VETERANS AFFAIRS
civilian honors, was autho- rized by Public Law 112-59 and awarded to Montford Point Marines for their courageous service. Joseph Lee Cook was honored posthumously alongside 30 other Marines who were also recognized at this year's ceremony. The event’s keynote speaker, Lt. Gen. Calvert L. Worth, Jr., Commanding General of the II Marine Expeditionary Force, underscored the signifi- cance of the Montford Point Marines and their enduring legacy in shaping the armed forces. Representing Kappa Alpha Psi at this historic occasion was Brother Major General (R) Hawthorne "Peet" Proctor, Chairman of our Fraternity’s Mil- itary & Veterans Affairs Commission.
to Kappa Alpha Psi inspire brothers everywhere. As Breck Cook reflected on the significance of receiv- ing this medal, he said, “As men in Kappa Alpha Psi, we need to market this outstanding award oppor- tunity to every member of our fraternity because I'm confident that hidden somewhere in the history of our membership, there is a grandfather, a great grand- father and great uncle, a great nephew, who served in World War II as one of the first Black Marines. There were 20,000 first Black Marines who served, and every one of them is eligible to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.” The Montford Point Marines’ recognition through the Congressional Gold Medal is not only a profound honor for the individuals who served but also for the fraternity. "One of the major lessons that I learned from my father that he passed on to me is that you are your name,” Breck Cook said. “Your name carries throughout. When some- one speaks your name, if they're smiling, they have fond memories and a pleasant experience with you. If someone speaks your name and they look
Joseph Lee Cook received the Congressional Gold Medal owing to the diligence of the Brothers Cook.
“THERE WERE 20,000 FIRST BLACK MARINES WHO SERVED, AND EVERY ONE OF THEM IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.”
down and they look away, that's an indication that you did not leave a positive impact with that individual about yourself. So that's one of the things that I passed on to my son, and that his name as a Cook, his name as Brett, represents me, represents his grandfa- ther, represents the entire Cook family. So, I believe he has carried himself in a positive manner, so that
when someone speaks his name, a smile comes to their face.” To that end, brothers are encouraged to inquire during Province and Chapter meetings whether anyone's father, grandfa- ther, uncle, or cousin may have served in the Marine Corps during WWII. These individuals may also be eligible to receive the Con- gressional Gold Medal. ♦
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
For Kappa Alpha Psi, the recognition of the Mont- ford Point Marines reminds us of the intertwined legacy of service, sacrifice, and fraternity that defines us. Breck Cook and Brett Cook are continuing their family's military tradi- tion, a testament to the enduring impact of Joseph Lee Cook’s legacy. Their family’s story and their ties
Information on the nomination process can be found at https://montfordpointmarines.org
SUMMER 2023 ♦ THE JOURNAL 19
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