Native American Women's Exhibit Opens at Women's Memorial

By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va., May 27, 2003 – Army Spc. Lori Piestewa didn't move a mountain, but her death on the battlefield in Iraq touched a nation and changed a mountain's name.

"Squaw Peak," the Phoenix summit with a name that's offensive and controversial to some, is now "Piestewa Peak" — a hero's name.

Among other tributes to the fallen warrior, Piestewa and five others are featured in "Voices," a new exhibit that opened at the Women's Memorial on May 26 to honor and highlight the contributions of Native American women who serve in the armed forces.

A Hopi Indian, Piestewa was given special honors by tribal representatives from across the country because she was the first service woman killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the first known Native American service woman known to have been killed in combat.

The 23-year-old soldier from Tuba City, Ariz., died from injuries when her unit, the 507th Maintenance Company, was ambushed on March 23 near Nasiriyah, Iraq, by enemy forces in Iraq. She was promoted posthumously.

To read more click here: http://www.pentagon.gov/specials/nativeam02/memorial.html