Organize
Illuminated Woman Veteran: Gabe Forsberg
Gabriel “Gabe” Forsberg | #Organize
Gabe held the position of Strategic Planner & State Women Veteran’s Coordinator with the Arizona Department of Veteran Services (ADVS) until her retirement in 2013. She was a key liaison for the department with the veteran and military communities in Arizona, elected officials, and the general public.
She served in the Louisiana and Arkansas National Guard from 1973 until 1975 and her MOS was 71B20 (Clerk Typist). She holds a Master of Public Administration degree, which she accomplished during her 16 years with ADVS.
Gabe's biggest annual projects are scriptwriter for the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Planning Committee, chair for the Women's Section of the Maricopa StandDown, and sitting on the ADVS Women Veteran Advisory Committee. Her current veteran service organizations are the Women's Army Corps Saguaro Chapter #68, the Salt River Unit of the Military Women Across the Nation, Copper State Jewish War Veterans Post #619 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary #1433.
Gabe and I met back in 2010 – and yes, she’s in “The Desert Warrior,” too – when I fled a miserable life in Massachusetts for the desert warmth of Arizona. There is no other person – veteran or not – quite like Gabe and Arizona is beyond fortunate to have her.
Often when we think about community organizing, the image of someone screaming into a bullhorn may come to mind. This isn’t Gabe, but she’s by far one of the most effective and impactful organizers in the veteran community I’ve met to date. From assisting vulnerable and marginalized Veterans struggling with poverty, homelessness, and trauma to ensuring women Veterans are seen and heard across the nation, Gabe has had a hand in improving the lives of so many. You won’t find her sticking her nose in front of the camera or shit-posting on Twitter for a following. No, that’s not her style. She’s the stealth superhero who has saved lives and nurtured creative talent everywhere she goes, and blushes when you express any degree of accolades or gratitude for her incredible selfless service. Since her ADVS departure, she has done so much for free that I often think of her as a one-woman VSO.
When there’s a Veterans event succeeding in Arizona, I would put my money on the possibility that Gabe had some hand in making it work. Behind the scenes and/or on the ground, one would be hard-pressed to find someone who cares more or organizes better than Gabe Forsberg. From connecting the dots for Veterans groups to connecting Veterans to one another to make collaboration magic, Gabe is the consummate magician.
I could write a litany of reasons why Gabe has been so vital to even my own journey, but I will say that I keep a note of hers close to me at all times that reads, “You have people who love you, never be afraid to reach out,” knowing that my fierce independence – like many other combat veterans – was a trauma response. Well, dear Gabe, you have people who love you, too. And from across the pond, know that you are very much loved.
On day 5, I chose Gabe, who embodies the term, #Organize. Community organization is so much more than online petitions, photo ops, or rubbing elbows in DC. It’s showing up as your authentic self and being courageous enough to give from your heart – regardless of who may or may not see it.
Illuminated: Portraits of Women Veterans is an art series that highlights the accomplishments and lives of US women Veterans among us today. From the mundane to the surreal, I intend to highlight what often goes ignored or unseen in the mainstream US Military Veteran narrative. Women Veterans have had a major impact on my own journey through post-war community reintegration, and when we support one another, we shine the brightest.
