Service Spotlight: Regina Richard, U.S. Army Veteran
Regina Richard, a U.S. Army veteran and the secretary of UIW’s Student Veterans of America organization, is earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Administration and a minor in Human Resources. Having already served our nation, Richard now finds joy in finding new ways to give back.
“Service is important to me because it encourages me and others to take honor in giving back to those in the community,” explained Richard. “Serving others is a selfless duty and brings people together by building camaraderie and teamwork.”
This semester, Richard participated in the on-field American flag display prior to the Cardinal football team beating Prairie View A&M on Sept. 11, and she already has plans for other upcoming service projects.
“I look forward to other service opportunities like Trunk-or-Treat and the Veterans Day Program to honor the men and women of the military services,” said Richard. “[My role as] secretary in the Student Veterans of America organization enables student veterans like myself to continue service and esprit de corps while pursuing our education goals.”
As a veteran, assisting the military is close to Richard’s heart. Her favorite project, she says, was when she was active duty. She had the honor of serving as the Family Readiness Group Liaison for her unit.
“I had the great opportunity to interact with soldiers and their families through fun morale events and trips," she said. "Also, I assisted with resources (i.e., food, financial, deployment updates, wellness services) to family members when their soldiers deployed overseas.”
When looking at pursuing her own degree, Richard loved how UIW values members of the military, whether active duty or veterans. The University, already recognized for its service to our nation's military members as a Yellow Ribbon School, has its own Military and Veteran Center. UIW strives to do all it can to assist and welcome the military community, ensuring their academic success. That commitment made Richard's decision on where to continue her education a simple one.
“UIW is home to many service members and as I made my transition from Active duty to Retiree, UIW was my first choice in continuing my education and earning a degree to assist in my new chapter and career goals of becoming a Healthcare Administrator,” said Richard.
Richard has enjoyed serving. She sees the benefits in her life and hopes she can inspire others to give back as well.
“Service provides students with life skills and personal growth which will have a lasting and positive impact,” she shared. “My short and long-term service plan is to continue serving and motivate others through my service to do the same.”