Title: Veteran Advocate (Retired)
Location: Avondale, Arizona, United States
Ricky C. Barnes, Retired Veteran Advocate, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Military for dedication, achievements, and leadership in veterans advocacy.
A veteran who served honorably in the military for 15 years, Mr. Barnes has been committed to veteran advocacy for more than 20 years. Before embarking on his private career, he served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1984 to 1999. At the conclusion of his service, he received an involuntary medical discharge, which inspired him to become involved with active military members and veterans who were questioning wrongdoings in the military and Veterans Administration (VA) systems. From 1999 until 2014, he found success in working in political activism through Senator John McCain’s office.
Mr. Barnes was instrumental in proposing non-VA care for all veterans and introducing the Veteran Resource Center to the Phoenix VA Medical Center. His proposal for an additional clothing allowance for all veterans wearing multiple medical devices became policy in 2013. He additionally participated in the uncovering of the Veterans Health Administration controversy of 2014. He is especially proud of proposing an idea to allow veterans to receive non-VA care, which led to the Choice Act of 2014 being adopted as law.
Prior to starting his professional journey, Mr. Barnes completed coursework and military training at Texas Southern University and Rio Salado College. In addition, he is certified by the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. As recognition of his excellent work with veterans, he received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Senator Martha McSally. He also was honored for his stellar efforts by Senator Kyrsten Sinema.
In the coming years, Mr. Barnes intends to continue to advocate for veterans, as well as become a public speaker. He wants to establish a podcast platform through which he can disseminate important information to veterans and military members who are looking to retire. Notably, he is writing a book about his experiences, as part of his ongoing advocacy efforts.
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