Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden honored 13 military veterans with the Medal of Patriotism during the January Tribal Council meeting. Pictured L-R: Cherokee Nation Veterans Center Director Barbara Foreman, Army veteran Noah Welch, Army veteran Everett Sims, Army veteran Raymond Buzzard, Air Force veteran Robert Teague, Army veteran Russell Smith, Army veteran Clifford Bark, Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Navy veteran Jimmy McGrath, Marine Corps veteran Anthony King, Coast Guard veteran Johnny Kidwell, Navy veteran Jeffrey Conseen, Marine Corps veteran Weston Henson and Navy veteran Ruben Talley. Not Picture: Oklahoma National Guard veteran Terry Thompson.
The Cherokee Nation honored 13 military veterans with the tribe’s Medal of Patriotism during the January Tribal Council meeting Monday including three area veterans.
The veterans were recognized by Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging their service and sacrifice to their country.
“The presentation of medals to our veterans is one of the great joys of my position,” Crittenden said. “We could never repay them for the sacrifices they made for our country, but we can show them gratitude and honor. Each veteran has played a role in protecting the freedoms and liberties of our great country, and I am so happy we, as a tribe, recognize the significance of that service.”
Each month the Cherokee Nation recognizes Cherokee service men and women for their sacrifices and as a way to demonstrate the high regard in which all veterans are held by the tribe. Native Americans, including Cherokees, are thought to have more citizens serving per capita than any other ethnic group according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Sgt. Raymond Buzzard, of Marble City served in the Army from 1969-1971. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Expert Rifleman M-16 Badge.
Lt. Col. Jimmy McGrath, of Gore served in the U.S. Navy from 1971-79 and the Army from 1982-96 and 2006-09. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Sgt. Robert Teague, of Tahlequah served in the Air Force from 1973-79. His decorations include the Outstanding Unit Award, Longevity Service Award and Good Conduct Medal.
To nominate a veteran who is a Cherokee Nation citizen, please call 918-772-4166.
KXMX News Staff
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