Veterans Council Meeting

Description

This is an in-person meeting from 9:30-11:00 AM at KO Distilling

10381 Central Park Dr, Ste 105 Manassas VA 20110 

Rose Duval, Retired Air Force Vietnam veteran, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc - What is a Gold Star Mom?

AND Dr. Serena P. Bermudez, Veterans Employment Services Manager - Northern Virginia 

will present on the Jobs for Veterans State Grant.

 Rose became a Gold Star Mother on Feb 18, 2007, when her son was killed in Afghanistan when the Special Operations Chinook, he was on crashed on his return to base from an aborted mission of a high value target. TSgt Scott Duffman was a Pararescueman with the Special Tactics Squadron at Fort Liberty (Ft Bragg). He had 14 years of service and planned on making the Air Force a career. TSgt Scott Duffman is buried in Section 60, of Arlington National Cemetery.  Shortly thereafter Rose joined the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc Alexandria Chapter and has been the Chapter President and the Department of Virginia President. This past June she was voted in as the National Treasurer. Along with her volunteer work with American Gold Star Mothers, Rose is also a member of the Advisory Committee on Arlington National Cemetery.   

Dr. Serena Bermudez is a nine-year veteran of the United States Navy who served in support of Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Dr. Bermudez holds a doctorate in psychology with a specialization in addiction. She also holds an M.S. in Human Services and Leadership. After completion of her military service, she has made it her passion to give back to the veteran community. Her experience as a clinician and continued service assisting veterans in need is highlighted in her individual accomplishments in the veteran community which include volunteering with the Disabled American Veterans serving as a Commander, Service Officer, and Chaplain for the Eastern Prince William County Chapter. Dr. Bermudez was also part of the LT. Governors COVID 19 Racial Disparities Task force for the state of Virginia. A recipient of numerous awards such as the Sister in Service Award (SISA) for recognizing the contributions of Women Veterans, and the Community Champion Award for being that positive change within the community in other’s lives. As the past Chairman of the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce Veterans Council she worked diligently within the community addressing the needs of Prince William County veterans.

She was selected to help develop a nationwide curriculum for homeless veterans and justice involved veterans with the end goal of assisting those veterans with employment for the National Veterans Training Institute (NVTI) with the U.S. Department of Labor. Dr. Bermudez was also the recipient of the 2022 Disabled American Veterans National Commander’s Award for Outstanding Local Veteran Employment Representative.

Dr. Bermudez is currently a Veteran Employment Manager in the Northern Virginia providing direction and guidance for veteran employment services in Arlington County, Loudoun County, Fairfax County and Prince William County under the auspices of the US Department of Labor Jobs for Veterans State Grant Program.

Thank you to our location host: