Mayra Duarte Named Veteran of the Year 2026

Palmdale, CA,- U.S. Air Force combat veteran Mayra Duarte has been named Veteran of the Year 2026 by the City of Palmdale and Vets 4 Veterans Antelipe Valley recognizing her decade of military service and ongoing work supporting Antelope Valley veterans, youth, and families.

Duarte enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2003, serving until April 2013 as a 2E653, Cable Antenna Maintenance Journeyman. She began her career at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, installing and maintaining communications infrastructure including CAT5, fiber cables, and antennas.

In 2004 she was stationed at Kapaun Air Station in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Over four years she decommissioned towers, trained in self-rescue, and joined START — Special Technical Aided Rescue Training — teaching climbing and emergency rescue courses across Europe. Her TDY assignments included Turkey, England, Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Italy.

“I joined to defend my country, get an education, and travel,” Duarte said. “Kapaun gave me all three, and a mission I still carry.”

Duarte also deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom during the Global War on Terrorism. Her awards include the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short and Long Tour Ribbons, and the NATO Medal.

From Combat to Community

Since returning to the Antelope Valley in 2013, Duarte has become a fixture in local veteran advocacy. She guides veterans and their dependents to VA medical benefits, sobriety and wellness groups, VR&E education assistance, and programs like beekeeping and art therapy through Vets4Veterans.

Her involvement spans Coffee4Vets, Point Man AV, Business Woman of God, Women Vets on Point, Operation PTSD, Homage to Our Heroes, Team RWB, Boots on the Ground Alliance, AVC Veterans Club, Team Rubicon, and Vets4Veterans. In 2023, she managed housing and operations for the local Sound Breakers baseball team.

A proud Tia raising two teenagers since June 2025, Duarte is now pursuing her second associate’s degree at College of the Canyons in Recreation Management. She serves as a director for the Outdoor Adventure Club and sits on the board of HOME Outreach, mentoring youth and young adults.

Mayra Duarte is recognized for her achievements at a special event in Lancaster, attended by state, federal, and local officials.

“Healing through nature changed my life,” Duarte said. “My passion now is helping veterans, seniors, and youth find that same restoration and joy through the outdoors.”

Duarte’s goal is to expand recreation access across the Antelope Valley while continuing to advocate for fellow service members.

Mayra Duarte Named Veteran of The Year 2026 by the City of Palmdale

“As an Air Force veteran, Mayra continues to serve by helping fellow veterans reconnect, find support and transition into civilian life.

Thank you, Mayra, for your service to our country and your continued service to Palmdale veterans.” City of Palmdale