impactful, challenging me to take an active role on our Salute Team and accept a role as Volunteer Coordinator to assist with event scheduling, organize and participate in Veteran and community events, and delve into beneficial programs and software.

Now I have been asked to take on a new role as Vice President, and I hope that I can rise to the task. Witnessing the growth of our board members, officers, and members as they accept new roles and challenges, and experiencing the camaraderie between members, is a testament to our growth as we are now the largest organization of its kind in the nation. While we as members are proud of this successful growth, we know that the community partnerships that have been built are also a driving force behind our success.

The internal relationships of our leaders and members extend to our community partners, and there are so many of them! The leaders and staff at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Eagles Posts, Veterans Affairs offices and staff, Veterans Service Organizations, and numerous Rolling Thunder chapters, just to name a few. We have also engaged in events with Purple Star schools, including Medina County Career Center and Rittman School District.

The leadership team has diligently gained knowledge of the Veteran community and its needs and engages with a multitude of partners to ensure active participation in, and support of, the Veteran community. As they secure those partnerships, our members are also provided opportunities to participate in and support those organizations and their causes. The ripple effect is tremendous, and partner leaders and members form common bonds and lasting relationships.

For me personally, the bonds I have formed with Honor Guards who attend burial services have been deeply enriching, and I have the sincerest respect for their service and dedication. As I continue to attend events, I not only witness the true dedication of the organizers and their volunteers, but also appreciate the relationships formed with these partners and hope that our members continue to have these opportunities.

As 2026 progresses, I look forward to my new role with Ohio Western Reserve Ladies and welcome the challenges of change to come, positive personal and organizational growth, and the building of current and new partnerships. I am truly honored to be a part of this journey.

As we continue to grow as an organization, we are reminded that meaningful change does not happen by standing still. It happens when people choose to raise their hand, step into service, and become part of something larger than themselves. As we approach Memorial Day, we encourage our community to not only remember those who served, but to honor them through action. Attend a ceremony. Thank a Veteran. Volunteer your time. Support active military families. Continue the work of preserving the stories and values that built our nation.

Ohio Western Reserve Ladies continues to grow because people choose service over comfort and action over hesitation. If our mission of No Veteran Buried Alone speaks to your heart, we invite you to join us. Together, we can continue building a community where no Veteran is forgotten and where service continues long after the uniform comes off.

Learn more, volunteer, or support our mission today.

#NoVeteranBuriedAlone #OhioWesternReserveLadies #OWRL #MemorialDay #VeteranSupport #ServeThoseWhoServed #CommunityInAction #HonorAndRemember #MilitaryCommunity #LeadershipThroughService #NeverForget #StrongerTogether

Barb Basler is the Newly Seated VP of OWRL. She started as a Volunteer Coordinator and Salute Team Member. She also tirelessly volunteers in the Administration Building. She can be found most days helping OWRL stay organized and helping veterans. We are forever grateful for her time and dedication to OWRL.