Honoring Service and Sacrifice: Walter Collins
This week, we proudly feature Walt “Uncle Walt” Collins, a Northeast Ohio Veteran and tireless advocate for the veteran community. Walt’s work focuses on a critical but often overlooked issue: the invisible wounds of war, including mental health challenges such as PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. As a veteran himself, Walt understands the silent struggles many service members face after returning from duty.
Walt’s advocacy extends beyond words, with tangible efforts like his collaboration with Rid-All Green Partnership, an urban farming and sustainability project in Cleveland. Through this partnership, Walt helps provide veterans with opportunities to engage in therapeutic, community-driven activities that promote healing and personal growth. The farm not only serves as a place for veterans to reconnect with nature but also as a space where they can find a sense of purpose and belonging as they transition back to civilian life.
Affectionately known as “Uncle Walt,” he is also a regular presence at the Cleveland Veterans Collaborative meeting, held weekly at Rid-All, where he connects with fellow veterans and community leaders to address the ongoing needs of the local veteran population. His active participation in these discussions ensures that veterans’ voices are heard and that real solutions are pursued to tackle the challenges they face.
Walt is also spearheading the development of the Walter Collins Housing and Service Facility, a project currently in progress. This facility will eventually provide veterans in need with stable housing and access to crucial resources, including counseling, job training, and healthcare services.
Walt Collins’ work, from his advocacy for invisible war wounds to his leadership in developing vital support networks, serves as a beacon of hope for veterans across Northeast Ohio. His efforts remind us that true service to veterans goes beyond mere recognition—it requires community engagement and sustained care.
Thank you for your service, Walt!
About Faces of Service
NEOPAT’s Faces of Service series highlights the stories of Northeast Ohio’s military heroes—those who have served our nation with pride and continue to make an impact in their communities.
To nominate a veteran or military family for a future spotlight, visit www.neopat.org/faces-of-service.
