For those who have served in the military, the commitment to serving others doesn't end when they remove the uniform. The values instilled through military service – integrity, teamwork, discipline, adaptability, and a sense of responsibility to something greater than oneself – often carry into the next chapter of life.
At the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), three employees have found a meaningful way to continue that commitment. Although their military experiences and career paths differ, they share a common purpose: making a positive difference in the lives of others and by helping individuals and families find stability through safe, secure places to call home.
Different Missions, Same Purpose
OHFA's Residential Business Development Section chief, Tom Walker believes the lessons learned in uniform remain relevant every day. Having served in the United States Marine Corps from 1976 to 1979, he sees the connection between military service and public service clearly.
"My time in the military shaped the way I view service, responsibility, and community," Tom shared. "Wearing the uniform taught me that service isn't just about big, dramatic moments, it's about consistently showing up, doing the work, and supporting the people around you."
That philosophy translates into his work at OHFA.
"At OHFA, the mission is different, but the purpose feels very similar. In the military, my focus was protecting and supporting others. Here, it's about helping Ohioans find stability and opportunities through affordable housing. Both roles require integrity, commitment, and a willingness to put the needs of others before your own."
For Tom, the connection comes down to making a difference in people's lives regardless of the role or uniform.
Housing Examiner Matt Treadway, a former soldier in the United States Army who served with the 37th Engineer Battalion from 1990 to 1993, found a similar sense of purpose through his military experience. His deployments exposed him to some of the most difficult circumstances that strengthened his desire to make a difference when returning home.
"Seeing some of the worst parts of the world while on deployments convinced me even more that I needed to make a difference at home as much as I felt a call to do in my service," Matt explained. "I needed to come home and be a part of the solutions to the problem of housing."
That commitment extends beyond his professional responsibilities. Matt volunteers in his community and encourages his family to do the same, because he feels that service is something that can be shared across generations.
Lessons in Leadership, Teamwork, and Adaptability
Military service often requires individuals to work through uncertainty, respond to challenges, and depend on one another to accomplish a shared mission. Those same qualities are valuable in public service in which collaboration and problem-solving are essential to helping Ohioans access affordable housing.
For Tom, remaining calm and focused under pressure is one of the most important lessons he brought into his civilian career.
"One of the biggest lessons I carried over is how to stay steady when things get busy or complicated. In the military, you learn quickly that panic doesn't help anyone. Clear communication, preparation, and teamwork do."
Whether implementing program changes, working with housing partners, or navigating tight deadlines, he relies on those principles to support his team and OHFA's mission.
His approach reflects a familiar military mindset: "Trust your team, stay focused on the mission, and tackle challenges one step at a time."When challenges arise, he draws upon another lesson from his military days: "Adapt, improvise, and overcome."
That ability to adjust, collaborate, and persevere is particularly important in housing where programs and partnerships must continually evolve to meet Ohioans' needs.
Looking Out for Those Who Served
For these OHFA veterans, serving the public also means recognizing and supporting fellow veterans.
Matt makes a point of ensuring veterans feel appreciated wherever he has worked within the housing community. He believes the commitment behind military service is not always fully understood – especially the willingness to put one's life on the line for the safety and security of others.
"I do not feel like many people understand the commitment it takes to volunteer to potentially lay down your life for the people behind to feel secure back home," he said.
He emphasizes that individuals who raise their hands to serve accept that responsibility regardless of whether they are ultimately deployed to a combat zone.
Bond Accountant Coordinator Jeff Campbell, a former United States Navy servicemember who completed eight years of service – four years on active duty and four years in the reserves – continues to support fellow veterans through OHFA's housing programs.
As a petty officer 3rd Class veteran, he sees his military experience as a foundation for teamwork and helping others.
When asked how his military service connects to his work at OHFA, his response was simple: "Being a team player/wanting to help Ohioans have a place they can call home."
He also makes a point of ensuring eligible veteran borrowers are aware of OHFA's Ohio Heroes program, which offers qualifying borrowers a lower interest rate mortgage.
"I take special care that any veteran borrower is using our Heroes program, which helps them get a lower [mortgage] rate," Jeff explained.
Jeff's military background continues to influence his work: looking out for others, recognizing their sacrifices, and helping connect them with resources that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
A Continued Commitment to Making a Difference
While their military experiences differ, Tom, Matt, and Jeff share a common understanding of what it means to serve. Their military careers may be in the past, but the values that guided them in uniform remain part of how they approach their work at OHFA.
Service takes many forms. Whether wearing a military uniform, supporting a housing partner, helping a veteran access a downpayment assistance program, or working behind the scenes to expand affordable housing opportunities, the mission remains rooted in people and community.
