Veteran and Caregiver Advisor

 
 
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Mrs. Rosalinda “Rosie” Babin

Rosie is a determined and tireless advocate dedicated to making the lives of combat wounded veterans, and their families better, knowing throughfirst-hand experience the challenges that injured service members, their families, and caregivers face. Her commitment is very personal:  Her own son, CPL Alan R. Babin, a combat medic with the 82ndAirborne Division, was severely wounded in Iraq in March of 2003, by a gunshot wound to the abdomen, suffered a stroke at Walter Reed, and transitioned through 7 different medical centers in over 2 years of inpatient hospitalizations.

Through it all, Rosie demonstrated grace and power under extreme pressure and cared for Alan alongside his medical teams and through a complicated, lengthy medical rehabilitation – always ready with a warm hug and a smile.  Rosie’s work ethic, compassion and spirituality engage us and remind us that anything, and everything, is truly possible as she shares one family’s story of determination, perseverance and courage in her presentation.

Rosie continues to care for Alan full-time since he was wounded in Iraq, but also uses her experience to help other wounded veterans and their families. Her tenacious and ever-hopeful approach, as well as her background as an Army veteran, Paralegal and Administrator, allowed her to overcome many obstacles to find the answers, guidance, and resources her family needed. 

While caring for Alan, Rosie Founded and, for 9 years, led Help Our Wounded, a nonprofit organization that provided emergency financial assistance, mentoring, respite care, and institutional support to our wounded and their caregivers. During its existence, the organization provided over $1.8M in direct emergency financial assistance to over 1,200 veterans and their families – and impacted the quality of life of thousands through sponsorship to adaptive rehab sports and clinics.

Rosie is gifted in bringing people together and building influential relationships from her community to the Nation’s Capitol.  As an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow Alumn, she represents Texas as an advocate for military caregivers, brings awareness to the issues and needs related to long-term caregiving, and puts a face on our Hidden Heroes.  A Subject-Matter Expert in military Caregiver issues, she brings hands-on, personal experience.  

Rosie regularly speaks before civic and veterans groups to inspire support and illustrate gaps in the care provided by the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration and works with members of Congress to keep the interests of wounded warriors front and center.

Rosie has been married to her high school sweetheart, Alain, 40 years.  Together, they joined the Army under the Buddy System in 1978 and were stationed in Germany for 3 years before returning to Texas to finish out their enlistment.  They have two children Alan and Christy, and reside in Lakeway, Texas.  A captivating speaker with a great sense of humor, Rosie is a devoted wife, mother, Mimi, friend, counselor, advocate and, above all…Warrior.