UKB Honors Veterans and Fallen Heroes

In the Keetoowah Cherokee language, United Keetoowah Band Chief George Wickliffe greeted over 130 veterans attending the Annual UKB Veteran's luncheon held at the Jim Proctor Elder Community Center in Tahlequah. "It is so good to see so many of you who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, who have fought in past wars," said Chief Wickliffe.

On Thursday, November 5, 2009, a gunman opened fire at Fort Hood, Texas, killing 13 people and wounding dozens more. Chief Wickliffe was in Washington, D.C. meeting with other Native American Chiefs with President of the United States Barack Obama when he received word of the horrific event that took place in Fort Hood, Texas. "I was stationed at Fort Hood, where the shooting took place yesterday. The person who did the shooting was a major and should have known better, but he was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, evidently he didn't believe as Christians do, he believed in the Islamic Religion," said Chief Wickliffe. "I saw some photos of tanks, I remember when I was stationed at Fort Hood, I was a sergeant, the tanks used to make circles all day long, if you were stationed at Fort Hood, you know what I'm talking about," he told the veterans. "There was a rattlesnake pit there too, every time we went out on maneuvers we would rest out there by rattlesnakes. We would see rattlesnakes eight feet long and the dust the tanks stirred up would get all over us," added Chief. "Please join the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in recognizing and honoring these people. Let us not forget them, keep their families and children in your prayers."

As a veteran of the United States Army, Chief Wickliffe reminded the veterans that wars today are fought different than from the past. With all the modern technology now being used we have the capability to strike over 500 miles away. He mentioned that the wars aren't just fought on the front lines anymore; we're having to fight battles here in our homeland as well. "Americans are being attacked here at home, taking out children, women, people who can't defend themselves," said Chief Wickliffe. "I know that a Keetoowah Cherokee soldier and the rest of you that have served in the military would never do that unless your enemy is attacking you. General George S. Patton, Jr. said years ago, "There's no better fighting people than a Native American."

It is well recognized that, historically, Native Americans have the highest record of service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups. The reasons behind this disproportionate contribution are complex and deeply rooted in traditional American Indian culture. In many respects, Native Americans are no different from others who volunteer for military service. They do, however, have distinctive cultural values which drive them to serve their country. One such value is their proud 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.

"But remember there are a lot of good fighting soldiers of all races in the military, men and women who give their lives for their Country," said the chief.

Chief Wickliffe thanked Muskogee American Legion Post 15 for attending and participating in the ceremony and thanked all the veterans and invited them to take a tour of the United Keetoowah Band grounds and complex.

Assistant Chief Charles Locust also wel comed the veterans, and offered his appreciation to all the veterans who have served in past wars and to active soldiers and their families attending. "We know what it means to have served in wars and what our soldiers are going through today. How do you go about telling every soldier thank you for what they have done - soldiers who have sacrificed their life for the protection of your family, grandparents, mothers and fathers. We are here today to acknowledge the veterans and active duty soldiers, to tell them thank you. If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be here today celebrating our freedom," said Assistant Chief Locust.

UKB Executive Director of Tribal Operations, Tim Good Voice, shared a story to the veterans and families attending. He relayed a story told to him by Joseph Marshall III, a Sincangu member, "Burnt Thigh Band" who is Lakota. He told of during the start of the Little Bighorn Battle of young warriors who ran into battle to protect their village. These young warriors wore red sashes across there chests. These sashes signified that these young warriors would not run from battle, these warriors were known as "Crazy Dog Soldiers". He told of how the fighting would come to their doorstep of this village. A grandmother who's grandson was running toward the battle, followed, crossing the river and climbing on top of a hill to see the warriors fight the soldiers. As she watched the battle from atop, enemy soldiers were running towards her, but the young warriors ran to her aide. As the battle continued, she stood on top of that hill singing and praying out loud and all the warriors could hear her songs and prayers. After the battle the young warriors rode by, they took their red sashes off and laid them on her as an honor.

"I come here today and see so many Indian people that have taken up arms have stood that front line of defense. But we want to recognize also those families that had to stay home, pray, sing and watch for those that came home. We have soldiers right now standing in the front lines protecting our homes and families and trading bullets with our enemies. As expressed earlier, there's a fort where people have been shot by people with other beliefs, once again that fight is coming to our doorstep. So I just want to say thank you to everyone who took the line and held it, all the support from home and those that are standing the line today," said Good Voice.