#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Rocio Garcia

During Hispanic Heritage Month, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Rocio Garcia, who served as a human resources specialist in Iraq.

Born in Mexico, Rocio Garcia moved to San Francisco, California, at the age of 14. Graduating high school in 2002, Garcia joined the California National Guard. In November 2002, she completed basic training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. She completed advanced individual training and became a human resources specialist. Her responsibilities involved completing various administrative tasks, including promotions, awards and scheduling. In 2004, Garcia joined active duty.

Garcia’s first duty assignment was in Germany, where she worked with the 37th Transportation Group. Then, from 2005 to 2006, Garcia deployed to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Afterwards, she stayed in Germany for one year and re-enlisted. She then served in Cuba with the 525th Military Police Battalion from November 2007 to June 2008.

Around Christmas in 2009, she deployed to Iraq with the 66th Military Police Company. While in Baqubah, Iraq, she experienced significant combat activity and frequent attacks. However, she worked on a small base and diligently performed her duties, such as delivering mail to soldiers.

Following Iraq, she traveled to the Netherlands in 2011 and worked with the Allied Forces North Battalion. It was around this time she was promoted to sergeant, which she considered to be one of her proudest moments in her Army career. Throughout her entire service, Garcia was also a single mother. After deciding to focus more on motherhood, Garcia discharged Jan. 2, 2013.

The first four years after leaving the Army were challenging. Her tenacity enabled her to overcome those challenges and she returned to school. She completed her associate degree in computer programming and web development, as well as a bachelor’s degree in information technology. She is currently working towards a master’s degree in cybersecurity, all while being a mother. Garcia said she is very grateful for her experience in the Army, as she came away with interpersonal skills that have helped her professionally and personally.

Thank you for your service!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Writer: Savannah Labbe

Editor: Essence McPherson

Fact checker: Enya Lowe

Graphic artist: Michelle Zischke