A daughter of DeLand is being awarded a place in the Georgia Veterans Hall of Fame this year for exemplary service after an impressive career serving veterans.
Dr. Patricia Ross has garnered much prestige for her dedication to serving the veterans of Georgia for over seven years. After 25 years serving in the Air Force, Ross retired as a colonel and went on to serve as the first director of military affairs for the Technical College System of Georgia. There, she led initiatives to expand educational opportunities for veterans across the state. Ross later went on to serve as the chief operating officer for the Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center in Georgia.
The VECTR Center is a renowned one-stopshop where veterans can gain the necessary skills and tools to transition into civilian life. It offers career counseling, educational coaching, workforce training, mental health support and assistance with benefits and VA service negotiations.
Ross understood how difficult life after service can be for veterans after witnessing her family struggle with it through the years.
“My entire family has served in the military, from my grandfathers to my father, my father-in-law, my husband, and me (plus many other family members). I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for some to transition out of the military and into civilian life,” Ross said.
Ross believes that serving those who spent their lives serving others is the highest calling, and that is why she’s spent the better part of her life dedicated to it.
Earlier this year, Ross was also recognized by the Warriors Alliance with the prestigious Veteran Impact award for a lifetime of service.
These days, Ross serves as the commissioner for Georgia’s Department of Veterans Service and is on two national boards for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Veterans Hall of Fame evaluates over 100 nominees annually, and less than a handful are selected as inductees for their service every year.
“I am truly humbled,” Ross said. “I feel like my service to my fellow veterans has just started, so I find it surreal to be recognized in the Georgia Veterans and Military Hall of Fame with so many amazing heroes, many who gave their life for our country.”
She attributes much of her success to her upbringing, with a family that not only served the country but also the community. Her parents made a point to volunteer for local organizations, and her father leads the Foundations of Faith class at New Light Church, among other things.
“The importance of serving others is what my parents instilled in my brother and me, and what they’ve demonstrated in their own lives. While my service is just a little north in the state of Georgia, they serve throughout Volusia County in a variety of areas. What I do within the Georgia Department of Veterans Service is not unique as all 50 states and five territories have similar organizations,” Ross said.
“Of course we’re proud, but she earned it on her own merit, not us,” Ross’ father, Steve Mauldin, said of his daughter’s success. “That’s our girl.”