Juanita Murillo Garcia

Name: Juanita Murillo Garcia
City/State: Tacoma, WA
Branch of Service: US Army
Years of Service: 2003-2011
Last Rank Held: E6
Military Occupation: 31R – Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator, 25F30 – System Administrator

Tell us a little about you outside of the military:

Outside of my military career, I’ve dedicated my life to supporting veterans and military families, especially in higher education and my local community. I currently serve as the Director of the Veteran and Military Resource Center at UW Tacoma, where I help military-connected students navigate their education and access important resources.

I also volunteer with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where I hold leadership roles focused on building community, expanding outreach, and supporting fellow veterans. Education and mentorship are big passions of mine—I’ve earned an MBA and a BA in Psychology, both of which have helped me become a better leader and problem solver. Beyond my work and volunteer commitments, I love spending time with family, giving back through scholarship programs, and staying involved in local events. My experiences have reinforced my commitment to service and advocacy, and I strive to make a positive impact wherever I can.

Why are you joining the IAVA Cavalry?

I’m joining the IAVA Cavalry because I care deeply about supporting and advocating for veterans. Throughout my career, I’ve helped military-connected individuals succeed through education, resource programs, and community leadership. IAVA’s mission to empower and connect Post-9/11 veterans really resonates with me. I want to bring my experience to the team and work alongside others who share my passion for making a difference. Joining the Cavalry gives me the opportunity to help drive meaningful change for our veteran community.

How did your military experience shape you to be the person you are today? 

My military experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of teamwork. It showed me how to lead under pressure and stay focused, no matter the challenge. Being both a veteran and a military dependent has given me a unique perspective. I’ve experienced the challenges of deployments both as a service member and as a family member, and I’ve seen firsthand how they impact families—whether kids are involved or not. These experiences reinforced the importance of strong support systems and the need for understanding. This is why I’m passionate about creating programs and resources that truly meet the needs of veterans and military families. I know how much the right support can make a difference, and that’s what drives me every day.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you believe is the most pressing? Why?

I believe one of IAVA’s most urgent priorities is improving mental health and suicide prevention for veterans. Transitioning out of the military can be tough, and the lasting effects of service make mental health support critical. Through my work with veterans in education and the community, I’ve seen how untreated mental health struggles can take a serious toll. Making care more accessible, reducing stigma, and ensuring veterans have the right resources can truly change and save lives. This issue doesn’t just affect one person; it impacts families, careers, and entire communities. By addressing it head-on, we’re not only saving lives but also helping veterans build strong, successful futures.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you have the strongest personal connection to? Why? 

It’s hard to pick just one because IAVA’s priorities can connect and overlap. But the one I connect with most is protecting and enhancing education benefits for veterans and service members. I’ve dedicated my career to helping military-connected students navigate their education benefits and transition into higher education. I’ve seen how access to education opens doors, provides stability, and creates new opportunities for veterans and their families. By protecting these benefits, we’re giving veterans the tools they need to succeed in their next chapter.