Jewish American Heritage Month Honoree: Colonel Jack Jacobs, the only living Jewish-American Medal of Honor recipient. After earning bachelor's and master’s degrees in international relations from Rutgers University, Jacobs joined the U.S. Army at the height of the Vietnam War. While serving as a 1st Lieutenant, he saved the lives of 14 fellow soldiers during a fierce fire fight, despite being seriously wounded himself. For his extraordinary bravery, Jacobs was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon. But his service to the nation didn’t end there. Today, Colonel Jacobs teaches at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, helping shape the next generation of military leaders. He is also a military and political analyst for NBC and MSNBC, offering insights on national security and global affairs. Beyond the classroom and television studio, Jacobs remains committed to supporting military families as an active advocate for the Children of Fallen Warriors Foundation and honorary National Commander of Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. To learn more about Jack Jacobs’ remarkable journey, read his 2008 memoir “If Not Now, When? Duty and Sacrifice In America’s Time of Need,” co-authored with Douglas Century and winner of the prestigious William E. Colby Military Writers' Award in 2010. The Jewish War Veterans is proud to honor Colonel Jack Jacobs. His courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service inspires us all. #JWV #JAHM #MyJAHM #OurSharedHeritage #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth (fb)

This feature for Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes Debra Stern. Debra Stern was a trailblazer who paved the way for women in the military. At just 19 years old, this Jewish girl from Brooklyn ran to Grand Central Station to enlist in World War II. In an era when women were often assigned to menial jobs, Stern was determined to be a driver, despite it being unheard of in 1943. Debra persisted and become one of the Army’s first women drivers. Debra drove troop transports, munition trucks, and even General Patton, later earning a Driving Medal for exceptional service. After the Army, Stern married, raised a family, and enjoyed the American dream. However, she remained deeply connected to the military and joined the Jewish War Veterans in 1958, where she became Junior Vice Commander of Post 606. Debra loved her community and helped veterans transition from service to civilian life. Among her proudest achievements was co-founding a Jewish cemetery in Long Island. Debra Stern’s legacy of service, leadership, and dedication continues to inspire. #JWV #JAHM #MyJAHM #OurSharedHeritage #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth (fb)