Community Corner
From Soldier To Scholar: Army Veteran Inspires Through Service And Study
From military linguist to academic mentor, Kara Atkinson has taken on many roles to uplift fellow veterans while researching justice abroad.
Whether it’s serving as a military officer or stepping up as a first responder, it takes a rare combination of dedication, resilience and heart to take on these roles. And for many of these individuals, that same drive carries over into life beyond the badge.
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to spotlight active-duty military members, veterans and first responders who continue to lead, inspire and give back in meaningful ways across their communities.
U.S. Army veteran Kara Atkinson is one of many who continue to serve their communities long after hanging up the uniform. After working as an Arabic linguist and earning her associate degree during her military service, Atkinson pursued further education at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. She graduated in 2023 with a degree in history and minors in religion and Holocaust and genocide studies, bringing her passion for research and education to her studies.
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As reported by Pacific Lutheran University, Atkinson’s impact has gone far beyond the classroom. Through her role as PLU’s Vet Corps Navigator, she provided crucial peer-to-peer mentorship to military-affiliated students, many of whom face unique barriers in their transition to college life. As a first-generation college student herself, Atkinson drew from her own experiences to ensure no one slips through the cracks.
From organizing meaningful Veterans Day exhibits to producing impactful research on food sovereignty and resistance abroad, Atkinson’s actions exemplify service beyond the badge. “You can’t help but care,” she said, referring to her motivation for spotlighting global human rights.
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Whether it’s advocating for veterans or elevating underrepresented voices through research, Kara Atkinson is helping shape a more compassionate, informed and inclusive community, on campus and beyond.
Want to learn more? Read the full Pacific Lutheran University interview with Kara Atkinson.
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