MCEC CEO Appointed Chair of Veterans’ Family, Caregiver and Survivor Federal Advisory Committee

HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — Dr. Rebecca Porter, President and CEO of the Military Child Education Coalition, U.S. Army (Retired), has been appointed as the Chair of the Veterans’ Family, Caregiver and Survivor Federal Advisory Committee.

This committee is charged with providing advice to The Honorable Denis McDonough, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (SECVA), with respect to the administration of benefits by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for services to Veterans’ families, caregivers, and survivors.

“The opportunity to serve as the Chair of the Veterans’ Family, Caregiver and Survivor Advisory Committee is a great honor,” said Dr. Porter. “I am committed to working closely with Secretary McDonough through Dr. Colleen Richardson, Executive Director, Caregiver Support Program/Veterans Health Administration, and the committee members to ensure that the needs of our Veterans’ families, caregivers, and survivors are met effectively and efficiently.”

The committee was first established and chartered in 2017 under Dr. Lynda Davis with the Veterans Experience Office (VEO). The charter most recently renewed in May 2023, and directs reporting to the SECVA through the Caregiver Support Program, Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Dr. Porter has been serving on the committee since 2019.

The committee’s report to the SECVA is delivered every other year and includes an assessment of needs, supports, and services for Veteran’s families, caregivers, and survivors. It also reviews programs and activities designed to meet such needs and provides recommendations for improvements across VA that focus on families, caregivers and survivors.

Dr. Porter brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role as Chair of the Veterans’ Family, Caregiver and Survivor Federal Advisory Committee. She is a board-certified clinical health psychologist, a fellow of the American Psychological Association, and a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit. She is a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for Military Psychology and holds the Army Surgeon General’s “A” Proficiency Designator as recognition of her significant contributions to the U.S. Army Medical Department. Her leadership and dedication to supporting military families and veterans make her an ideal candidate for this important position.

For more information about the Veterans’ Family, Caregiver and Survivor Federal Advisory Committee, please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

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About the Military Child Education Coalition

MCEC is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit leadership and advocacy organization. MCEC supports all military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. Learn more about the national advocacy efforts of MCEC at MilitaryChild.org and on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries

Please contact the MCEC Director of Marketing and Brand Creative, Karen Kirk, by email at Karen.Kirk@militarychild.org