NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE

Native American (American Indian and Alaskan Native) Soldiers have served in the Army with great honor, dedication and distinction, building a legacy of courage, professionalism and selfless service that will inspire generations to come.

Historically, American Indians have the highest record of military service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups. Today more than 9,000 Native Americans serve in the Total Force.

Every November the Army celebrates National American Indian Heritage Month. During this month, Army leadership encourages the entire Army family to recognize and express appreciation for the past and present contributions of Native American Soldiers, Veterans, civilians and Family members.

Pictured top: Army Navajo code talkers during WWII, front row, left to right: Roderick Red Elk, Simmons Parker, Larry Saupitty, Melvin Permansu, Willie Yackeschi, Charles Chibitty and Willington Mihecoby. Back Row, left to right: Morris Sunrise, Perry Noyebad, Ralph Wahnee, Haddon Codynah, Robert Holder, Albert Nahquaddy, Clifford Ototivo and Forrest Kassanavoid. (Not pictured: Elgin Red Elk and Anthony Tabbytite).

Whose Your People

The U.S. Army celebrates National Native American Heritage Month in November to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans to the United States. Capt. Dakota Chavis, a retirement services officer with the United States Army Reserve Command and serving on ADOS, has a family legacy of service. Chavis has been entrusted as the keeper of certain family heirlooms dating back to the late 1800s and takes his responsibility seriously. A member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, he is proud to be American, Native American, and a Soldier.

Native American military contributions from the War of 1812 to the Korean War

Native Americans have participated with distinction in United States military actions for more than 200 years. Many tribes were involved in the War of 1812, and also fought for both sides as auxiliary troops in the Civil War. It is estimated that more than 12,000 American Indians served in the United States military in World War I. The outbreak of World War II brought American Indians warriors back to the battlefield in defense of their homeland. More than 44,000 American Indians, out of a total Native American population of less than 350,000, served with distinction between 1941 and 1945 in both European and Pacific theaters of war. Native American men and women on the home front also showed an intense desire to serve their country, and were an integral part of the war effort. (U.S. Army Reserve video by Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan)

We Will Remain

Maj. Tim Petoskey, a brigade intelligence officer for the 654th Regional Support Group, reflects on his experiences being in the U.S. Army Reserve as a member of the Odawa Tribe. Producer and Assistant Director by Capt. James Kim.

We Will Remain - Short Version

Maj. Tim Petoskey, a brigade intelligence officer for the 654th Regional Support Group, reflects on his experiences being in the U.S. Army Reserve as a member of the Odawa Tribe. (Director, Cinematographer, and Editor - Sgt. James Garvin; Producer and Assistant Director - Capt. James Kim)

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