SAN ANTONIO – (March 17, 2025) – The City of San Antonio’s Veterans Advisory Commission (VAC) and the Military and Veteran Affairs Department (MVAD) selected the 2024 Veterans of the Year, recognizing outstanding service to fellow veterans and contributions to the community.
U.S. Army veteran Jerry Cheatom of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 was one of seven veterans recognized during the Military Transformation Task Force meeting, held at the Concourse Level of City Tower.
“San Antonio is proud to honor these outstanding veterans for their dedication to service - both in uniform and in our community,” said MVAD Director and Post 828 Legionnaire Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala, U.S. Marine Corps retired. “Their commitment to supporting fellow veterans and making a positive impact reflects the values of Military City USA®, and we are grateful for their contributions.”
Established in 2024, the Veteran of the Year Award honors veterans who have demonstrated exceptional service to fellow veterans and made significant contributions to community and civic organizations.
The award recognizes one veteran from each Military City USA® district, as well as one city-employed veteran, regardless of rank, who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Other Veterans of the Year included:
District 1: Sgt. Arland Schnacker II, U.S. Army and city-employed veteran
District 3: Sgt. Tony Fuentes, U.S. Army
District 7: Command Master Chief Petty Officer Steven Viola, U.S. Navy
District 8: Pfc. Kimberly Davis, U.S. Army
District 9: Col. Arthur Downey, U.S. Army (Business and Professional Post 10)
District 10: 1st Sgt. Monica Morris, U.S. Army
“This has been a long time coming, and I am confident that this program will only continue to grow and flourish,” said VAC Chairman and Post 336 Legionnaire Richard Delgado. “A huge thank you to District 2 VAC Representative Burrell Parmer for guiding us to the finish line, and to Tim Woliver and Debe Clark along with the City of San Antonio Military and Veteran Affairs Department for providing the heavy lift to make this a reality.”
The VAC serves as an advocate for San Antonio’s military community, advising the mayor and city council on legislative matters affecting active-duty service members, veterans and their families.
