25-03-2025
2025 Remarkable Women Nominee: Debby Dant
PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) — Debby Dant is dedicated to say the least, involved in multiple organizations, but her time giving back stems from her husband. He's a four-year Vietnam Veteran who made her realize the importance of fighting for our country.
'The veterans gave a lot to us, whether they only served a short time, whether they served four to six years, or were lifers. They all gave a portion of their lives to serve the country,' said Dant.
Dant has been a member of North Pekin's AMVETS for 40 years and has had a role in every corner of the organization. She does everything there, from organizing dinners to Easter egg hunts, to make sure veterans are seen.
She has found a way to recruit community members by hosting large events at the North Pekin AMVETS, like Trunk or Treat, or Veterans Day Luncheons. She has even collected Christmas presents and personal care items for homeless veterans. This last Christmas, she headed a project where she sent $1,000 worth of personal care items, snacks, and more to a local serviceman deployed to the Middle East to share with 40 others in his unit.
She has also spearheaded events at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, Illinois.
Dant was named the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary National Member of the Year back in her work with them didn't stop after that honor, particularly state-wide.
'I've been every officer in the auxiliary. But right now, I'm in like my 22nd/23rd year of secretary-treasurer,' said Dant.
Prior to that position, she held all state elected offices with the ladies auxiliary. In 2001, she was even the president.
For AMVETS riders, she's been the Secretary and Scholarship Chairman since it was created in 2008, and for the last several years, she's also held the position of Treasurer. She's also a location coordinator for Wreaths Across America at the Tazewell Area Veterans Cemetery and welcomes veterans home from every single honor flight that has landed at the Peoria International Airport, even volunteering as a guardian before.
As for self-care, as she doesn't seem to even have time for any, she still finds time for herself, but that time continues to find her giving back. Quilting is what gives her time to relax and rejuvenate.
'I'm involved with Patchwork Pals, which is our local quilting group,' said Dant. 'We do Quilts of Valor.'
Quilts of Valor are handmade quilts that are machine or hand quilted, awarded to a Service Member or Veteran touched by war.
'We can't feed them, clothe them, house them. You know, we can't take care of every life essential need, but we can give them support. [We can] let them know that there are still people here who care about them and care about what they need, what they'd like through the AMVETS,' said Dant.
Dant said she doesn't give back because it's something she has to do, but because it's a way of life for her.
For others looking to give back, she said, 'Just do it, you know, and find your niche. You can't be all things to all people, find what makes you happy first and then just build on that and find the organizations that promote what you like.'
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