MARIA L.

ABOUT THE FINALISTMaria L.
Miramar, FL

Maria served in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) branch of the US Army from 1976 through 1984. The Women’s Army Auxiliary Army Corp (WAAC) was established “for the purpose of making available to the national defense the knowledge, skill, and special training of the women of the nation”. In 1943, WAAC was given active-duty status, becoming WAC. Maria’s class was the last of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). On May 22, 2004, Maria married her husband, Henry Ragins. In 2011, her husband was diagnosed with Colorectal cancer and 6 months later went into remission. In 2016, his cancer returned, and his battle began. He started having chemotherapy and radiation treatments and then had surgery on his leg due to a blood clot which ultimately left him relying on the use of a walker. After the surgery, he could no longer drive, and Maria became his caretaker. Unfortunately, in 2021, Henry’s cancer became very unstable and aggressive, and he passed away on June 22, 2021. Maria is a selfless, kind-hearted, and deserving individual. Please consider Maria in your selection for the Beacon of Hope.