Women Warriors' Luncheon

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On March 26th, I had the pleasure of attending the Women Warriors’ Luncheon, sponsored by veteran nonprofit Mission: Boots to Briefcases at the Quonset Officers Club. As a member of the board and planning committee, I was a part of the team that spent months helping prepare for the event. But reflecting now, I do so not as an organizer, but as an observer. Someone who had the privilege of moving through the room, speaking with attendees, and capturing the day as it unfolded. 

Looking at the program for the Women Warriors’ Luncheon, it appeared at first glance that the event would follow a traditional script for military events, opening with the posting of colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem. As the Luncheon started, and attendees were asked to rise, it seemed as if this event would stick to that script. The first indication that attendees were in for something new came with the soft beat of a drum, echoing from the back of the room. As the drum beat built, it was accompanied by a soulful chant rolling across the space, and a soft jingle of bells. Turning as one, the crowd's attention was drawn to something few in the room had seen before, the presentation of the colors by an all female honor guard, the Native American Women Warriors. Marching in step to the Comanche Flag song, the four women came to attention before the crowd, before presenting the colors as the National Anthem came to an end. Dressed in traditional, handcrafted regalia, the honor guard’s entrance was both beautiful and captivating, setting the stage for a ceremony honoring four equally remarkable female veterans who, after completing their military careers, continued their service in the community. 

As the National Anthem ended and the honor guard took their seats, the ceremony proceeded through the familiar routine of introductions and opening remarks, leading into lunch. While the invocation and setting of the POW table are always moving, it was the presentation of the awards after lunch that was truly remarkable. The presentation began with the announcement of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award for Women’s Advocacy, which was presented posthumously to Judge Frank Caprio. Known as Rhode Island’s favorite judge, famous for his caring and compassionate nature, Judge Caprio began his career in the RI National Guard, where he served for eight years. This spirit was remembered as the crowd watched Judge Caprio’s “The Most Important Speech You’ll Ever Hear,” which set the tone for the ceremony to come. In the speech, Judge Caprio issued a call to service, challenging viewers to honor those who came before them and to better the lives of those in need. He reminded listeners that at the end of our lives, when judgment comes, we will be judged by the “dreams that we made come true for others”, the hope we inspire in others, and the difference we make in each other's lives. The speech served not only as a call to service, but it also set the stage for the main ceremony, which honored female veterans from various backgrounds. Each of whom embodies the spirit of service and dedication to making a difference in their communities. 

The honors started with Ms. Raven Aldaco, a US Army veteran who served for four years as a military police officer in Korea and Texas. A student at Rhode Island College, Ms. Aldaco was nominated for her work on campus, and in the community while pursuing her master's degree. In a soft-spoken manner, Ms. Aldaco rose to accept her award, thanking the female veterans who had paved the way for her to serve. Though she spoke modestly of her work, it was clear to everyone in the room that her contributions, from supporting student veterans to working with homeless and LGBTQ+  youth, were deeply impactful. 

The next honoree, Officer Crystal Arel of the Newport Police Department, served in the US Army, where she was on active duty from 1999 to 2003; her time in the service included a deployment to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Those in attendance marveled as the presenters spoke of the nearly endless list of community service activities. While not on duty, Officer Arel volunteers with the Warren Fire Dept., supports the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, takes part in the Police Unity Tour, works as an advocate for DCYF and female juvenile groups, and serves as an instructor at the RI Municipal Academy, amongst many other activities. Strong and soft spoken appeared to be the theme with the first two honorees as Officer Arel accepted her award, speaking for a total of six seconds, just long enough to thank everyone who came before her and everyone in attendance. Here was someone who clearly let her actions speak for themself, and watching the faces of her fellow officers in attendance, it was obvious that she held the deep admiration of her peers who watched her acceptance with pride. 

The day's next award recipient was Major Joanne Barrett, RN, BSN, a RI Air National Guard veteran who served her country for 24 years as a combat medic and immunization specialist. After leaving the service, Major Barrett joined the Providence VA as the Women Veterans Program Manager. Speaking to the audience, Maj. Barrett brought the significance of the luncheon into perspective as she spoke about what military service meant to her as a woman, telling the crowd that advocating for women veterans was not just her job, it was her calling. Maj. Barrett told the crowd that she fought “every day to make sure our women veterans receive the care they earned through their service and the care they deserve as leaders, mothers, sisters, and survivors. I ensure that they are seen, heard, respected, and fully supported because for too long women veterans had to fight twice, once to serve and again to be recognized.” Looking around the room, it was clear that the sentiment and fight to be seen and heard was one that countless female veterans in attendance not only understood but had experienced during their service, and now as leaders in their communities.

As Maj. Barrett took her seat, Chief Waldron of the Rhode Island Indian Council rose to introduce the day's final honoree, Ms. Cheryl Dupris, a Native American from the Sioux Nation and the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota who served in the US Army for 33 years. After being brought forward in her wheelchair, Ms. Dupris proudly recounted her service. Listening to her speak, it was clear that Ms. Dupris had been a trailblazer for future female service members and it was equally apparent that she was part of the generation that Ms. Aldaco had thanked earlier in her own acceptance. Over the next few minutes, Ms. Dupris took the crowd on a remarkable journey while recounting her career. Hanging on her every word, the crowd listened on in amazement as she recounted her time jumping out of military aircraft as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Even more remarkable than this image was the fact that when Ms. Dupris enlisted, she had served alongside only 125 other female service members. With a career that spanned from 1977 through 9/11 and beyond, Ms. Dupris spoke of her time in the 82nd Airborne, driving tractor-trailers in Harlem, and time spent doing disaster response following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita as a member of the New York National Guard. Following her retirement, she opened a PTSD Clinic for Native American veterans, served as a member of the Veterans Advisory Board, and continues to support the Native American military community at the NY Indian Council. Here was someone who had dedicated their entire life to service, and was so moved to learn that she would be honored at an event for female veterans, she discharged herself from a hospital in New York City to attend.

All told, the four acceptance speeches lasted for less than half an hour, but their service spanned decades. It was a privilege to witness more than 100 guests come together to recognize these women: a young leader serving her peers, a quiet professional admired by those around her,  a Major advocating daily for women veterans, and a trailblazer whose career paved the way for others. As the ceremony closed, the Native American Women Warriors once again took their place, leading the audience through the final honors. As the drumbeat returned and voices filled the room, attendees followed their every step; one last powerful reminder of the strength, courage, and leadership of women who have served. 

If you would like to learn more about the event, its participants, or nominate a woman warrior for next year, please contact our office. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this event possible, and to the award recipients for their service and dedication to their communities.

Thank you to Mary Cogean of Wild Altar Photography for these beautiful images.