[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





   HONORING THE IMPACT OF JESSY LAKIN AND TIANA FREEMAN ON ALASKA'S 
                                VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MARY SATTLER PELTOLA

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 2024

  Mrs. PELTOLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two exemplary 
Alaskans. They have been inspirational to others, as well as a gift to 
the communities they serve across our great state.
  Jessy Lakin of Wasilla has served as the Program Lead for the Alaska 
Warrior Partnership since December 2022. As a combat veteran, co-
founder of Battle Dawgs 501(c)(3) and veteran advocate, Jessy's 
skillset in collaboration, problem solving, marketing, and community 
relations has helped AKWP grow exponentially. Jessy's ability and 
collaboration skills have helped find solutions to generate momentum 
within the state to address difficult issues that veterans face. Jessy 
has spearheaded and organized monthly meetings that host up to 85 
various agencies. This collaboration and partnership have been 
instrumental in the ability to assist veterans and their needs. Jessy 
also volunteers as a Co-Chair for the Veteran Community Partnership 
(VCP) with the Department of Veterans Affairs Alaska Health Care 
System. This group works with VA programs and community partners to 
address gaps in service, access to care, and provide outreach 
opportunities to connect veterans to the VA system.
  Tiana Freeman of Eagle River serves as a case coordinator for the 
Alaska Warrior Partnership. Tiana works to engage veterans and 
stakeholders who are seeking resources for the warriors in our 
community needing assistance. Her duties include intake of warriors, 
determination of needs, and screening for Suicidal Ideation and Risk 
before then connecting the warriors with resources in the community. 
Tiana has worked and closed 147 cases so far this year. Tiana goes 
above and beyond for each warrior; she establishes a trusting and 
lasting relationship with everyone she encounters. She has outstanding 
reviews from veterans, community partners and state and federal level 
agencies.
  Together, Tiana and Jessy work to identify gaps in services. They 
also work to obtain grants and funding. Their efforts to engage and 
recruit community agencies, businesses, and other non-profits have 
resulted in over 85 partnerships across Alaska. These partnerships have 
worked and closed 730 cases resulting in a successful closure rate of 
97.5 percent since December 2022.
  Jessy's and Tiana's dedication, selflessness, and empathy have 
positively impacted the veterans they assist as well as the community 
partners they engage.

                          ____________________