Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
Andrew has served since 2016 and joined because of his family's history of service going back to the Alaska Territorial Guard. "My favorite part of serving is being an inspiration to the younger ones in the family and community." He says this observance "means a lot to me because we will hopefully inspire more Alaska natives to join the military.”
Andrew joined the Guard in 2018, following his brother, father and grandparents into the military. The highlight of his service was going to drill with his brother. "The observance is important to me because of the oppression the Native Americans went through. It is also important because it shows the importance of the languages, for example the code talkers during WWII, the Navajo language helped the Marine Corps out during the island campaign. It also shows the difference and similarities between the different cultures across America."
Parker, from the Omaha Nation Reservation, says the highlight of serving in the Guard since 2009 was seeing Iraq and Kuwait during a deployment. This observance means a lot "because it’s a way to provide insight to those other Native American communities (Omaha Nation, Winnebago, Ponca and Santee) within the state of Nebraska. There are so many youth that need to see this type of thing daily, weekly and monthly to capture their interests before a point in which they won’t be able to join because of personal choices."
Bledsoe, a Chickasaw Nation tribe member, says highlights of his 11 years in the Guard include assignments as a chemical reconnaissance platoon leader and survey team leader. Asked what Native American Heritage Month means to him, he said: "Having time dedicated to observance of the past helps to honor tradition, keep from repeating mistakes and plan for the future."
Hallmark, a tribal member of the Chickasaw Nation, has served in the Guard for 25 years. He considers this observance "a celebration and an honor of a great/meaningful heritage of our country's first people. It is also great to see the Oklahoma National Guard recognizing all the Native American warriors that make the Oklahoma National Guard."
Harrison said he always wanted to serve in the military. He joined the Guard in 2019 and says of Native American Heritage Month: "It's interesting that there is a notice of such a small percentage of Native Americans with such a small percentage of people in the U.S. that choose to serve."
LeFlore, a petroleum supply specialist, joined the Guard in 2010 because "I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself." He says this observance "makes me proud to know that I am being recognized for my Native heritage."
Scott felt drawn to service after 9/11 and joined the Guard in 2003. She cherishes the lifelong bonds she has made with people she would have never met if it was not for the military. A proud Cherokee, she says this observance means "putting your mind on something and just pushing yourself not only physically but mentally, too."