I Love My Community: Kamni Del Barba
Kamni Del Barba of Stockton, California, is a wife, mother of two and retired Army combat veteran who works for Stockton Unified. Kamni, a native of India who has lived in Stockton since 1980, is passionate about supporting amputee children and their families after her son, Dez Del Barba, contracted streptococcus A during Army basic training. She spoke to us about what it means to be a mother, her son’s experience and her passion for helping others.
Q. Describe your career.
A. I served over 20 years in the U.S. military, holding a wide range of positions that spanned logistics, training, recruiting, military intelligence and readiness. I managed operations, ensured mission readiness and led personnel development. I coordinated training programs, supported critical missions under high-pressure conditions, and implemented policies to improve efficiency and effectiveness. My focus was always on preparing individuals to perform at their best and achieve objectives safely and successfully. Today, I work for Stockton Unified School District with their human resources department. I have been with them since my retirement from the military.
Q. Tell us a little about your family.
A. My supportive husband and I have been together for 30 years. We have one son and one daughter.
Q. What does it mean to you to be a mother?
A. It means loving more deeply than I ever imagined. It’s guiding, protecting and supporting while learning from them in return. I celebrate their joys, carry their fears and give a piece of my heart that lasts forever. It’s the most extraordinary love I will ever know.
Q. How was Operation Dez Strong started?
A. Operation Dez Strong was launched after five-year-old Jonathin Perez, hospitalized for necrotizing fasciitis, was inspired by Dez Del Barba’s story. Jonathin drew a picture of himself and Dez holding hands, sparking a connection between their families. From that act of encouragement, the nonprofit was created to provide financial and emotional support to amputee children and their families, helping them adapt, recover and thrive.
Q. How is Operation Dez Strong changing lives?
A. Operation Dez Strong changes lives by providing essential support to amputee children and their families when they need it most. The organization eases financial burdens by helping cover costs related to prosthetics, medical equipment and rehabilitation that aren’t fully covered by insurance. It connects families with others who understand the challenges of amputation, fostering hope, resilience and belonging, and provides practical resources, including education on recovery, adaptive tools and access to care, so children can pursue activity, independence and confidence.
Q. How is Dez doing today?
A. Dez has turned his journey into purpose and hope. He stays active with wheelchair tennis and quietly supports others through Operation Dez Strong, using his experience to help other amputees’ children and wounded service members.
Q. What do you love most about your community?
A. My community is wonderfully diverse, and we all genuinely look out for one another.
Q. What brings you the most joy?
A. I love seeing others overcome challenges and thrive. Moments of resilience, kindness, and connection remind me why giving back matters. And a good cup of homemade Chai brings me simple, everyday joy.
Q. If you have free time, how do you most like to spend it?
A. With a cup of homemade chai; watching a good Bollywood movie helps me recharge.
Q. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A. Holding the United States Army and the Department of Defense accountable and make serious changes for what they did to my son. You can read more at operationdezstrong.org. We are continuing our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill with our lawmakers.
Q. What hobbies do you enjoy?
A. Yoga at True You Yoga Studio on the Miracle Mile.
Q. Is there anything else you want to share?
A. Please take the time to educate yourselves on the severity of streptococcus A, also known as strep throat. What may seem minor can escalate quickly and have life-altering consequences. Strep A isn’t just a sore throat. Strep A can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening complications; it can quickly turn deadly, causing necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock, kidney failure, heart inflammation, sepsis and permanent tissue loss. A $2 penicillin shot can prevent severe damage. Quick recognition and treatment can save lives, so don’t ignore the warning signs.
