Al botts
Mayor | Mount Sterling, Kentucky
Al Botts has dedicated his life to service—first to his country, and now to his community. A 20-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Botts served during the Gulf War, embodying the discipline and commitment that define the Corps.
He described his pride and reverence for the Corps’ values in an interview with Lexington, Kentucky Fox affiliate, Fox 56 News: “When you’re in the military and you meet someone overseas, you may be the first person they’ve ever met from the United States of America and our message was always, and the message the Marine Corps uses is, you know, no better friend, no worse enemy,” Botts said. “So, we want to make sure that those around the world see us as being friends and allies and we want to work with you. We want to be great neighbors with you.”
After retiring from military service, Botts brought his leadership skills and passion for serving to local government, beginning his civic career as a councilmember in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, where he worked to address local issues and improve the quality of life for residents. His dedication and effective leadership led to his election as Mayor of Mount Sterling, where he continues to serve. As mayor, Botts has been instrumental in fostering community engagement and preserving local traditions, such as the city's historic Court Days festival, which dates to 1794.
Mayor Botts' leadership continues to reflect the values he upheld during his military service: integrity, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of his community. He is passionate about empowering the next generation to serve in the military and in their communities, and said he desire to serve came from the community that supported him.
“When the opportunity presents itself to serve [my] community, the community that I grew up in, and look this community was so good to me,” Botts detailed. “They set me up for success. So, it’s my turn now.”
sam deeds
Veterans Advocate | Louisville, Kentucky
Sam Deeds has transformed personal adversity into a mission of service, dedicating his post-military life to supporting veterans and first responders. A retired gunnery sergeant, Deeds served 14 years in the United States Marine Corps, with deployments to Japan, Haiti, Greece, and Iraq. In 2005, during his first two months in Iraq, he survived two improvised explosive device blasts, sustaining multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and shrapnel wounds. After more than 30 surgeries and a six-year recovery, he was medically retired.
The transition to civilian life was challenging. Deeds grappled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experiencing isolation and anxiety. A turning point came in 2013 when he publicly shared his struggles, marking the beginning of his advocacy journey.
Today, Deeds serves as a staff member for Kentucky Wounded Heroes, an organization that supports injured veterans and first responders through camaraderie and the psychological healing associated with outdoor adventures. His advocacy doesn’t stop there.
Deeds is a veteran ambassador for the Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals Warrior Foundation, which annually brings together combat-wounded veterans, Gold Star Families, and families of fallen first responders for an activity-filled weekend of healing. He is executive director for the Kentucky Mogadishu Mile, a memorial fitness event that honors those who fell during the battle of Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993.
He also co-hosts the "Homefront Sitrep" podcast, providing a platform for veterans and first responders to share their experiences and challenges and highlighting veteran nonprofits that give back to the veteran community.
Deeds' dedication to service has been recognized with his induction into the Kentucky Veterans Hall of Fame in 2016. Through his work, he continues to inspire and assist others in finding purpose and healing after service.