Local Vets Show Gratitude for Help from One of Their Own

By DARLA M. YOUNGS
COOPERSTOWN

Floyd Bourne, commander of VFW Post 7128, describes Jamie Carkees as “an angel.” First Vice Commander David Turner says “the breadth of her assistance has been phenomenal.”

Her good works were officially recognized on Thursday, May 9 when Carkees was presented with an Appreciation Award by VFW members for “meritorious and distinguished service in furthering the aims and ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.”

Carkees has been a veteran services officer here in Otsego County since May of 2022. A former veteran herself, she is an alumna of Cooperstown Central School.

“I graduated from Cooperstown in 2002, but I enlisted in the Army in 2001 in what is called the Delayed Entry Program,” Carkees recalled. “In August of 2002, I went to basic training. I knew I wanted to be in the military since I was a freshman in high school.

Carkees served both on active duty and in the Army reserves until 2012.

“I started off as a military police officer and eventually transitioned to human resources. Since I got out of the Army, I have worked in the community to help others,” Carkees said. “Prior to taking this job, I worked at Bassett Hospital for seven years as a care coordinator in the Case Management department.

“I have always had a compassion to help others. When this position as a veteran services officer became open, I felt compelled to help other veterans because veterans hold a special place in my life.”