Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Painter.
Hi Raquel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Raquel Painter is a proud member of the Dakota Sioux and Ho-Chunk Nations whose life’s work reflects a deep commitment to service, culture, and community. In 1989, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, beginning a distinguished 26-year career defined by leadership, sacrifice, and resilience. When she retired in 2016, she left behind a legacy of honorable service, but her mission to serve was far from over.
Throughout her military career, Raquel experienced firsthand the absence of Native American cultural activities on and around many military installations. For Native service members stationed far from their tribal homelands, opportunities to participate in ceremonies, celebrations, and cultural traditions were often limited or nonexistent. If she was unable to travel home, she, like many others, went without those important connections to identity, heritage, and spiritual grounding.
Raquel understood that Native Americans serve in the United States Armed Forces at the highest rate per capita of any ethnic group, continuing a long and honored tradition of warrior service. Yet despite this extraordinary commitment, there were few opportunities within military communities to honor and celebrate Native culture. She felt strongly that Native service members, veterans, and their families deserved access to the traditions that sustained them.
Guided by this conviction, Raquel founded the Onslow Veterans Pow Wow in Jacksonville, North Carolina. What began as a vision to bring culture to military bases has grown into a powerful annual gathering that honors Native American veterans—past, present, and future—while educating the broader community and strengthening cultural pride. The pow wow serves as a place of healing, unity, and recognition, welcoming thousands of attendees each year, including active-duty service members, veterans, tribal representatives, and civilians.
Today, Raquel Painter is recognized as a dedicated cultural advocate and community leader who continues to bridge the gap between military service and Native identity. Through the Onslow Veterans Pow Wow, she ensures that Native American service members never have to go without the songs, dances, and traditions that remind them of who they are and where they come from. Her work stands as a lasting tribute to the enduring spirit of Native warriors and the importance of honoring culture alongside service.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Like many meaningful and worthwhile efforts, the journey has been filled with challenges, sacrifice, and perseverance.
One of the earliest struggles was simply being heard and taken seriously. When Raquel Painter first envisioned the Onslow Veterans Pow Wow, there were few examples nearby of Native-centered cultural events focused specifically on honoring veterans, especially in a military community like Jacksonville, North Carolina. She often had to explain not only the purpose of a pow wow, but also why it was so important for Native American service members and veterans. Educating the community while trying to build support required patience and persistence.
Funding was another significant obstacle. In the beginning, there were limited financial resources, and much of the work depended on volunteer efforts, small donations, and personal sacrifice. Securing sponsors, vendors, and grants took time, and there were moments of uncertainty about whether the event could continue or grow. Each year required faith, determination, and countless hours of planning and coordination.
There were also logistical challenges. Organizing a pow wow involves many moving parts—coordinating dancers, drum groups, vendors, veterans’ honors, educational components, and volunteers. Ensuring that the event remained culturally respectful and authentic while also welcoming the broader public required careful balance and guidance from cultural leaders.
On a personal level, the responsibility carried emotional weight. As a Native American veteran, Raquel understood how deeply important this gathering could be for others who, like her, had gone without their culture while serving far from home. She felt a strong obligation to create something meaningful, knowing that fellow veterans were counting on it for healing, connection, and recognition.
Despite these struggles, each challenge reinforced her purpose. Seeing veterans stand proudly as their service was honored, watching young people connect with their heritage, and witnessing the community come together made every obstacle worthwhile.
What began as a difficult path has grown into a powerful and respected tradition. The struggles were real, but so was the vision—and today, the Onslow Veterans Pow Wow stands as proof that perseverance, cultural pride, and dedication can create something lasting and transformative.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about United Way of Onslow County ?
Raquel Painter serves as the President of United Way of Onslow County. Raquel is a dedicated, passionate and committed member of our community. She serves our community in a variety of roles to help every resident thrive. She is a member of the Jacksonville Onslow Civic Affairs Committee playing an active role in all Civic Affairs recognition ceremonies. Raquel led the 2020 Census for the community’s nonprofit organizations. She chairs the Onslow Strong Disaster Recovery Alliance, which she co-founded after the devastating destruction of Hurricane Florence. OSDRA was selected and nominated as a 2020 Golden Rule Lightkeeper Award winner and recently awarded the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service. She chairs the Onslow Veterans Pow Wow, which she founded in 2020 to bring Native American culture awareness to our community. Raquel is a Rotarian and currently serves with the Richlands Rotary Club. She serves on the Steering Committee for the Turning Adversity Into Success for Children in Onslow (TASCO). TASCO is working to eliminate child abuse and neglect through community education, awareness, intervention and advocacy. She is also an active member in the Military Affairs Committee through the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the Jacksonville Onslow Welcome Home Council which assist returning citizens from incarceration. Raquel is North Carolina’s 2021 Combat Female Veteran of the Year. She was named Onslow’s Women of the Year for 2021. Raquel received the President’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award in 2023. She was a 2023 Women of the Year nominee for the Onslow NAACP. Raquel was the recipient of the 2024 League of Women Voter’s Military Service Award. She was recently appointed by Governor Stein to serve on the NC Military Affairs Commission. Raquel is in service to others.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Raquel Painter’s life and service have been guided by an unwavering commitment to compassion. Throughout her 26-year career in the United States Marine Corps, she carried not only the responsibility of mission readiness, but also a deep concern for the well-being of those around her. She understood that true leadership meant lifting others, listening to their struggles, and standing beside them in moments of challenge and uncertainty. Her compassion created a sense of belonging for fellow service members, especially those who, like her, were far from home and their cultural roots.
Beyond her military career, Raquel’s compassion has continued to shape her work in the community. As the founder of the Onslow Veterans Pow Wow, she created a space of healing, honor, and recognition for Native American veterans and their families. Her vision ensured that no veteran would feel invisible or disconnected from their heritage. Through her efforts, she has helped bridge cultures, educate the public, and provide a place where stories, traditions, and sacrifices are acknowledged and celebrated.
Raquel Painter’s compassion is not simply a trait, but a driving force behind her lifelong service. It is reflected in her dedication to preserving culture, supporting veterans, and strengthening her community. Her character stands as a powerful example of servant leadership, demonstrating that compassion has the power to inspire, unite, and create lasting change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onslowpowwow.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onslowpowwow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Onslowveteranspowwow
