2026 Women Warriors Award

Original Post May 2026

I bumped into Newport Police Department Officer Crystal Arel at Newport’s Memorial Day Ceremony today, and it reminded me that I owed her a belated shout-out. Congratulations to Crystal for receiving a 2026 Women Warriors Award from the nonprofit organization “Mission: Boots to Briefcases” on March 26, 2026!

Crystal is remarkable, as not only does she serve Newport as a Police Officer, but she’s also a Master Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve, plus a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. And as if that weren’t enough, she’s also a member of Warren, Rhode Island’s volunteer fire department. To say she was deserving of the recognition is an understatement. Congratulations, Crystal! Thank you for ALL of your services.