In recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month, we honor Sergeant First Class Christopher Celiz, a brave Jewish-American soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country. Celiz’s commitment to service began early as a cadet in his South Carolina high school’s JROTC program. After graduation, he attended The Citadel, a military college known for developing principled leaders. After two years, he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army in 2008, where he quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his dedication and leadership. In 2018, while on his fifth deployment to Afghanistan, Sergeant First Class Celiz and his unit came under heavy enemy fire. As the situation deteriorated, he ordered his team to retreat while he stayed behind to provide cover. In an extraordinary act of bravery, he used his own body as a shield to protect a wounded comrade and medevac team, sacrificing his own life so that others might live. For his heroism, Sergeant Celiz was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military tribute — by President Joseph Biden in 2021. Sergeant Christopher Celiz is remembered not only for his courage, but for the deep sense of duty that guided his life and legacy. #JWV #JAHM #MyJAHM #OurSharedHeritage #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth (fb)

This feature for Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes Steven Braverman. Steven Braverman is an Army veteran, physician, and strong advocate for veteran-centered care. Braverman earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 1987 and joined the Army Medical Corps, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. His expertise gained depth while deployed to Iraq, where he served as Deputy Surgeon for Clinical Operations — experience that prepared him to be Director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Recognized for his leadership, Dr. Braverman was later appointed Chief Consultant to the Army Surgeon General. After 29 years of distinguished service, he retired from the military, but not from his mission. He joined the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2016, first as Director of the Hines VA Hospital in Chicago, serving more than 8,000 veterans, then as Director of the Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center. Today , Dr. Braverman serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Veterans Health Administration, continuing his patient-first approach. He has led major initiatives in suicide prevention, expanded women’s health services, and strengthened partnerships with community organizations, including one especially close to his heart, the Jewish War Veterans. Dr. Steven Braverman’s lifelong commitment to service reflects compassion, leadership, and a deep dedication to those who served. #JWV #JAHM #MyJAHM #OurSharedHeritage #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth (fb)