Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Rubio honored with Rockland's annual Freedom Award

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Elizabeth “Lisa” Rubio was presented with Rockland County's 2025 Freedom Award,  an annual honor made to female veterans for outstanding service.

Rubio served in the Marine Corps from 2011 to 2019, holding held key roles across multiple commands, including Recruiting Command and Special Operations Command. A dedicated leader, she supported multinational training exercises, mentored recruits, and earned multiple commendations, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

After her military service, Rubio was a veterans service officer for the County of Rockland, securing $12 million in benefits for local veterans and surviving spouses. She's now pursuing a law degree.

County Executive Ed Day and Director Susan Branam of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency honored Rubio during a presentation Monday, March 24.

"Acknowledging those who have worked and sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy is crucial,” Day stated. “Particularly women whose contributions to building and protecting our country have long been overlooked.”

Branam stated that Rubio had "not only been a trailblazer as a female Marine, but a dedicated veteran service officer, and now is completing her first year in law school. I have no doubt that she will continue to do well and serve as an inspiration to future generations."

Rockland County's 2024 Freedom Award was presented to Major Mattie Moore, Army Reserve (Ret.)., who served in Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm in 1991. The county also recognized the late Mary Contreras, a Vietnam veteran who served as a nurse in the Army.