Ralph Duarte has been named San Bernardino County’s veterans affairs director.
A former sergeant, Duarte has more than five years service with the U.S. Army and California Army National Guard, including tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a statement on the county’s website.
For the past 10 years, Duarte has been a senior veterans representative with Riverside County’s Department of Veterans Services. Before that he worked with California’s Welcome Home Program, helping veterans in rural parts of Imperial County receive much-needed benefits and services.
In his new position, Duarte will help provide counseling, claims assistance, education, advocacy, and outreach services, according to the statement.