Decorated military veteran Ralph Duarte appointed new director of Veteran Affairs

Ralph Duarte, a former Army Sergeant with more than five years of military service in the U.S. Army and California Army National Guard has been appointed as San Bernardino County’s Veterans Affairs Director.

During his military career he served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The motto for the 75^th Ranger Regiment is “sua sponte,” Latin for “of their own accord.” Army Rangers voluntarily dedicate themselves to serving their country and now Duarte brings his lifelong commitment to helping others to the veterans of San Bernardino County.

His military education includes graduation from the Warrior Leadership Course, Ranger School, Airborne School, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program. Duarte has served as a weapons team leader, assistant gunner, gunner, and rifleman. He also has accreditations in the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, California Department of Veterans Affairs, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans among others.

Duarte began his civilian career with California’s Operation Welcome Home Program with the State of California’s Employment Development Department and was responsible for serving the rural areas of Imperial County, where he connected veterans to vital benefits and services. He then joined the Riverside County Department of Veterans’ Services, serving as a Senior Veterans Representative for the past 10 years. Duarte holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Phoenix and a master’s in public administration from California Baptist University

“I am extremely proud of my military and public service, and I am honored to continue to serve fellow veterans and their families with San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs,” Duarte said. As director, Duarte will ensure that veterans and their families receive the dignity and service they have earned by providing counseling, claims assistance, education, advocacy, and outreach services.

Additional County Update News – December 22, 2023