Honoring Native American warriors past, present

  • Published
  • By Capt. Justin Tolliver
  • 90th Maintenance Operations Squadron
F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  Native Americans have been interlaced with the U.S. military forces from the first settlers of the 13 colonies, to the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and even the Global War on Terrorism.

November is a time when we take a step back and realize how much we have to be thankful for in this great country. We also set aside a day to honor all the veterans who have served this country throughout our history. But we also take November to remember the heritage and traditions that the Native Americans have continued.

Over the next few weeks, we will discover how Native Americans serve in the military, an organization which for many years was sworn to oppress them.

By a percentage of total population, more Native Americans served in the military during the 20th century than any other ethnic group. Of those that served, 80 percent volunteered. When surveyed, Native Americans overwhelmingly cite family tradition, duty to country and tribal tradition as key to their decision. In fact, 75 percent of respondents cite each of those categories as very or somewhat important.

However, the American Indians that did serve were met with a tremendous amount of racism and stereotyping by their counterparts.

Above all this, though, thousands of Native Americans have served proudly, many going above and beyond the call of duty. One example is the Navajo Code Talkers used in the Pacific during World War II. This was the only code used during the entirety of World War II that was never broken. A similar tactic was used in World War I on the front lines in Germany where Choctaw Indians used their native language to send coded messages. During Vietnam, Billy Walkabout, a Cherokee from Oklahoma, received the Distinguished Service Cross -- the second highest decoration for gallantry in combat. There have also been five Native Americans to be awarded the Medal of Honor during the 20th century: Jack C. Montgomery, Ernest Childers, Van Barfoot, Michael Red Cloud Jr. and Charles George. More recently, Army Pfc. Lori Piestewa became the first female Native American to die in combat operations when her convoy was ambushed March 23, 2003, in Iraq.

It is clear that Native Americans have an innate desire to serve and carry on tribal or family traditions. Many have chosen to do so by serving in the military. Of those that served, there are numerous examples of bravery and victory over oppression. Native Americans serve us not only in the military, but through their traditions of simplicity, honor and respect.

During November, we cannot forget who first settled this great land and who continue to enrich our society. We must honor those warriors, past and present.