Rachael Garcia, assistant director of veteran affairs and military programs at the University of Rhode Island, has been named the 2021 Woman Veteran of the Year by the Providence VA Regional Office. Garcia was honored for her advocacy on behalf of other veterans and her volunteerism in the community. The award was presented during a virtual ceremony that was attended by more than 250 people last month.
Garcia, 35, of Warwick, is a United States Air Force veteran. Her three years of military service include both foreign and domestic operations. She provided support during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and was a member of the Air Force Security Forces in Iraq the following year.
Upon receiving the VA Regional Office recognition, Garcia said that she hopes that the award “will help women become less invisible” by bringing attention to their military service and contributions to the veterans community.
As assistant director of veteran affairs and military programs Garcia says it is her job to ensure “that folks are maximizing their benefits” while also supporting the faculty and staff who are veterans on campus. According to the university, Garcia serves as a resource for new and prospective students in understanding VA and military benefits, GI Bill certification, financial aid and scholarships and much more. Importantly, the office provides a way to connect URI’s veteran and military community to one another and to the programs and support — both on campus and off — that will help them be successful.
“Rachael has been an important part of helping many of our students feel welcome and supported as they embark on their academic careers or return to higher education,” said URI Vice President for Student Affairs Kathy M. Collins about Garcia’s contributions on campus.
In addition to her full-time position, Garcia volunteers an estimated “35 to 40 hours a week” as a VFW service officer filing service-connected claims and providing support to members and their spouses. Garcia is a tireless volunteer who also speaks for veterans and their families by advocating for policy changes at the local, state and federal levels. Humbly, she says that she is trying to be “voice for service members and veterans that are just confused and frustrated with the system.”
Garcia takes time to listen to the veterans she meets both on the job at URI and in her volunteer capacity with the VFW. Those personal connections are the most rewarding aspects of each day. “I love just sitting with folks and hearing their stories,” she says.
A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Garcia earned her bachelor of arts degree in anthropology with a minor in African American literature. She also holds a master’s degree from Portland State University where she focused her academic studies on learning about trauma recovery.
In speaking about what distinguishes Garcia as the recipient of this 2021 Woman of the Year honor, Director of the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services Kasim Yarn said, “Rachael represents qualities that we find in the best leaders: integrity, commitment to others, and loyalty to her team.”
Do you know a living veteran who would be willing to share their story? Do you offer a program or service focused on serving retired military? Are you planning for veterans or their families? Email information to Mary K. Talbot at ThoseWhoServedAmerica@gmail.com
Calendar of events
All meetings are in person unless noted. Please wear masks and practice social distancing.
◘ May 12, (virtual) VA New England Women Veterans Forum, 6 p.m. Town hall format to hear about available programs and share opinions about strengths and challenges of existing initiatives. Pre-registration is required to participate. Go to: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/k2/j.php?MTID=t468202430619fa5fa8742264168eb8a5
◘ May 12, regular meeting of the Chapter 273 Vietnam Veterans of America, 12 p.m., Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post, 1418 Plainfield Pike, Cranston.
◘ May 13, (Virtual) Operation Stand Down RI Mortgage Seminar with Kevin Hurteau providing expertise on VA Home Loans, 10-11 a.m. via Zoom. Call (401) 383-4730 to register and get the link to participate.
◘ May 13, meeting of DAV Chapter 21 monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Dillon Council, 1675 Douglas Ave., North Providence.
◘ June 5, Saltwater Fly Fishing for Veterans, all skills will be welcomed. Taught by DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education Office and run in conjunction with the Dare to Dream Ranch. Event will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Narrow River in South Kingstown. Rods will be provided and some waders will be available. For information, call Cyndi at (401) 871-2322.
News of note
◘ Followup to a Veterans Voice column published on Sept. 3, 2020: The University of Rhode Island is seeking community feedback and suggestions to determine the future of the folk art murals of life in the G.I. Bill era of the 1950s that hang in the school’s Memorial Union. To view the murals and read the background visit: https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/2020/09/03/veterans-voice-uri-considers-removing-murals-painted-by-vet-in-1950s/42511133/. Community members are encouraged to send their comments and suggestions to muralfeedback@etal.uri.edu by May 16. According to the university, a committee will carefully consider the comments and suggestions before reporting back to university leadership at the end of May.
◘ The application period for the annual VVA Chapter 273 scholarship is now open. Deserving high school seniors who are preparing for career-tech school, junior college or a four-year degree are eligible to apply with sponsorship from a member of VVA Chapter 273. For more information, contact Howard “Butch” Turner at popturn50@hotmail.com.
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