Inspired by Rescue, Driven by Purpose: Coast Guard Officer Dances Her Way Through Service and Sacrifice

By Barry Morris

When U.S. Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Hannah C. Walter took the stage during the USO’s inaugural Dancing with the Stars and Stripes competition event this April, she moved with a grace and elegance that captivated the audience. But behind her performance was a story rooted in service, strength and a snowy day that changed her life.

Twenty-six years ago, on a wintry afternoon in Buffalo, New York, a 7-year-old Hannah and her mother stood at the window of their lakeside home, watching two small figures move across the ice of Lake Erie. At first, they thought it was ice fishermen. Then, her mother reached for binoculars and saw the unthinkable: two children had fallen through the ice.

“She called 911 immediately,” Hannah recalled. “Within minutes, we heard sirens and saw flashing lights. Police, firefighters and the Coast Guard all responded. That was the first time I saw what the Coast Guard was capable of.”

Hannah explained that a Coast Guard rescue helicopter, dispatched from Michigan, arrived to assist with the operation – a rare but heroic mobilization.

“It was this daring rescue unfolding right in front of me. I was amazed by how calm and professional they were, even in such a high-stress situation. That image stuck with me,” she said. “I knew then I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

Lt j.g. Hannah C. Walter as a young child. | Photo credit Courtesy Photo

That moment of clarity launched her into a path of service – she knew, at the young age of seven, that she wanted to join the Coast Guard. Today, Hannah serves as the U.S. Coast Guard District Seven Intelligence liaison officer at the Joint Intelligence and Operations Coordination Center in Doral, Florida. In her role, she supports critical maritime safety, security and intelligence operations across the Southeast and Caribbean.

“People often forget the Coast Guard is a military branch,” she said. “But we’re out there 24/7, saving lives, stopping illicit trafficking, conducting environmental protection and responding to natural disasters. We’re unique because we’re both operational and humanitarian. We’re in communities, often before anyone else.”

That spirit of service shined again during Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale, an annual tradition where the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are celebrated through a series of events that allow civilians to get to know the people who serve in these branches, and what they do in the military. Here, Hannah was one of six military service members selected to participate in the USO’s Dancing with the Stars and Stripes showcase, hosted as part of Fleet Week. As a classically trained dancer with a Master of Fine Arts in Dance graduating with Honors and Distinction, Hannah sees movement as more than art – it’s healing.

“Dance has always been my way of processing emotions,” she said. “And now, part of my advocacy is showing how the arts can support veterans and those with mental health challenges. Not everyone can speak their trauma, but they can move through it.”

Hannah’s performance, filled with expressive storytelling and fluid artistry, brought the audience to its feet. For her fellow shipmates, it was a moment of pride. For Hannah, it was the continuation of a journey that began with courage, both from those who inspired her and from within herself.

This May, during Military Appreciation Month, the USO recognizes service members like Lt. j.g. Hannah Walter, who not only protect our nation, but also embody the idea that even just one action can make all the difference.

“One rescue. One dance. One action. That’s how it starts,” Hannah said. “My story began because someone cared enough to act. The Coast Guard showed up. That changed my life.”

As the USO calls on Americans everywhere to take one meaningful step to support the people who serve this Military Appreciation Month, stories like Hannah’s serve as a powerful reminder: one moment of compassion or courage can inspire a lifetime of service.

Whether it’s sending a message of thanks, volunteering at a USO Center, or attending an event, your support can be the start of something bigger. As Hannah says: “It starts with you.”