Raife Juárez was born into a working-class family in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. At 17, feeling like he had no clear path forward, he enlisted in the Army in search of stability and opportunity. For four years, including a deployment to Europe, Raife served our country with discipline and commitment. However, his time in the military became an eye-opening experience, exposing him to the devastating impact of the military-industrial complex on the environment. He witnessed vast stretches of land destroyed and abandoned after being used for weapons testing—scars that reflected a systemic disregard for both the earth and the people connected to it.

 

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Raife’s journey brought him to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he became further educated on the detrimental impacts the military and extractive industries have had on local communities—particularly low-income, Indigenous, Black, and migrant communities. From the Kirkland Jet Fuel Spill contaminating Albuquerque’s groundwater, to decades of uranium extraction devastating Pueblo and Diné lands, to migrants sacrificing their health and bodies to work in the oil fields of southern New Mexico, Raife became acutely aware of how U.S. imperialism and the military-industrial complex have fueled the destruction of sacred lands. This extractive colonialism, driven by profit, has not only exploited vulnerable communities but also accelerated the climate crisis, leaving lasting harm to the earth and its stewards.

 

As a guest settling on Tiwa lands, Raife recognizes the harm inflicted by his time in the Army and the responsibility he carries to work toward healing and accountability. In 2022, he joined YUCCA after completing the El Puente Summer Leadership Academy. Through YUCCA, he found a sense of belonging and purpose, working to address the intertwined issues of environmental degradation, systemic violence, and exploitation. From painting banners to organizing actions, Raife embraced his role as an advocate for change, guided by a deep commitment to justice and stewardship.

 

Currently, Raife serves as a Steering Committee Member, helping to lead YUCCA toward a future rooted in justice, collective accountability, and care for the earth and its communities.