Elba Barr

First generation Cuban American, Elba Barr, grew up on a dairy farm in South Burlington, VT. Upon graduation from high school, Elba joined the Army as an Intelligence Analyst. While in service, she traveled to 28 countries while deployed as a senior analyst specializing in terrorism. In support of the Global War on Terror, Elba was stationed at the infamous Karshi-Khanabad (K2) Base in Uzbekistan, where she was exposed to hazardous chemicals such as tetrachloroethylene, cyanide and depleted uranium. Elba developed cancer – not once, but eight times. The mother of two underwent multiple surgeries and treatments including a hysterectomy and double mastectomy. She was key in the development and passing of the PACT Act and today advocates and advises fellow veterans of their rights. She mentors veterans peer-to-peer from her home in Colorado Springs.