Keetoowah Cherokee Soldiers Continue Warrior Tradition
In part, the warrior tradition is a willingness to engage the enemy in battle. This characteristic has been clearly demonstrated by the courageous deeds of Native Americans in combat. However, the warrior tradition is best exemplified by the following qualities said to be inherent to most if not all Native American societies: strength, honor, pride, devotion, and wisdom. These qualities make a perfect fit with military tradition.
Families and relatives held a dinner at Swimmer Baptist Church recently for five family members, all Keetoowah members, who will be deployed to Iraq within the first of the year. The dinner honored Sammy David Allen, Specialist E4; Stephanie Keener, Sergeant; Amanda Keener, Private First Class and Chad Keener Specialist all with the Alpha 20th National Guard Unit in Tahlequah, and Erik Scott Olivares, Private First Class, United States Army. "I'm sad to be leaving, but anxious to go, because that's what I've been training for a long time. I'm proud to serve in the United States Army, it's my duty, and it's what I signed on for, being in Infantry is all I focus on." said Private First Class Olivares. The five family members will train for three months at Fort Bliss, Texas and will be deployed to Iraq first part of the New Year for a one-year deployment.
UKB Lighthorse Security Officer Raymond Wickson received word of his deployment on October 5th, and was busy preparing to leave the country. He will depart on November 9 to Ft. Bliss, Texas with the 45th Infantry for 3 weeks training before leaving for Iraq. "I just want to go over there, serve my time, and get back to my family," Wickson said. "I will probably be deployed again before I get my 20 years in. I plan to retire from the army," said Wickson.
"We appreciate any person who joins the National Guards; they're always subject to be called into active duty. We asked for people to continue to pray for our UKB soldiers and remember all our U.S. soldiers when you pray." stated Keetoowah Chief George Wickliffe. "We are very proud of our Keetoowah people who are serving in Iraq."
