Veterans Page
The Southeastern Cherokee Council, Inc. is seeking information on all members, past or present, that were/are veterans.
We are building this special page on our webite to honor our vets.
If you are a veteran and would like to participate in this project, please submit information to our Webmaster(s) by clicking either: JBugaArt@aol.com or dbeaty71@hotmail.com
Information may include full name, rank, branch of service, dates, units, brief history, what you are doing today, family information, etc. You may submit as much, or as little, as you choose. Scanned photographs are always welcome.
Warrior Song of the Lakota
Tunkaљilayapi tawapaha kin oihankeљni najin kte lo
Iyoh^late oyate kin wicicagin kta ca hecamon welo
He yuha natan pe
He yuha natan pe
Tunkaљilayapi tawapaha ca he yuha natan pelo
Lakhota hokљila he ohitika ca he yuha natan pe
Tunkaљilayapi tawapaha ca he yuha natan pelo
The flag of the United States will fly forever
Beneath it, the people will grow
That is why I do this
They are carrying it, charging
They are carrying it, charging
They are carrying the flag of the United States, charging
The brave Lakota boys are carrying it, charging
They are carrying the flag of the United States, charging.
Principal Chief Chad Smith,
at the dedication of the Cherokee Warrior Memorial, spoke of the history of Native Americans who have entered this country’s
military; no other ethnic group has served at a higher percentage.
"In World War II, 25,000 Native Americans in all fronts of Europe and Asia received more than 71 Air Medals, 51 Silver Stars, 47 Bronze Stars, 34 Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Congressional Medals of Honor," he said. "In Korea, many Native Americans joined the service during that conflict. In Vietnam, more than 41,500 Native Americans enlisted to serve the United States….This gave Native Americans the highest record of service of any ethnic group in the country’s history."
The Cherokee Veteran Warriors Memorial is located on the grounds of the Cherokee Nation Headquarters in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The memorial includes a black granite wall inscribed in both Cherokee and English with these words: "A grateful Cherokee Nation dedicates this memorial to all Cherokee men and women, both living and dead, who have defended their families, their people, and their homeland" on one side. The opposite side reads as follows: "These names are carved in stone forever - so that we and our children can learn and remember. POW-MIA, you are not forgotten."
You can read more about the memorial by clicking
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SECCI Veterans
Anderson, Alvin W Jr , SP-E 5
Oct 1974--Nov 1977
Transportation Detachment.
MOS- 61C20 / 61B20 Water Craft operator and Diesel engineman
Basic Training: Ft. Knox Kentucky, MOS Training: Ft. Eutis Va.
Assigned to 309th Transportation Detachment. Larc 60 Amphibious Vehicles.
Barfield, John A. USN Ret.
Joined: August 1960
1961 - 1962 Naval Station Newport, RI
1962 - 1967 USS Forrestal CVA - 59
1967 - 1971 Naval Station Roosevelt Rhodes, Puerto Rico
1971 - 1973 USS Newport News CA - 148
1973 - 1975 Com Crudes Gru 8 Barge Coxwain
1975 - 1978 Naval Station Naples, Italy
1978 - 1981 USS Piedmont AD - 17
Retired in April, 1981
Blessing, Terry L.
I was a sergeant in the Marine Corps, 1971-1977
My job was Helo Crew Chief and Door Gunner.
I was a gunner instructor in Marietta Ga. For 2 yrs. Semper Fi.
Bragg, Tommy Ray "Dragonfly"
I am Wadaduga (DRAGONFLY) Chief of the Longhair Band of Florida.
USNavy--Chief Electronics Technician (E-7) Retired.
Served from 1955 to 1979 Awarded: USN Achievement Medal, USN/USMC Meritorious Unit Ribbon,
USN "E" Ribbon, USN Good Conduct Medal (5 awards ), National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal,
USN Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2 Stars), USN Expert Rifle Medal, USN Expert Pistol Medal.
I served on three ships: USS Northampton CLC-1, USS Florikan ASR-9 and USS Albany CG-10.
I was Rangemaster for Naval Stations at Kodiak, Alaska and the Panama Canal Zone.
Campbell, Sam
I was in Viet Nam 1972-73 U.S. Air Force, 7th. Air Force, 633 Combat Support Group as a Para-Rescue.
Chambers, Thomas J.
US Army -- SFC (Ret.)
Dates of Service June 28, 1972 - September 30, 1993
Compton, Eugene A.
Sergeant First Class, United States Army (Retired)
79727 Old Milford Road
Milford, KS 66514
I currently reside just outside Fort Riley, KS.
Cutshaw, Thomas "Soaring Eagle"
Rank: PFC
Branch: United States Army
Service Time: 1983-1986
Unit: 101st Airborne Air Assault Division, Ft. Campbell, KY
Duties: Chaplain Assistant, PAC Clerk, Infantry
I currently reside in Newport, Tennessee.
I am a proud member of the One Spirit Band of Tennessee and the SECCI.
I serve as Historian for the One Spirit Band.
I have two beautiful daughters Casey "White Dove" Cutshaw and Ashley "Spit Fire" Cutshaw, and one Granddaughter Jasmine Murphy.
Exum, Barry R.
MSG, FLARNG
Bn Operations NCO
I joined the US Army 2 Aug 71 and currently still on active duty, and am a US Army Ranger, Master Parachutist, Pathfinder and Special Forces from 86-95.
Served in Desert Storm, El Salvador.
Fassett, Lori "Spirit Warrior"
Navy veteran, now 100% disabled (VA), having served from 11/69 to
3/73. I am also medically retired as an E-4.
Faulkner, James W.
Retired after 20 yrs service in the Army and a Vietnam Vet,
flew with the 135th Assault Helicopter Company.
He also flew with NATO in Turkey. Along with flying Nuclear Warheads into Germany, he was in charge of H47's, Cobra gunships and flew Chinooks in Germany.
He retired Sergeant 1st class in 1982. He is still serving for our protection by being a shift commander at Brushy Mountain State Prison in Petros, Tennessee. He is also a veteran at being a Great husband to me and his first wife Donna who crossed over several years ago.
Fisher, Harry "Jumping Trout"
I served with the US Army from February 1959 until February 1965, in the 666th Transportation Company
at Fort Benning, Georgia. The wife and I have been married for 40 years and have 5 children. We live near Greensboro, North Carolina.
Fisher, Ken "Quiet River"
Vice Band Chief of the Turtle Moon Band and Band Chief of the former Black Wolf Warriors society.
Technical Sgt. in the USAF from 1965 thru 1972
Fowler, Teressa "Wolf Dawn"
United States Coast Guard Veteran
I am with the Hummingbird Medicine Clan in Springfield, Missouri
Green, Kimberly
Veteran of the US Air Force.
I am a member of the Where Rivers Meet Band in Michigan
Halligan, Ed M. U.S.M.C.
2rd Airwing
1966-1968
June 18,1971 I married Col. Leo Jillisky's USMC daughter and we are still married.
Retired disabled Police Sergeant and Retired Police Union President
Hickman Jr., John I.
SGT USAF
Served Oct 1971--June 1975 Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas.
Served as Law Enforcement - Specialized MOS 81250.
Served at Ellington AFB, Texas, Udapal AFB Thailand, Bolling AFB Washington, D. C.
Hicks, Doyle Q. (currently retired)
56th Fighter Group
US Air Force Fighter Pilot
Flew P-38's, P-40's, P-47's, & P-51's (Pursuit Planes)
Rank in: Private
Rank out: Captain
Jan 1941 - Feb 1946
Aleutian Islands tour
Hill, Michael "Yona"
I am a Gulf War Veteran, having served in Operation Desert Shield & Operation Desert Storm. I am
a member of the Hummingbird Medicine band from Springfield, Missouri.
I was named Yona by Phyllis Shryock, Band Mother.
SPC. WAYNE S. HOCH, JR. (E-4)
WINGS ON FEET,
SON OF JOYCE SPIRIT WIND BUGAISKI
U.S. ARMY
FT. JACKSON
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND
FT. BRAGG
CAMP HOUZE, KOREA
HE SPECIALIZED IN MAINTAINING/REPAIRING TANKS,
HUM-V,
LARGE ARTILLERY EQUIPMENT
AND DIESEL
GENERATOR REPAIR WHILE STATIONED IN
FT. BRAGG AND SOUTH KOREA.
MEDALS/DECORATIONS INCLUDE:
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL;
THE MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION;
THE ARMY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL;
ARMY SERVICE RIBBON;
OVERSEAS SERVICE RIBBON;
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION;
KOREAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL;
ARMY SUPERIOR UNIT AWARD;
ARMY VALOROUS UNIT CITATION;
SHARPSHOOTER AND EXPERT MARKSMAN IN RIFLE AND PISTOL.
Krossber, Rita "Spirit Moon"
I am a Vietnam Era Veteran of the Marine Corps.
LAWSON, Raymond R., SSgt
Grey Wolf, Husband of Chief Panther
US ARMY AIR CORPS 09/01/1944----18/03/1945
US ARMY 19/03/1945 ---31/07/1966 (RET)
OVERSEAS DUTY MOS #63040 TRACKED VEHICLE MECHANIC
ISLAND of GUAM (PACIFIC) WW II
PUSAN, KOREA KOREAN WAR
MANHEIM, GERMANY
NEWFOUNDLAND PEACE TIME
MEDALS:
ASIATIC THEATRE of OPERATIONS
ASIATIC/PACIFIC THEATRE OPERATIONS
GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL
WW II VICTORY MEDAL
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL
OAK LEAF CLUSTER
Chief Gray Wolf Lawson,
husband of Chief Panther,
crossed over into Nightland at sunrise,
29 December 2002
Lawson, Robin "Lone Bear"
SSgt Lawson served with the 2nd Battallion, 121st Infantry (Mechanized) of the Georgia Army National Guard (Active Duty Capable). He was a squad commander, and a Master Gunner on the M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. His previous duty stations include Parris Island, SC, Little Creek, VA, and Quantico, VA. He served with the Marine Corps for a period of five years before enlisting in the Army. Decorations include 4 Army Achievement Medals, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, and Rifle Marksman Badge. He recently served on Task Force Eagle on peacekeeping missions in Bosnia. His unit awards include the Presidential Unit Citation (WWII), Unit Commendation (WWII), and the French Forgeirre (WWII)
48th Infantry Brigade
Georgia National Guard
now serving in Iraq
Armes, Thomas D. Southern Owl
Member of Chota Band, Maryville,Tn.
Thomas D.Lee Southern Owl Armes, son of John Henry Strong Horse Armes and Zula Free Dove Armes. (Both Deceased)
I served in U.S. Army/Reserves/National Guard from Jan1984-August2001. On September15, 2001 I was placed on Active Duty. Stationed at Ft,Campbell Ky. Worked with Base Hospital Pathology. My Mos 92M40 Mortuary Affairs Specialist. I was E5/SGT in charge of processing wounded troops in and out of the Medical Hold Company who returned to the States wounded from Iraq. to get medical care, treatment and if serious enough discharge from the Army. I held better than TS clearance.
I have many awards, medals and honors. Among those: Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Ribbons with clusters, Global War on Terror War Ribbon, Cold War Service Ribbon among other ribbons and badges earned for soldiering.
In May 2004 I was Medically Discharged Honorably after 20 years service to my country. Asked if knowing what I know now about the Army and the many months away from loved ones during times of conflict would I join the Army? YES. Asked, if you were asked to do it all over again, being shot at by the various enemies you've encountered would you enlist? My answer to them and to you: HELL YES!
Morgan, Don PROUD EAGLE
I am retired from the U.S. Navy. I served from May 18, 1976 until May 30, 1996.
I retired as a Chief Mess Specialist.
Murden, W. Gale
SPC, U.S. Army
Sep 1981 - Sep 1984
MOS: 91-E, Dental Specialist
Assigned to the Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft Sam Houston, TX
Currently living in Converse, TX (suburb of San Antonio).
O'Neil,ll, Vernon Patrick Bear
Vernon Patrick Bear O'Neil II (deceased ) is the late son of Cap't. (USN RET.) Vernon O'Neil and Mogi-Kinsey (SECCI) O'Neil, and brother to Mogi O'Neil Hogle (SECCI). Bear was a member of SECCI, as well.
Bear was a CT3 (ent) E4 in The U.S. Navy. He entered the navy in 1963 and was honorably discharged around 1968. He served aboard The USS Constellation and in Vietnam. He earned The Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star, and The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
In civilian life, Bear was a physicist, linguist with eight languages at his command, a Judo Martial Arts master, author (his book, "The Cosmology of John Ross" is in The SECCI Library at Ochlochnee) and electrical engineer.
He was also a devoted husband and the proud father of Ian (Star Eagle) , Patrick III (Silver Eagle), and Brian (Fire Snake) O'Neil, all of whom are members of SECCI.
Pahl, Leo F. Sleeping Bear
U.S. Navt Seabees during WWII. Stationed in Hawaii, Fireman-Butcher. Was married and had seven children, one of whom preceded him in crossing over. The rest are here and all members of SECCI.
Pennington, Larry W.
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Tennessee Air National Guard
I joined the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1966 and served in the 30th Armored Division until it was down- sized to the 30th Armored Brigade. I got out of the Army Guard as a Sgt. in an armored unit. I was the gunner in a M-60 tank. I joined the Tennessee Air National Guard in the 118th Security Police Sq. in Nashville, Tennessee. I served there for the next 13 years and retired with 20 years as a Master Sergeant over a 44 man Security Flight.
I am a member of the Sugar Creek Band of Lawrence Co., Tennessee.
Phipps, Peggy Ann
Daughter of Selu Siligi Lawson
Medical Service Specialist
E3 - Airman 1st Class
Basic Training - 11/27/89 - 1/90, Lackland AFB
Technical Training - 1/90 - 4/90, Shephard AFB
Clinical Training - 4/90 - 8/90, Mather AFB
Eielson AFB, Northpole, Alaska
8/90 - 6/91
Received honorable discharge 6/91
Served in Inactive Reserves until 1995
Ritchie, Polly Ann Smith
Qualla, Chief of the Wee Toc Band in Formation of SeCCI
I was in the U. S. Air Force in the early 60's (before Vietnam). I was a still photographer
stationed at Randolph Base near San Antonio, Texas.
Schreiner, Don “Standing Bear”
Chief, Florida Nighthawk Band, SECCI
Joined U.S.M.C. 1958, served with Regimental Headquarters Company 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Jejune, NC and Force Adjutant’s Office FMFLant, Norfolk, VA. Special TAD U.S.N. – Beirut, Lebanon. U.S.M.C. Pistol Team, Parris Island, NC.
Shay, John White Eagle
US Navy Retired Veteran Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Petty Officer.
Boot Camp; San Diego, CA 1975
USS Bryce Canyon(AD36) 1976-78
Preventive Medicine Technician Class "C" School Oakland, CA 1978-79
Naval Regional Medical Center Charleston, SC 1979-81
Naval Regional Medical Clinic Annapolis, MD 1981-84
Naval Regional Medical Clinic Pearl Harbor, HI 1984-86
USS Proteus (AS-19) 1986-87
Field Medical Technician School Camp Pendleton, CA 1987
1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade Kaneohe Bay, HI 1987-1988
1st Marines 3rd Battalion 1988-89
1st Marines Brigade Service and Support Group 1989-1990
National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, MD 1990-1994 (Medical Retirement 1991)
Vass, Douglas M. Deer Dreamer
U.S.M.C Service Dates 1969-1971
Private First Class. M.O.S. 0311 Small Arms Proof Tec. Infantry
Vietnam service June of 1970- January 1971
Ventura, Frank J. Bald Eagle
Air Force Retired
Service Dates Jul 1966 - Jul 1986
I was in the Communications Career Field
Waters, Betty Dreamwalker
I am a disabled Vet and I served during Vietnam from 1973 until 1979. I was a combat medic.
MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE AT YOUR BACK AND CREATOR FOREVER BEFORE YOUR FACE
West, James D.
Jam-Sa' Go-le-Ga
INARNG 63 - 67 E-3
USAFRes 67-69 E-5
Disabled American Veteran
71st Special Operations Squadron - The only USAFRes unit sent to Vietnam.
Master Sergeant.
Yarbrough, William Sleeping Coyote
US Army from 1965 to 1970. Took basic at Fort Knox, Ky.
Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Leonardwood, MO.
Stationed at Fort Hood TX in 1966.
Cincinnati Dayton Air Defense, at Dillsbrough, In. 1967.
4th Air Defense Group, Burn Germany.
Attached to the German Air Force 1968 to 1970,
and finally at Fort Bliss TX. from January 1970 to
November 1970.
And one year in the Indiana Army National Guard
at Bedford IN. in the 25th Engineer Group, hauling stone
from Bedford to Camp Atterbury to crush and put on the roads.
Many thanks to you all for stepping forward to defend our families,
our people and our homeland. We shall remain forever grateful...
(229)574-5120
Winston, Steven "Lone Wolf Martin
Roll # WIM9337
United States Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam War.
MIHACY, SP4 PAUL ANTHONY "WHITE HORSE"
ARMY HEADQUARTERS, BRACONNE FRANCE 1961
INSTRUCTOR AND INSPECTOR, FIRST LOGISTIC COMMAND
JONES, HERBERT PAUL
NATIVE NAME "SILENT WARRIOR"
1803 SVC COMMAND UNIT MILITARY POLICE, WWII
LOVING HUSBAND TO BONNIE D. JONES,
AND FATHER
TO AUDREY AUTUMN SNOW JONES.
HE LOVED HIS COUNTRY AND THE FLAG.
