Hello Combined Arms Community,
My name is Vincent Rapp, the newest member of Combined Arms, and I am excited to be joining the organization as the Rural Texas Regional Manager.
I formerly held the role of Director of Veteran Recruitment at Texas State Technical College, so I am familiar with challenges endured by transitioning veterans. I am a native of a small Fort Worth town, oftenly referred to as “The cutting horse capital of the world” Weatherford Texas. I was very focused on basketball as a kid with dreams of being the next Michael Jordan. When my dreams of being a professional basketball player were crushed, I thought the Army might be the next best thing in regards to excitement in my life. While serving I was fortunate enough to serve in one of the most decorated units in the Army 1-7 CAV. While I was serving I also was able to get my associates degree in preparation to transition back into civilian life.
After separating from the Army I finished my bachelors degree in political science at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor (Go Cru). Like many other veterans I had a hard time fitting into the civilian world. I had multiple surgeries in the span of 18 months stemming from injuries sustained in the military. It took me a while to finally find my footing. After graduating I was a coach in East Texas for a year before relocating to Waco to be with my fiancé at the time. I worked as the Marketing and Special Events Coordinator at Cabela's until taking a position at Texas State Technical College as the Project Coordinator on their Alignment Team. While there, I helped research capacity and analyzed capabilities of expansion and the processes required to do so. After being at TSTC for some time, I was asked to help lead the Veteran Recruitment Team that we established at the Rosenberg campus. In that role I found my true calling, helping Veterans find the resources to be successful in life.
As the Rural Texas Regional Manager for Combined Arms, I will oversee statewide rural operations and help with the growth of Combined Arms methodology and technology. I will combine community leaders, member organizations, stakeholders, state officials, and key agencies to positively impact the rural Texas veteran community.
I am extremely excited to be a part of the growth happening at Combined Arms. I felt that my military service was relatively easy, so having the ability to help those that have given so much more really makes me feel like I am still giving back to the men and women that served.