Who is Debbie Rambis

Debbie never pretends to be perfect nor does she hold her family to a "picture-perfect" standard. Life is messy but can be fun. 

Every family has their own set of unique challenges and imperfections. 

According to Debbie, "No one is perfect, irregardless of how portrayed in pictures."

I want all to understand who I am. This is a story that speaks to the power of determination, perseverance, and the impact of one. The impact each of us can have when we choose to make a difference in the lives of others.

My true life’s journey began not so many years ago. It started when my world turned upside down. You see, I have a “before” and “after” in my life.

First a little of my “before” life. I grew up in a typical Midwest community with neighbors looking out for neighbors, with a childhood curfew of returning home before dark, and having family dinners together around the kitchen table. As a family, we all worked together, whether it be planting crops, working in the garden, or taking care of things around the house.

My parents both worked outside of the home in factories. Our babysitter was our grandmother. Sunday mornings were spent in church with Sunday afternoons with our extended family for dinner and games at our grandparents house. I did well in school, participated in Girl Scouts, took piano lessons, and attended church and 4H camps during the summers. I learned to drive on a tractor, followed by a farm truck. I attended high school with my future husband, attending proms together. He was an athlete while I was a cheerleader.

We went to college together, married, then started to explore the world complements of the U.S. Army. We soon went from the two of us to a family of five. Our small family unit was dependent on each other as we lived far from family support while we lived throughout the country and around the world. Our careers flourished, with his as a military officer and mine as a public servant. We were the postcard of families until we were not.

I still remember that fateful day when our lives took an unexpected turn, marking the beginning of my "after" life. It was a workday that found me thousands of miles from home. I was working out of state and had ended my day. I just returned back to the hotel where I was staying.  As I stepped through the door, my phone rang. I saw it was my hubby. I was anxious to tell him about my day. But there was a silence on the phone.  

The silence was broken when my hubby said, “Tony is gone.” Our lives were forever changed. It was the start of my “after” life. 

I know my story is not unique, and my struggles are not exclusive to me. There are countless stories others have who face adversity every day.  But, I want to share my journey, to show how one can make a difference in the lives of others around them. In an instant, our world turned upside down. Our youngest son had drowned at home in our pool. There would be countless, sleepless nights. There was inexplicable pain, a hollowness in my being, and an emptiness that would never be filled.

Months later, I found solace in conversations with other families who suffered the unimaginable. We shared our fears, our shattered dreams, and borrowed one another’s hope for a tomorrow worth living.  It was in those moments that I realized the power of community and the importance of standing together. I realized what was and was not important. I found strength and resilience that had been hidden. I began to face each day with determination, fighting not only to find my own voice but to also have a voice for others. I was and am on a crusade to make a difference in the lives of others.

I volunteered to feed those in need, I volunteered for Hospice. I founded a nonprofit. I formed a grief group for parents who lost children. I did all of this in multiple states. And this is why I always step in and step up. I want to be a voice for good, a champion for the community, and a force for positive change. I know by stepping into this role, I WILL make a difference not only in the lives of individuals and families but in the overall well-being of our community.

Running for the HOA board was not a decision taken lightly. It meant becoming vulnerable again, having just been defeated in the primary for District 3 County Commissioner.  I know it means charging ahead, not at some part-time pace, but at 110% full steam ahead as I always do.

Today, I can say, I am grateful for the journey that brought me here. The hardships we faced as a family have shaped me into a resilient individual. I carry the lessons learned from the death of my child with me every day, reminding me of the strength that lies within each of us. I want you to know that I am here to listen, to understand, and to be a voice for you. Together, we can build a community that supports one another and that creates a better life for ALL OF US!!!

 Debbie met the love of her life when only in 8th grade. She knows she is lucky to have found her soul mate as early as she did.

She and Mark have been continuously committed to each other, working through challenges and serving as an inspiration to others. Debbie stated, "It is hard work and only accomplished through commitment to and support from community." They have engaged in volunteer work such as serving as Hospice Volunteers, Veteran Story Volunteers, Bereaved Parent Volunteers, Salvation Army Volunteers and many others. 

Debbie demonstrated her passion to helping others when she retired from her 32-year long government career (taking a pay-cut in the tens of thousands of dollars) in order to serve as the Executive Director of a nationwide nonprofit serving the needs of parents who have lost a child.

The years of shared experiences, wisdom, and resources accumulated make both Debbie and Mark valuable assets to our community.  They have the values and goals to make everyday better than the last and to always help others in any way possible.

Debbie is extremely proud of her husband's 23 year military career. She will be the first to tell you that it is not easy being a military spouse.

 Military life involves frequent moves, deployments, and separations. It is emotionally challenging for the service member and their family. Debbie flourished by always being flexible,  adaptable, and supportive.

Debbie's firsthand experiences in challenges and sacrifices aids her in understanding the issues and concerns faced by veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. Her engagement in numerous community activities and supporting networks of families provides a deep understanding of community needs such as access to quality education, affordable housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

These experiences and her education bolster her ability to understand and empathize with the struggles of a diverse community.

Debbie's significant, career-long contributions were recognized by the Field Artillery Commander by awarding her the prestigious Order of Molly pitcher 

As a military spouse, Debbie volunteered while raising a family and working. She oversaw that military families of deployed service members were safe in their homes, had plenty of foods, and didn't spent the holidays alone. Service members without family nearby were always welcomed into her home over the holidays.