Building from my experiences as an Air Force veteran, I recognize the indispensable need for representation in decision-making processes that significantly affect us. This understanding fuels my commitment as the President of Walden University's Student Veterans Association, a position I am honored to hold. In this role, my primary focus is driving programs and initiatives to effect positive social change within the veteran and military communities.

After concluding my military service, I embarked on a career in strategic marketing, where I have made notable contributions across several sectors, including healthcare, logistics, and finance. My current role as a marketing communications consultant allows me to leverage my extensive expertise to develop and implement effective marketing strategies. This role aligns with my professional aspirations and provides a platform for continuous learning and innovation.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I maintain a deep-seated passion for advocating positive social change. This passion extends to my commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals in the field of marketing, where I invest time and resources to mentor and guide aspiring marketers and the underserved.

I call Dallas, Texas, my home, where my family resides. For individuals seeking information about Walden University’s Student Veterans Association or our programs, please do not hesitate to contact me at patricia.mccoy2@waldenu.edu. Your questions and insights are always welcome as we continue to work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for our military, military family members, and veteran students.

 

 

Braxton Morrison is the Immediate Past President of the Student Veterans of America Walden University Chapter. Braxton served as the President from August 2021 to August 2023 and started in this position immediately after. He is honored to continue serving his fellow veterans on their journey to higher education.

Braxton's background is very diverse. Since graduating in 2010 from Vinton-Shellsburg High School, he has served in the United States Army and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; he obtained certifications and licensure in the areas of paramedicine, law enforcement and education of various types, which he has conducted through his personal training company, the high school, and collegiate level.

Braxton has obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Services from Hawkeye Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Upper Iowa University, a Master of Science in Emergency Management with an emphasis in Public Management and Leadership from Walden University, where he also obtained his Executive Leadership Certification through the National Society of Leadership and Success, a Master of Philosophy in Human Services from Walden University, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Human Services with an emphasis in Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention at Walden University.

Braxton’s current involvements include the National Registry of EMTs Board of Directors, At Large Director, Benton County Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Co-Founder, President, and Coordinator, Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition, Co-Chair, Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Founder, Chair, and suicidologist, and County Medical Examiner Investigator. In addition, he is an avid supporter, advocate, and trainer of mental health, crisis intervention, and traumatic stress topics.

When Braxton is not doing the above-listed things, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his best friend, Niko (a German Shepard Dog), running, weight-training, reading, Netflix, and trying new things. Braxton’s family is eager learners of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Families material guided individually and as a family by a Mission, Vision, and Values.

As an Active-Duty MSgt, I am the Primary Care Flight Chief for the 55th Healthcare Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. In this position, I exercise general supervision of assigned personnel. I am the principal advisor to the commander on issues related to the administration and safety of Family Health care, Immunizations, Pediatric care, and Emergency Services.

I manage and educate members on services and assist personnel and families in navigating care. I lead Operations with a team of 57 assigned personnel, servicing the military community, and oversee over 90,000 patient visits annually. I ensure accurate and timely care administration while supporting primary care teams. I have served at 11 installations and deployed three times.

My research interests include areas of healthcare policy. In my downtime, I enjoy running, music, and traveling.

Hello everyone! My name is Rui Babilonia. I am delighted to join the Walden SVA team and eager to embark on a journey of learning and growth with this esteemed group.

As a veteran of the Army Reserves and Marine Corps (active duty) and a longtime former military spouse, I have gained insights into the military lifestyle from three distinct perspectives, spanning from my teenage years to the present day. I was inspired to serve because I wanted to protect and serve my beloved adopted country, which granted me the gift of freedom. I found more inspiration working alongside and amongst some of the most dedicated and hardworking people during my service. I am continually awed by the selfless service our men, women, and family members of the military consistently demonstrate year after year! My lived experiences, coupled with the invaluable lessons I learned, continue to fuel my passion to serve the military population.

I hold a sacred space for those who have served, are currently serving, and will serve our country. Beyond my passion for continued service, I am also a lifelong learner. My undergraduate degree was in computer/information science from the University of Pittsburgh. I joined the Marines after college and never would have dared to consider graduate school, but God had other plans for me. The calling for me to continue my education was so compelling that my insecurities about not being smart enough could not deter me from giving my best. I jumped into a master’s degree and completed my Ph.D. in health psychology from Walden in 2017. I followed up my Ph.D. with a graduate certificate in college and university teaching from Oregon State University last year.

The challenges I faced throughout my journey have taught me many lessons I keep close to my heart. I am committed to demonstrating my love for the members of our community. Please do not hesitate to contact me at rui.h.babilonia@gmail.com. Let’s start a conversation, build our community, strengthen our mutual support, and lend a helping hand to all those in need, knowing that we are stronger when we stand together in good and challenging times.

Mr. Barber's distinguished military career covered 21 years of active-duty service in the US Air Force. After retirement, he has held supervisory and leadership roles at federal agencies and government contracting companies.

Mr. Barber volunteers at two soup kitchens to help instill hope, improve the community's quality of life, and reduce food insecurity. He also mentors veterans regarding education, employment prospects, and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

At the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), Mr. Barber Co-Founded UMGC's VeteransSuccess Club and was elected its first president. He has actively participated in UMGC's Career and Graduate Mentoring Programs for over a decade. Mr. Barber was recognized as a UMGC 2017 Alumni Achiever Award Recipient, representing a tribute to alumni and community members' significant contributions to support the university's mission.

Mr. Barber earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy, and a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management (IFSM) at UMGC. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Walden University, specializing in Human Resource Management.

Mr. Barber resides in Maryland with his family.

For those individuals seeking information about Walden University's Student Veterans Association or scholarships, please do not hesitate to contact me at gregory.barber@waldenu.edu.

I am originally from Rosedale, NY, a village within NYC, and I lived on Long Island after my initial military service. I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in October 1972 and retired in October 2005 as a CWO4. During my 33 years of active duty and reserve service, I served in the infantry, logistics, and intelligence fields. My last billet was the Threat Information Program Manager for the Marine Corps National Capital Region Command at Quantico, VA, a position I continued as a federal civilian after my military retirement.

After my initial active service in the USMC, I returned to New York, where I continued to serve in the Marine Reserves. I began college at Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, earning a BS in Management and Communications. While a drilling reserve, I started my financial services business and operated it successfully until September 11, 2001, when recalled to active duty. I remained on active duty until I retired in 2005. Relocating my family to Virginia, I continued working as a Federal civilian employee of the USMC as the Threat Information Program Manager until retirement in 2021, which coincided with completing my Ph.D. While a Federal civilian employee, I used my Post 9/11 education benefits to complete an MBA at the University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA. Continuing my education, I utilized the USMC Leadership Development Program funding to complete a graduate certificate in statistics program at George Washington University, Washington, DC. I also used this program to fund my Walden University Ph.D. (Management) program.

I believe that accepting new challenges broadens your view of the world. The perpetual acquisition of new knowledge via formal and informal means supports identifying and viewing problems via multiple lenses, facilitating a greater understanding of issues in the world around us and the ability to develop effective and novel problem solutions. My current research interests include artificial intelligence focused on national security issues.

I am married to my wonderful wife of 40 years, with two children and four grandchildren. When asked, I provide management consulting services, have taken up golf since retiring, and enjoy downhill skiing when possible.

​​​​​​

 

Dr. Eric F. Prince, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a Specialization and Concentration in Forensic Psychology. Dr. Prince also holds two master’s degrees, one in Education: Curriculum Instruction / Multicultural Context, another master’s in science in Applied Psychology, and a double bachelor's degree in human development with a Sub-Plan in English. He also holds four associate degrees in 1) Hotel Restaurant Management Travel Tourism, 2) an associate in arts, Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Studies, 3) an Associate of Science in Administration of Justice, and lastly, 4) an A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences.

He began his career with the Armed Forces in the year 2015 and quickly advanced in the ranks from basic recruit and was later appointed by his Commander in Chicago to the Flotilla Staff Officer of Diversity position. After transferring to Mission Bay San Diego, he continued as a Staff Officer of Diversity. He was elected to the District Staff Officer of Diversity for the entire Division of the West Coast of California: Sector San Diego. Dr. Prince later became the Vice Flotilla Commander of Mission Bay San Diego and then Commander, where he is now currently in 2023, serving as U.S.C.G. Auxiliary Commander of Mission Bay San Diego. Since his time in the Armed Forces, beginning at the International Port of Chicago, Dr. Prince has assisted his unit with receiving the NACO 3 Star Award to date.

Dr. Prince, as the Staff Officer of Diversity and while working in both positions as Vice Flotilla Commander and now current Commander, has assisted his flotilla in gaining the critical achievement of being a recipient of the NACO 3 Star Award since 2015, seven years straight which includes before and after transferring to California to Mission Bay San Diego. Dr. Prince not only assisted in getting his unit the NACO 3 Star Diversity Award in 2023 but also was able to assist every flotilla in his District at Sector San Diego with receiving their NACO 3 Star Diversity Award in 2022. Upon doing so, Dr. Eric F. Prince was granted the prestigious honor of helping his District as the District Staff Officer of Diversity (SO–DV) receive the NACO 3 Star (Eagle Eye) Award. The NACO Eagle Eye Award is given when all flotillas in the district are able to accomplish the NACO 3 Star Diversity Award for their humanitarian missions, which had not happened before for the Division.

Dr. Prince is also working with the Space Force to assist the 6^th Military Branch in official capacities through counterterrorism, humanitarianism, diplomacy, and diplomatic initiatives. Positive social change is critical to the infrastructure of the United States of America, and it is one that Dr. Eric F. Prince, Ph.D., believes in fully. Dr. Eric F. Prince, Ph.D. is also serving in the following capacities: Tau Upsilon TUA Alpha Chi: Human Services (Vice President), Medical Response Strike Team with San Luis Obispo (SLO), and has worked as a Fullbright Alumni Ambassador where he worked in Washington D.C on Capitol Hill engaging in legislative advocacy missions for students who would not otherwise receive scholarships and grants, due to the lack of awareness or confidence in applying for the scholarships. If anyone is seeking information about Walden University’s Student Veterans Association or other programs, you may contact me at eric.prince@waldenu.edu.