CASA of Tarrant County: When the Call to Serve Never Ends: Barbara Wenzel

For many, military service is a defining chapter, a time of profound self-discovery, and a commitment to a cause larger than oneself. But what happens when that chapter closes? For one veteran pilot, the call to serve never truly ended. Instead, it evolved, leading her from the cockpit of a T-38 instructor jet to the heart of working with kids in foster care.

During her time as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot and in the Accelerated Copilot Enrichment program, Barbara Wenzel learned invaluable lessons. She gained a deep appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice required to defend our nation—not just from those in uniform, but from their families who must sacrifice as well. She also learned the importance of effective leadership, witnessing firsthand that the best leaders are those who respect their team and lead by example. This experience ingrained in her a sense of purpose, a feeling of being part of something bigger.

Her military service also instilled a powerful sense of resilience. “I learned that I can do hard things,” she recalls. This lesson gave her the confidence to persevere through challenges, a trait that continues to guide her today. She learned that while tradition can be a good guide, it’s essential to embrace continuous improvement to avoid being held back. “Keep moving forward!” she says with a smile.

It was this commitment to forward momentum and a lifetime of service that led her to CASA of Tarrant County. She first heard about the program through a radio ad and was immediately drawn to its mission. “When you help a child, the ripple effects can multiply into the future in ways we can only imagine,” she says. For her, investing in children, especially those most vulnerable, is one of the most important things a person can do. “Kids are always a good investment!”

For Barbara serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate felt like a natural transition. She found a familiar sense of pride and satisfaction in her new role, knowing that her work was crucial in helping children feel cared for during a difficult time. Just like in the Air Force, she was part of a team working toward a common goal—a cause that was bigger than herself.

While the mission is different, Barbara found that her core values of service and leadership from the military translated directly to her work as a CASA. She uses her resources and influence to make things better, even if it’s just a small change for one child.

For other veterans looking for a new way to serve, she has a simple message: “Do it!” She encourages them to attend a CASA Information Session to learn more, emphasizing that no specific background is needed to make a difference. The organization provides all the necessary training and support. “It could be the beginning of a very rewarding chapter,” she says.

Her story is a testament to the power of continuous service and the profound impact one person can have on a child’s life. She hopes that her journey, from military pilot to advocating for children, will inspire at least one person to learn more about CASA of Tarrant County and take the next step. After all, you don’t have to be a veteran or a pilot to make a difference – you just have to be willing to answer the call.

To learn more about how you can become a volunteer for CASA of Tarrant County, visit speakupforachild.org.