A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Jennifer McAffrey was inspired to serve by her father’s service to his country. She graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in 2001 and later joined the Cherokee Nation Veterans Color Guard in 2019. McAffrey has commanded the color guard since 2022, honoring Native veterans through service and community involvement, and was Head Lady at the 2025 Broken Arrow Intertribal Veterans Association Powwow. She is also an award-winning mixed-media artist specializing in textiles. Her work incorporates Cherokee culture and history, including pieces that have brought greater awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and honored ancestors who endured the Trail of Tears.
