At the March 7th Tribal Monthly Meeting, Veterans of U.S. forces, Erin Cook and Cheryl Jacobs received the Public Service Accommodation Medal for their exemplary service, staunch advocacy, and tireless compassion and care on behalf of the Secretary of the Army, presented by Richard Barbato, U.S. Army Veteran.
Barbato described them as “two dynamite Army vets," praising the reports and language they crafted while serving on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, enacting change at higher levels of government. “They are literally saving lives, not just of Native veterans, regardless of their location, but all veterans.”
Jacobs has the distinguished honor of being a double veteran of the U.S. Army and the Marine Corps. During her time as Tribal Sub-Chief from 2015 to 2018, she was integral to the creation of the Akwesasne Mohawk Veterans Monument at Generations Park. Additionally, Cheryl coordinated a veterans one-day conference held at Akwesasne Housing Authority Training Center, where more than 100 veterans from local and surrounding areas attended, which Barbato called “the best veterans' event I’ve ever attended," having attended memorials from coast to coast. Cheryl is vocal about Native American veterans being ignored in federal spaces. “In these meetings, they don’t like to speak about Natives,” she said. “I’m very vocal about that. I’m fighting for funding for Native veterans because our veterans are forgotten when they return home.” Cheryl continues to serve on the U.S. Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and successfully led the "Pave our Post" project, replacing the Post #1479 Legion parking lot.
Cook, who served on the Veterans Affairs Readjustment and Counseling Committee between 2019 and 2022, remarked on being recognized for her time there as "truly an honor." Her experience through motherhood, loss, and supporting others forged a stronger connection to her committee work. “Whether we’re in classrooms, combat zones, clinics, or communities, this work is about helping people and how we show up for one another.” She toured veterans' centers throughout the country, hearing their stories of trauma and survival, to be able to identify deficiencies in services, translating into the adoption of new policy. She shared, “Compassion and accountability can exist together. None of us get this right all the time. Growth is something we return to again and again,” demonstrating the emotional weight carried by those who serve others.
Of the award presentation, Tribal Council stated, "We are proud to recognize both Cheryl and Erin, surrounded by their families and friends, for their valiant service in the Army and Marine Corps and as U.S. Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee members. Their advocacy, courage, and service to their community have earned them both this distinguished honor."
Niawen’kó:wa to both Erin and Cheryl for their service in the U.S. forces and the U.S. Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, where their work will positively impact veterans for years to come.