Raquel Durden named Georgia Women Veteran of the Year

Raquel Durden joined the army with dreams of traveling the world and saving money for college. But what began as a practical decision quickly transformed into a genuine calling, Durden said Thursday as she accepted the Georgia Woman Veteran of the Year award.

“I’ve had quite a journey, and some people have watched that journey unfold,” Durden said. “I did everything—from contracting to saving dogs to teaching in college. All of it was part of trying to figure out who I am,” she told an audience gathered at Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center Thursday to honor her as Georgia Woman Veteran of the Year.

From the battlegrounds to the boardroom, Durden’s journey is a powerful reminder that the call to serve doesn’t end when the uniform is retired, said Patricia Ross, the commissioner of Georgia Department of Veterans Service. “Service is who you are and what you do even after you take the uniform off.” Through her exemplary work during and after her 21 years of serving in the military, Durden has proved that she is the embodiment of this, Ross said.

Her path has followed a winding road, Durden said. Today, she is the director of Humble Warrior Wellness and Yoga, a registered yoga teacher at the Athens YMCA and a holistic nutrition certified professional. She has also taught at Kennesaw State University.

The first in her family to serve, Durden initially joined the army as a practical decision, but that quickly transformed into her purpose, duty and honor, she said. When she was commissioned as an officer, she knew that she wanted to serve until retirement.

As a veteran, her desire to serve and support the community led Durden to establish Humble Warrior, she said.

“More than a passion, it became my ministry,” Durden said. Through moments of challenge and uncertainty, she found strength in connection and wellness—two pillars that she firmly vouches for. “We need to connect and show up for one another because that’s what sisterhood is,” she said.

“In uniform, I would die for you. I would put my life on the line for you,” Durden said. At Humble Warriors, “ We want to show up for you,” she said. 

“I know you are strong already, but find your strength. That’s where your passion and talent click,” she tells the women she mentors. To young girls, her message is one of exploration and curiosity.

“Explore, be a curious learner, ask questions, talk to a wide variety of people so you can figure out your purpose, your strength.”

At the same luncheon, Anisa Palmer was also honored with the Georgia Woman Veteran Impact Award. With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and management, Palmer serves as the chief executive officer of I Will Survive Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting breast cancer survivors and individuals at higher risk.

She said that today she is a certified nonprofit professional, grant writer and life coach who is deeply committed to helping people and organizations uncover and achieve their purpose.

As both a combat veteran and a best-selling author, Palmer said, “I feel grateful every single day just to be alive. The military and my mom both taught me that every single day I wake up is a blessing,” she said.

In 2010, Palmer founded I Will Survive Inc. in honor of her late mother, who lost her battle with breast cancer. Since then, she has collaborated with numerous corporate and nonprofit organizations to raise funds and awareness for the cause. Her dedication and impact have earned her multiple other awards and recognitions for her leadership and service, as stated by Veda Brooks.

“Having such a kind of strength and diversity because of these women is the most amazing thing I have experienced,” Commissioner Ross said.

The stories of Raquel Durden and Anisa Palmer served as powerful reminders that service takes many forms. Ross said, on the battlefield, in the community and through empowering others.

This article was written by Angel John as part of Wesleyan's Local Democracy Lab. For more information, contact ellington.wesleyancollege.edu.