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Marines

Photo Information

Sgt. Veronica J. Rios, a warehouse clerk with 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, is currently 26 miles above the Arctic Circle participating with her unit at Innovative Readiness Training Arctic Care 2018 in the Northwest Arctic Borough of the state of Alaska, April 13-27, 2018. Arctic Care 2018 is a joint and multi-national force providing medical, dental, optometry and veterinary care for underserved villages in the Maniillaq Service Area April 16-24. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Martens)

Photo by Sgt. Melissa Martens

Hometown Heroes of IRT Arctic Care 2018

16 Apr 2018 | Sgt. Melissa Martens U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve

Leading by example, serving with pride and striving for success are fundamental traits of United States Marines. Sgt. Veronica J. Rios is a Sunnyside, Washington native and Reserve Marine who truly embodies the Marine Corps ethos.

Rios is a warehouse clerk based out of Miramar, California, with 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, and is participating with her unit at Innovative Readiness Training Arctic Care 2018 in the Northwest Arctic Borough of the state of Alaska, April 13-27, 2018. When she’s not conducting Marine Corps training, Rios works as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in San Diego, California.

As a warehouse clerk for the training, Rios is responsible for assisting in the coordination of gear, supplies and meals for the service members.

“For Arctic Care, I am here to primarily provide logistical support and help ensure operations are running smoothly,” Rios said. “However, as Marines, we are taught to assist wherever needed so I am keeping an open mind and am ready to jump in whenever my skills are needed.”

Rios has served in the Marine Corps for six years total, with this being her second year on the Reserve side. Joining the Reserves has allowed Rios to serve her country in more ways than one. She has paved the way for her family members and been a positive role model to show them a true vision of success.

“I am the first member in my family to join the military,” Rios said. “Being a role model for my younger family members is what keeps me going and is a big reason why I decided to join the Reserves. I wanted to continue to serve my country while also striving for success in the civilian world.”

Reserve Marines spend two weeks each year building their capabilities at an Annual Training exercise. This year, 4th Medical Battalion is conducting readiness training by providing medical care to 12 remote villages in the Northwest Arctic Borough. This training helps ensure the service members are ready to activate whenever the nation calls.

“Working in this area of the country amongst these winter elements is going to be tough and require a lot of mental strength,” Rios said. “Although it is going to be challenging at times, being immersed with the people of this community is going to not only benefit them, but also be an experience that I’ll never forget.”